Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell, is encouraging Canberrans to have their say on the territory’s Strategic Bushfire Management Plan before the public response period closes in seven days.
“Prepared by the ACT Emergency Services Agency, the draft SBMP Version Three sets out the direction for the community and the ACT Government to work together to reduce the risk of bushfire in the ACT,” Mr Corbell said.
“Since the draft version was published on the ESA website on 18 June, already more than 800 page views have been made by the community.
“The theme for the plan, ‘Living on the edge – help shape bushfire management in the ACT’, has seen more than 225 submissions from the public since February, which will be considered in finalising the plan that is due for release in October.
“During this last week of public consultation, I strongly urge Canberrans to view the draft version, either through www.esa.act.gov.au or at libraries and ACT Government Shopfronts, and get an understanding of what the ACT Government is proposing to do to manage bushfire risk across the territory.”
The community plays a part in implementing the SBMP, which is reviewed every five years. Almost a quarter of all dwellings in the ACT are located in Bushfire Prone Areas, which could be directly affected by the introduction of mandatory construction standards the SBMP may trigger.
“The draft BPA maps will assist Canberrans to determine if they live in a Bushfire Prone Area. The maps are part of an integrated program to address bushfire risk by both the ACT Government and the community.
“Comments on the draft SBMP are welcome and can be addressed to the ESA Commissioner until 30 July at sbmphaveyoursay@act.gov.au.”
(Simon Corbell Media Release)
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