A wetter than average winter is expected across much of the country, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: June 2021 - August 2021.
The Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (BNHCRC) today published its mid-year seasonal bushfire outlook which covers all states and territories through to August.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said fire management remains a year-round process and it's important that communities don't become complacent.
"A lot of the country has seen an early autumn thanks to La Niña, and we have a wetter than average few months ahead of us," Minister Littleproud said.
"Now is not the time to take the foot off the brake though, as winter is also the dry season in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia.
"We've seen the Northern Territory and most of Queensland experience heavy rainfall over the wet season, which means significant fuel growth for potential fires.
"Western Australia has already experienced its fair share of disasters this year and above average rainfall. The Outlook predicts normal fire potential for northern regions of the state.
"We urge all Australians to keep in mind that normal risk does not mean there is no risk, and everyone has a role to play when it comes to bushfire preparedness.
"Think about your evacuation plans now and how you can prepare your property before the next bushfire season rolls around.
"Small steps can go a long way to protecting your home and we can all use the winter months to our advantage by making sure that grass is trimmed and gutters are cleared.
"Prescribed burning during winter when conditions allow is another important tool that fire agencies and land managers can utilise to reduce future bushfire risk."
The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: June - August 2021 will be used by fire authorities to make strategic decisions such as resource planning and prescribed fire management to reduce the negative impacts of bushfire.
"We're continuing efforts and working closely with local government, states and territories to keep Australians safe all year round. We must remain vigilant.
"People wanting more information on how to plan and prepare, should contact their local fire service."
The BNHCRC Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: June - August 2021 can be found at https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/hazardnotes/97.
