After representations from the community and local Nationals MP, Tim Bull, to the Minister, Cann River and district residents have been successful in in obtaining funding for a locally based Fire Preparedness Project Officer.

“The community wrote to me some time ago and I attended a meeting in Cann River earlier this year where we agreed to put the proposal to the Minister,” said Mr Bull.

“It came about after the local brigade was struggling for members in a town that is smack bang in the middle of one of the most fire prone areas in the world and facing a dry summer ahead.

 

“It took the community to drive this proposal out of its concern for fire risk, so I am relieved we have been successful and Cann River and district will have a paid employee who will have the training and skills to support the locals in the way of fire preparedness, including risk mitigation, volunteer recruitment and training.

“I was pleased to be able to support this proposal to the Minister for Emergency Services after the meeting with the Cann River community representatives. 

“This vulnerable remote region deserves to be supported so that individual property owners are not being overwhelmed by the job of preparing for and responding to bush fires. 

“It makes sense to place someone equipped with resources, training and knowhow in a centralised position, who can be accessed by the whole community.

“Bushfire is a real and ongoing threat faced by this community each and every summer but this fire season is shaping up to be even more challenging following almost three years of drought and an abundance of tinder dry fuel loads surrounding Cann River.

“I’d like to congratulate the Cann River and District Community Action Group for achieving this outcome. In particular, Susie Bady, the group’s coordinator, who has been a strong advocate in the community.”