The Softwoods Working Group has welcomed the launch of the NSW Government Plantations Fire Protection Fund 2024-25 with applicants invited to apply for identified priority projects. Source: Timberbiz
The SWG has facilitated the Plantations Fire Reference Group undertaking collaborative investigation of high impact projects with local processing plants, growers, industry representatives, councils, and fire authorities.
The launch of the program follows extensive community collaboration, identifying the most effective projects to protect the Murray region’s critical plantation timber supplies in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.
Working closely with the Plantations Fire Reference Group, the Softwoods Working Group facilitated a truly collaborative approach to assess the risk to the plantation estate, surrounding communities, and vital assets. Project owners, chosen for their suitability, have now been invited to apply for funding.
“The approach to identifying opportunities, collective agreement among the group members and the discretionary effort that has been applied is nothing short of astounding,” SWG Executive Carlie Porteous said.
The $13 million pilot program, announced in May 2024 by the NSW Government, provides grants ranging from $50,000 to $12.9 million. It aims to achieve key fire prevention and response objectives, including:
- Bushfire Prevention: Constructing new and maintaining existing strategic fire trails and asset protection zones.
- Early Fire Detection: Enhancing rapid response capability through fire towers, remote sensing, and camera technology.
- Improved Response Operations: Supplying additional fire tankers, equipment, and infrastructure to strengthen tactical and operational responses.
Administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, this pilot program will be closely monitored and evaluated to determine its potential for statewide expansion.
“We expect to collect data on effectiveness of the assets and infrastructure and provide this back to the government for future decision making, and hopefully a new model of coordination at a regional scale,” Ms Porteous said.
