2 May 2008
BUSHFIRE TRAILS GET $5 MILLION BOOST
Australia’s bushfire trails will be better maintained with $5 million in funding under the Bushfire Mitigation Program for 2008-09, the Rudd Government announced today.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the funding will help construction, maintenance, and signage works on Australia’s extensive network of bushfire trails.
“Bushfires are part and parcel of Australian life,” Mr McClelland said. “This makes it imperative to ensure that when bushfires hit, firefighters can get to the scene quickly and safely.”
“The Bushfire Mitigation Program helps make this happen by bringing together State fire suppression and land management agencies with local governments to identify and address the most critical fire trail works.”
Through building and maintaining fire trails, the program complements existing fire risk management activities around Australia and works in conjunction with State and Territory bushfire mitigation priorities and assessment procedures.
“I encourage State and Territory agencies and local governments to develop applications for the program,” said Mr McClelland.
Information on how to apply and eligibility criteria are available from Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a division of the Attorney-General’s Department, at www.ema.gov.au.
Media Contacts: Adam Sims - Mr McClelland’s Office - 0419 480 224
Alastair Wilson – EMA Media Liaison – 0408 606 462