$4 million assistance for local governments to mitigate bushfire risks

• 25 local governments share in over $4 million to reduce bushfire risks
• Funding will deliver more than 550 mitigation activities
• More than $42 million awarded since grants program started in 2017

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said a $4 million package would assist local governments from Dandaragan to Ravensthorpe with their ongoing works to reduce bushfire risks.

There are 25 regional and metropolitan local governments receiving funds through the Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF) grants to undertake more than 550 mitigation activities in high-risk bushfire areas.

Mitigation activities include building firebreaks, reducing fuel loads and hazard reduction burns to minimise the potential risks of fires.

It is the second round of grants allocated in 2022-23 - funding for 19 local governments was announced in July.

The MAF grants are available to local governments that have a Bushfire Risk Management Plan endorsed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Local governments can visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/ for more information on the grant process.

As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:

"All the weather information points towards a very challenging bushfire season. As the Emergency Services Minister, I welcome all the different strategies and programs that we can muster to be totally prepared for any major fires that we face.

"The Mitigation Activity Fund grants program is a vital part of this approach and provides funding to empower and enable local governments to reduce the threat of bushfires in their area.

"The McGowan Government is investing more than $140 million into ensuring our emergency services has the latest and the best equipment for the fire season, including large aircraft, new appliances, new facilities and personal protective clothing.

"As part of this comprehensive strategy it's critical that our mitigation activities work in parallel to what we're doing in other areas to help keep local communities and our firefighters safe.

"Since 2017, more than $42 million has been allocated to 62 local governments to conduct over 5660 bushfire mitigation activities across the State.

"I encourage all local governments throughout Western Australia to ensure they have an endorsed Bushfire Risk Management Plan in place and apply for mitigation activity funding to reduce their exposure to bushfires."