Council
20 November, 2025
MP slams state’s bushfire preparedness
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has slammed the State Government as having failed to prepare for bushfire season as dry conditions and high temperatures loom.
Ms Britnell said Victoria was bracing for another dangerous bushfire season but feared the Victoria Government had left communities, industries and national parks exposed through neglect and inaction.
“Victoria has endured its driest season in decades,” she said.
“The bush is a tinderbox, yet immense fuel loads remain untouched.
“Farmers, park managers and locals are sounding the alarm, but the government has failed to respond.
“Firefighting infrastructure is crumbling. Hundreds of CFA trucks are nearing 30 years of service, while 350 Forest Fire Management (FFM) vehicles are offline.”
Despite pleas for upgrades, Ms Britnell said the Victorian Government has refused to invest in modern equipment or AI-enabled fire detection technology.
“Victoria is relying on obsolete systems while frontline communities remain vulnerable,” she said.
“The Allan Labor Government has also failed to meet even a third of the planned burn targets recommended by the Black Saturday Royal Commission – a failure that threatens lives, livelihoods and our natural heritage.
“The lessons of Black Saturday have clearly not been learned.
“The Allan Labor Government’s neglect is leaving Victoria dangerously unprepared. Communities deserve better than outdated trucks, unfunded recovery plans and hollow promises.
“Fire mitigation and prevention must be treated as a priority – because lives, jobs and our environment depend on it.”
Ms Britnell said the bushfire at Budj Bim National Park earlier this year was a “stark symbol” of the government’s failure to prepare and assist recovery efforts.
Tourism is suffering, operators are frustrated, and communities are questioning whether their safety and prosperity matter to this government,” she said.
Ms Britnell said the economic threat of bushfire was equally dire.
“Timber industry leaders warn of risks to Victoria’s plantation sector and wood supply – assets critical to housing affordability and regional jobs. Victoria cannot afford another season of neglect,” she said.
“The warnings are clear, the lessons undeniable and the cost of inaction will be measured in lives, livelihoods and the destruction of our environment.
“It is time for real leadership, genuine investment and a commitment to protecting Victorians before tragedy strikes again.”
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