Jacquie Petrusma,Minister for Parks
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is preparing for the upcoming bushfire season with an extensive planned burn program underway as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's plan to keep Tasmanians safe.
Two PWS firefighting crews have already undertaken intensive winch training this year to tackle remote fires, and other staff involved in firefighting efforts will be conducting preparedness activities over the next few weeks.
The fire management staff, fire crews, field staff and incident management teams who assist with firefighting each summer are participating in these specialised training sessions.
PWS is responsible for more than 50 per cent of the state's land area and the PWS is taking the necessary steps to ensure it maintains its capability to respond to fire on the three million hectares of reserve land the service manages.
We know how easily fire can spread, so ensuring staff are prepared and ready to respond quickly and safely is our number one priority.
Large, complex fire incidents are managed by Incident Management Teams in accordance with the nationally recognised Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System.
The PWS works closely with its program partners, including the Tasmania Fire Service, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, local government and private land owners to deliver the State-wide Fuel Reduction Program, and to respond to large bushfires.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is dedicated to keeping Tasmanians safe, and proactively ensuring that we are ready for the upcoming bushfire season is key to delivering on our commitment.
