- More community emergency services managers to help keep WA safe
- Latest positions expand successful hazard mitigation program running since 2003
- Communities in Mid West and South West to benefit with more positions in pipeline
- New roles deliver on a key Cook Government election commitment
The Cook Government has allocated two additional community emergency services managers (CESM) to work alongside local governments on strategies to protect communities before, during and after emergency incidents.
The CESM program has been in place since 2003, with the managers playing a vital role in helping mitigate risks to the community, supporting local governments with compliance, emergency management requirements and developing volunteer bushfire brigade capability and capacity.
There are currently 35 CESMs assisting 57 local governments across the State.
The Cook Government has approved a new CESM coordinator position to manage the program and two additional CESM positions - one to help the Shire of Dardanup and the other to work with the shires of Northampton and Chapman Valley.
Funding of $3.5 million was allocated for more CESMs in the 2025-26 State Budget as part of the State Government's $80.6 million package for emergency services.
The two CESMs appointed this financial year will be followed by another four in 2026-27.
The expansion of the CESM program was a 2025 Labor Government election commitment to enhance community safety and increase services in locations across Western Australia.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will conduct risk reviews to prioritise the appointment of the four additional CESMs.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Expansion of the CESM program means local governments and their communities are better supported across the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases of emergency management.
"It was important the State Government continued its support for a program that has achieved outstanding results in emergency management across three decades.
"The CESM Program helps to enhance a coordinated and collaborative approach to emergency services between State, local government, bushfire brigades and the community.
"Bushfire brigades in the three shires will have greater access to training and administrative support and the new CESMs will also boost the emergency management capacity, skills and knowledge within the local government areas."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"For more than 30 years, the CESM program has delivered for regional WA communities.
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is bolstering support in our regions as the bushfire season approaches - support I have consistently fought for on behalf of our community.
"I want to thank the local volunteer and career firefighters who work hard to protect us day in day out."
