MEDIA RELEASE - Shire of Manjimup supports fire agencies
January 2016
Recent adverse publicity against the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) following the Harvey and Waroona fires has led the Shire of Manjimup to draw on their recent experience throughout the O'Sullivan bushfire of January/February 2015.
Shire President Wade DeCampo expressed his faith and trust in both DFES and the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) as incident control agencies, saying that without their expertise and skills in managing such incidents, the towns of both Northcliffe and Pemberton, as well as the coastal settlement of Windy Harbour, would have suffered dire consequences as a result of the O'Sullivan bushfire.
"The O'Sullivan bushfire was an exceptional collaboration between DFES, DPaW, the Shire of Manjimup, volunteers and the community," said Cr DeCampo. In mid-2015, investigations were conducted into the O'Sullivan bushfire, as well as the Lower Hotham incident; events which coincided and were managed at the same time. "This report supports the Shire of Manjimup's position on how well the O'Sullivan bushfire incident was managed by both DFES and DPAW, in conjunction with the Shire and local volunteers," added Cr DeCampo.
"These agencies (DFES and DPaW) are professionals at what they do," said Cr DeCampo, noting that they have systems in place, and teams of fully qualified and trained personnel, who work incredibly hard during these events. "Fighting a fire isn't just people on the ground with hoses or flying helitaks - there is a lot more that goes on and not enough understanding is applied before disapproval and blame is imparted."
Cr DeCampo spoke about how criticism directed towards the controlling agencies during the Harvey and Waroona fires is premature and possibly ill-informed. "The opportunity will come during the inquiry into this fire for everybody to voice their concerns. These concerns will then be thoroughly assessed against the magnitude and complexity of the emergency event. The important part for these communities now is recovery; that should remain the focus."
Cr DeCampo concluded saying that every incident is very different and it is impossible to compare what happened in Harvey and Waroona with the O'Sullivan bushfire of 2015. "There are so many factors at play here - weather conditions, wind, fuel loads - to mention a few. Regardless of this, I can safely say that if we had another bushfire, the Shire of Manjimup have absolute confidence in DFES and DPaW. We are grateful, for and fully support, them and the valuable work they do across Western Australia on a daily basis."
