Fire mitigation work underway

A $464,000 bushfire mitigation grant is already being put to good use, with the City of Gosnells completing several bushfire mitigation projects in both rural and urban areas.

Issued late last year under the State Government’s 2020/21 Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program, the money was allocated to 33 extra bushfire mitigation activities.

Mayor David Goode said over the past three months, the City had already carried out extensive work in 230ha of Ellis Brook Valley, with 5km of tracks built to improve access for firefighting vehicles.

“This grant has enabled the City to target some of our hardest to reach areas to help reduce the risk of fire or, in the event of a fire, provide greater and safer access in difficult terrain,” he said.

“Several urban sites have also been identified, with an access road recently created at bushland in Canning Vale and similar activities starting soon in Maddington and Southern River.”

Across the Darling Scarp, the City will complete further bushfire risk mitigation activities such as forestry mulching, firebreak installation and upgrades, slashing and creating physical barriers to prevent unauthorised access to high bushfire risk areas.

Mayor Goode said that once these activities were complete, the City’s volunteer firefighters would then have better access to carry out controlled burns as part of the City’s overall bushfire mitigation program.

The Prohibited Burning Period remains in place until 31 March and the community is reminded to check for updates on further restrictions via the City’s website www.gosnells.wa.gov.au, by following our social media or calling 9397 3000.