Debate rages over fuel reduction
Debate rages over fuel reduction
14 April 2013
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — One of Tasmania’s worst bushfire seasons in history is over but debate continues about the best way to manage future fire threats.
The fire permit period ended for most parts of Tasmania on Saturday night but remains in place for Flinders Island and Circular Head.
In January, 200 properties were destroyed in three big bushfires.
The Opposition leader Will Hodgman believes a mandatory fuel reduction burn target of five per cent of all public land should be legislated.
“We need to do whatever we can to make Tasmania as fire-proof as possible,” Mr Hodgman said.
“It’s always going to be an issue for this state but there are more things that we can do to reduce the risk in future years.”
But the Opposition’s motion was voted down in Parliament during the week.
The Premier Lara Giddings says a mandated target is not the answer.
“You only have to look at Victoria to see that’s not working,” Ms Gidding said.
“I only wish that the Liberal party would look to experience elsewhere before moving motions of that nature.”
An inquiry into the January bushfires being held later this year will consider the issue of fuel reduction burns.
Meanwhile the Sorell Council is considering ways to help bushfire-affected areas rejuvenate their towns.
Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent says applications for small grants of up to $15,000 for community bushfire recovery are now being considered.
“Everybody’s got a different idea although there is a steady flow of town beautification and community assets coming forward but we haven’t had a close look at them yet,” she said.
