Bushfires

The Nationals understand that living with the threat of bushfire is a contemporary reality that many Victorians must face.

There is a need for everyone in our community to take steps to prepare for the event of bushfire, however The Nationals believe government has an integral role to play in ensuring our state and its citizens are as prepared as best as possible.

We believe a culture of just responding to bushfires when they occur is not good enough. The Nationals want to change the culture in government agencies and put Victoria in a position of perpetual preparedness.

Bushfire prevention should be a basic, year round role of government that receives priority funding through the Budget.  A core feature of this priority must include a rapid increase in prescribed burning to prevent the fuel load build up on public land.  

Bushfire Recovery

The 2009 summer bushfires were unlike anything Victoria has ever experienced.

The Nationals are working with bushfire affected communities to help with recovery issues and challenges. 

The welfare of those people who have had their lives and livelihoods devastated by these bushfires must be the absolute primary focus in the bushfire recovery efforts.

Useful bushfire recovery links:

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority http://www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au

Department of Human Services
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/em/bushfire-recovery

Bushfire Legal Help
http://www.bushfirelegalhelp.org.au

Bushfire Royal Commission
http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au