For a small island off the south coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island gives a big bang for its buck. It has spectacular landscapes, significant cultural sites, wildlife that includes several endangered species and world-class produce. These are just some of the reasons why it is so important to protect this precious part of the world from bushfire.

Bruny Island is two islands – North and South Bruny – bound together by a narrow sandbank called ‘The Neck’. The island is prone to bushfires with no readily accessible water for the volunteer fire service.
 

Battling bushfire on Bruny Island

We recently interviewed Leigh Blackwell, Fire Chief for the North Bruny Fire Station which received Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local stream funding to install two water tanks.

Leigh said while the water tanks do not seem like a big deal, when seawater is the only readily available water – and is unsuitable - they are a game changer. He highlighted that having direct access to water instead of having to go onto farmers’ properties to source it from dams, will make a big difference.

“Water is one of our biggest issues. Having the water tanks will make it so much faster and safer to get water if a fire did break out. There are a lot of things on this island like wedge-tail eagles and significant Aboriginal cultural sites that need to be protected.”

The locally embedded National Emergency Management Agency staff member spoke about the valuable role the water tanks play preparing the Island for future disasters, and protecting residents and visitors if a bushfire broke out.

“In summer during the tourist season the population can jump from 99 to 1000. With only one road in and out of the main township, people’s safety is a big consideration,” she said.

Home to endangered minty-sized wildlife

Beyond the burgeoning tourism industry, the Island has lots of unique flora and fauna. The forty-spotted pardalote, which weighs about the same as a minty, is one of Australia's rarest birds and has just a few colonies on Maria Island and Bruny Island.

If a fire were to go through Bruny Island, the forty-spotted population could be decimated and the loss of habitat would be a threat to other species endemic to the island including the endangered wedge-tail eagle.

Bruny Island: Aboriginal cultural significance

Bruny Island holds great cultural significance for the Tasmanian First Nations community. Murrayfield Station run by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation is home to around nine thousand sheep and hosts 300 sites of cultural significance.

Bushfire is a constant threat to locals, tourists, cultural sites and wildlife on Bruny Island. Protection against future outbreaks ensures the preservation of the unique features that culminate to make this premier destination such a special part of Australia.

Find out more about how we’re helping local communities prepare for future disasters.

About this project

Who: North Bruny Fire Station (grant applicant ‘Friends of North Bruny’)

What: The purchase, delivery and installation of two water tanks with associated tank foundation, plumbing and fire pump.

Program funding: Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local stream Funding received: $46,000

Benefits delivered: This project will improve the resilience and preparedness of North Bruny to respond to bushfire hazards faster, with a dedicated water supply on the island, making it safer for residents and visitors.

Project end date: The project was completed on 31 October 2022.

Related articles: Funding supports Australian wildlife bushfire recovery and preparation

In the lead up to Christmas in 2019, the City of Wanneroo was hit by a major fire. The blaze destroyed 13,000 hectares and caused thousands of homes to be evacuated. With over 80% of the region classified as a bushfire hazard area, risk from fires is a real and ongoing threat for this Western Australian community.

The City of Wanneroo is being supported by the Australian Government to plan, prepare and recover from future bushfires and other major emergencies through the Prepare Together Project.

The Prepare Together Project

The City of Wanneroo received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local stream for this project which aims to reach 5,000 families with key fire mitigation and emergency preparedness information. While bushfire readiness will be the focus, the project ultimately aims to reduce impacts and save lives from the occurrence of any major emergency.

The project will provide residents with information and resources to help them understand risk and how it is changing. They will also learn how to access up-to-date alerts and warnings. The project takes into consideration that effective community education and engagement is critical to ensure residents are adequately informed of the steps they need to take to prepare their properties for bushfire.

Understanding and helping vulnerable groups

The project emphasises the requirements of special interest and vulnerable groups. This includes seniors, local vets and wildlife carers, members of the equine community, managers of boarding kennels, multicultural groups and those living with a disability.

In addition to a greater understanding of emergency warnings, a key part of the project is to help members of the community prepare a bushfire plan and emergency kit.

Through a series of communications, workshops and information sessions, the Prepare Together Project will inform residents about the things they can do to prepare for more frequent and intense emergencies, and to help protect their families, pets and properties and reduce the impact of future disasters.

Learn more about how we’re supporting communities to better prepare and recover from future disasters.

About this project

Who: City of Wanneroo

What: The Prepare Together Project will support residents with their bushfire ready and emergency preparedness activities. Leveraging off current fire mitigation practices, residents will be provided with information and resources to assist them to understand risk and prepare a bushfire plan.

Program Funding: Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local (PACPL) stream

Funding received: $ 83,456 PACPL; City of Wanneroo in-kind support $85,000

Benefits: This project will build internal and external awareness and capacity to plan, prepare, respond and recover from future bushfires and other major emergencies.

Estimated project end date: 31/05/2024

Related articles: When disaster strikes - early warning saves lives