Queenslanders respond to bushfire preparation campaign

Almost nine in 10 Queenslanders in high-risk bushfire areas report they have made some preparations for a possible blaze and most would stay to defend their property in the event of a fire, a State Government-commissioned survey has found.

The survey of 600 Queensland residents living in high-risk bushfire areas across the State was commissioned to assess the initial response to a new bushfire preparedness campaign.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) had launched its ‘Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early’ campaign in June this year to educate those living in or near bushland of their options when facing a bushfire threat.

“I am encouraged by the survey results that the initiative is making a real impact. We are committed to raising awareness among residents to ensure they and their communities are prepared for bushfires. There is no room for complacency when it comes to bushfires,” Mr Roberts said.

“Being prepared for bushfires can ultimately minimise the physical and emotional toll of what are extremely devastating events.

“Before the ‘Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early’ campaign was launched 21% of residents surveyed said they were not prepared at all. That has dropped to 12% since the campaign was the launched.

“In other words, almost nine in 10 or 87% of those surveyed (1% said they didn’t know) said they have made some preparations,” Mr Roberts said.

“Importantly, 70% of residents reported they were moderately, well or very well prepared post-campaign launch compared to 60% before the initiative was unveiled.

Mr Roberts said another major finding of the survey was the increase in the residents who were prepared to stay and defend their property, and their confidence defending it.

“Before the campaign only half (52%) of residents were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to stay and defend their property in the event of a bushfire. That number has grown to 61% following this campaign’s introduction,” he said.

Mr Roberts said the QFRS was committed to continue to roll-out community education and awareness campaigns for the ‘Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early’ initiative, which is similar to programs operating in other States.

“This campaign is about educating residents about their options when faced with the threat from a bushfire,” he said.

“The policy does not override the power for police and firefighters to evacuate residents, rather it gives residents the choice to go early or stay and defend their property if, in the opinion of the incident controller, it is well prepared.”

Mr Roberts said residents, who are prepared and equipped, could save a building that might be otherwise lost in a fire.

“Well-constructed buildings and appropriately prepared buildings can offer protection to people during bushfires, reducing the likelihood of bushfire-related injury and fatality,” Mr Roberts said.

“If residents are planning to go, they should be prepared to go early.”

Mr Roberts said property-owners could take a few simple steps to improve their fire preparedness. These include:
• removing, cutting or mowing bushes, grass and weeds around sheds, fences and gates
• clearing any overhanging branches from roof
• cleaning gutters
• buying a battery powered radio to listen to bushfire updates
• monitoring fire information
• contacting the Department of Emergency Services Customer Contact Centre on 1300 369 003 or your local fire station for advice.

Information is available to householders through the QFRS Bushfire Prepared Communities program, by contacting local fire stations, and accessing the QFRS website at www.fire.qld.gov.au or the QFRS Rural Fire Service website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Residents can access information, organise a community presentation or arrange to have firefighters visit their property to gain on-site advice by phoning 1300 369 003.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350