The Northern Territory Minister for Natural Resources, Karl Hampton, has released the independent review of BushfiresNT, announcing that all of its 44 recommendations will be implemented.

 

“The aim of the review was to provide broad ranging, considered and targeted advice about the best way to improve management of the rural and remote wildfire threat in the Territory,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“The review was undertaken in line with advice from Bushfires Council of the Northern Territory, an advisory council to the Minister for Natural Resources; for an independent review of BushfiresNT.

 

“This comprehensive, independent review makes 44 recommendations based on extensive consultation with key stakeholders across the Territory and this government has accepted all 44 recommendations.

 

“One of the key recommendation of the report is better management of exotic grasses such as buffel in the Centre and Gamba in the Top End, which drive wildfires, and my department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport (NRETAS) is actively ensuring this continues to be a priority.

 

Other key recommendations of the review include:

  • NRETAS remains the lead agency for all aspects of BFNT's role and BFNT remains the lead organisation for both fire prevention and fire fighting operations in its specified districts and zones;
  • BFNT create a bushfire management strategy and emergency response procedures framework and that a formal Memorandum of Understanding be developed between NRETAS and Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES).
  • The responsibility of all landholders for bushfire management is reinforced and enforced.

 

Mr Hampton said that this is not the end of the consultation with stakeholders on this subject; it is an escalation of engagement with all stakeholders, particularly those landholders and volunteers.

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to also welcome Mick Ayre to the BushfiresNT team as the new Director of BushfiresNT, and formally thank Steve Sutton for his work.”

 

“In addition to this, I would also like to welcome Mr Geoffrey (Geoff) Kenna who has been appointed to the role of Senior Fire Control Officer based in Alice Springs, for an initial term of six months from 13 August.”

 

The report is available online by visiting www.nt.gov.au/bushfires