MEDIA RELEASE

New inquiry into the ACT environment’s bushfire preparedness

Canberrans are invited to have their say on the ACT environment’s bushfire preparedness.

Today the Standing Committee on Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity announced a new inquiry and is inviting submissions until 2 February 2024.

The Committee will inquire into and report on the environmental factors contributing to bushfires in the ACT and surrounding areas, such as drought, climate change and fuel loads. The Committee will also examine the management of bushfire risks and preparedness of ACT parks, reserves and open spaces, and coordination among government agencies in relation to bushfire risks.

Committee Chair, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, said ‘Given Canberra’s status as the bush capital and the increasing prevalence of bushfires in Australia, it is important that the ACT’s environment is being well managed in the face of bushfires and bushfire risks.’

The terms of reference are available from https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/parliamentary-business/in-committees/committees/eccb/Inquiry-into-the-ACT-environments-bushfire-preparedness

Submissions can be made by email to LACommitteeECCB@parliament.act.gov.au. Submissions close 2 February 2024.

Information about how to make a submission is available at: Participate in public inquiries.

5 December 2023

STATEMENT ENDS.

Committee Chair, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA on (02) 6205 1448

Committee Secretary, James Bunce on (02) 6205 0199 or at LACommitteeECCB@parliament.act.gov.au