August 9, 2010
$10 million would be allocated towards the establishment of an early fire detection system under a Coalition Government according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
This technology has been used in Europe and the US and has proven to be very effective. Early detection gives communities more time to evacuate an area should a fire start.
The selection of the system will be undertaken in consultation with the Victorian State Government, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and local communities.
Mr Chester said the recent release of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission findings highlights the gaps that need to be fixed as quickly as possible to avoid a repeat of the tragic fires.
“Findings from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission highlighted the need to improve communications with residents of communities at times of impending natural disaster,” Mr Chester said.
“Due to the nature of our region, several communities in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley are naturally at risk from the threat of bushfire during the summer months.
“This is despite the bushfire prevention work that local residents put in to ensure that they are at less risk in the first place but fully prepared should they come under threat.
“Implementing an early detection system would be an asset to these communities and another step towards being better prepared for the threat of bushfires.”