As the bushfire season draws near, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is urging households to visit their local Rural Fire Service (RFS) during the annual Get Ready Weekend to better prepare for potential fire threats.

“Our wonderful Rural Fire Service volunteers are helping local residents prepare with their annual Get Ready Weekend events being held across Gilmore,” said Mrs Phillips.

While the majority of RFS stations will host events on the weekend of September 21 and 22, some stations will hold theirs the following weekend, and a few won’t take place until October.

 “We’ve already had some hot, windy weather and a few bush fires in the region, so it's crucial for residents and landowners to be aware of their risk and take steps ahead of the summer season to protect their homes and properties,” Mrs Phillips emphasised.

The Get Ready Weekend provides residents with vital information and resources to ensure they are prepared for the bush fire season. “Our RFS volunteers are gearing up for summer and welcome this opportunity to connect with local residents, especially those who may be new to the area, and unsure about the fire risk,” she added.

“They can provide information, advice and ensure you're well-prepared for the bush fire season,” said Mrs Phillips.

The RFS advises that having a bush fire survival plan is essential. This plan should ensure that all household members know what actions to take on days of heightened fire danger, and what to do if a fire threatens their home.

Residents are also encouraged to prepare their properties by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, and ensuring hoses can reach all parts of the house.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips talks to Manyana RFS volunteers.

Mrs Phillips noted that the Albanese Government is committed to enhancing the nation’s preparedness for future fire emergencies. Through the 2024-25 Budget, the Government has allocated an additional $35 million over the next two years to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), which supports national, state, and territory fire and emergency services with aerial firefighting assets.

“This investment will deliver a broader range of aerial assets, moving from specific firefighting aircraft to a mix of fixed-wing and rotary multi-use assets, significantly strengthening protection for communities in Gilmore as they continue to face a more natural disasters into the future,” Mrs Phillips explained. 

Reflecting on the devastation of the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires that ravaged the South Coast, Mrs Phillips acknowledged the community's calls for stronger government support.

“Our community has been calling for a greater capability to respond to disasters since the region was impacted so badly by fires, and again by flooding, so it’s really good to see the Government continuing its commitment to keeping us safe,” she said. 

“These assets will be invaluable in protecting lives and property, halting the spread of fires, and supporting efforts on the ground, especially in difficult-to-access areas of our region,” Mrs Phillips continued. “This is a fantastic step forward to ensure we are prepared for whatever comes our way in the future and will be welcome news to disaster-prone communities.” 

In the past year, the Albanese Government has convened 75 National Coordination Mechanism meetings, including briefings with key sectors such as aged care, disability services, media, and local governments.

“We have also delivered Crisis Appreciation and Strategic Planning training across Australia, and delivered Exercise Aurora, which brought together governments and industry for a space weather simulation,” Mrs Phillips added.

“We have launched the National Emergency Management Stockpile Standing Offer Panel and continuing to build on the physical stockpile and committed more than $3 billion towards risk reduction and resilience.”

Local Get Ready Weekend events in the Kiama council area will be held at:

• Gerringong RFS 21/9/24 from 10am – 1pm
• Jamberoo RFS: 29/9/24 from 9am – 2pm