NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has announced 14 paid positions and four new mitigation crews for the region as part of a $10.7 million investment to fast track the state’s hazard reduction program.
Mr Anderson said a better-prepared community was a more resilient community and called it great news for locals because it will help them be better prepared for future bushfire seasons.
“We have just seen a bushfire season like no other so anything we can do to reduce the risk to people and property is work well done,” Mr Anderson said.
“Preparing communities that are hit by fires like those who live in Nowendoc, Nundle, Walcha, Yarrowitch and closer to Tamworth like Moonbi and Kootingal is a great investment.
“During the last bushfire season our emergency services were really tested and they came through with flying colours. These new positions will bring more highly skilled people to our region and be a great addition to our existing hardworking emergency services, creating more jobs in regional areas.
“The new mitigation teams will mean we can do more mid-week burning, hazard reduction and fire trail maintenance to protect our homes and communities and transform our preparedness for the upcoming bushfire season.
“Since their establishment over a decade ago, State Mitigation Crews have provided valuable assistance to brigades in helping to reduce the impact of a potential bushfire.”
Despite last summer’s bushfires burning more than five million hectares of land, there is still more to be done to prepare for the season ahead. The $10.7 million for hazard reduction will create an additional 100 jobs, forming 25 crews across the state which will support and supplement volunteers and fast track hazard reduction.
The NSW Nationals thanks the new recruits who will provide support for our frontline workers and increase our capabilities to deal with a crisis.
