Shire of Capel joins push for more community emergency services managers in upcoming State Budget

A South West council is joining the push for extra resources in this year’s State Budget to handle emergencies. The Shire of Capel has requested a community emergency services manager as part of its May wish list, joining a push by the WA Local Government Association to increase funding for the “valuable resource”. Shire president Doug Kitchen said the role would provide the shire with additional support in emergency situations. “The expectation on volunteer firefighters is growing, and the risks associated and requirements around it are also growing with it,” he said. “We’ve got expansion of our urban zones into our traditional rural areas and that creates certain conflicts in bushfire management . . . so what we’re seeking is additional resources to aid our bush firefighters in that role.” There are currently 34 community emergency services managers across the State, which are shared between 57 councils. Another 24 local governments want access to a manager. Infrastructure and development director Tanya Gillett said the managers allow for stronger bonds between local governments, communities and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. “It’s not just fires. They also cover all other hazards that might come across the shire, for example, storms or floods, so it’s an all-hazards approach,” she said. WALGA is requesting the State Government set aside $2.7 million a year in May to fully fund already employed managers, plus an additional $5.4m a year for an additional 27 managers for areas not already part of the scheme who manage volunteer bushfire brigades. The Shire of Capel has had a surge in demand for emergency services, dealing with more than 40 fires since January. It tackled 70 fires last year. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said DFES and the State Government work closely with local governments in responding to emergency incidents. “Protecting local communities is a priority for the Cook Government with more than $170 million being invested into boosting frontline emergency services across the State,” he said.