City eyes DFES coup

The City of Busselton says it may be open to plans for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to take control of local governments’ volunteer bushfire brigades.

DFES legal and legislative services director Terri Kurtis told the Times the department had written to local governments asking them to provide an indication of whether they would be likely to hand over control of brigades to DFES if the option was made available.

She said this was a recommendation from the 2006 Community Development and Justice Standing Committee Inquiry into Fire and Emergency Services Legislation and supported by the Perth Hills Bushfire Review.

City chief executive Mike Archer said the City might be open to change if it brought demonstrated benefits to the volunteers and the community.

But he emphasised the City had not had sufficient time to consider all the ramifications, and would tell DFES more time was needed to discuss the proposal with local volunteers, City officers and council members.

“We value the localised administration and operational model that currently exists because it enables quick and informed responses in emergency situations,” Mr Archer said.

“The City also has a close working relationship with bushfire brigades across the region — we share information, undertake joint training exercises and participate in a host of community events.”

Ms Kurtis said no data had been previously collected in relation to the views of local governments about this issue and DFES did not have a position on the issue at this time.

“The purpose of the letter is to further the consultation process and seek views from local governments who are critical to fire management in WA,” she said.

In a media release released last month, the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades said any move to transfer control away from the local governments was not supported.