Time to start thinking of bushfire preparedness

BUSHFIRES ARE LIKELY TO BECOME THE NEW NORMAL... Being prepared puts you in a better position in the eventuality of bushfires striking your property. Photo:Supplied
BUSHFIRES ARE LIKELY TO BECOME THE NEW NORMAL… Being prepared puts you in a better position in the eventuality of bushfires striking your property. Photo:Supplied

VICTORIANS are being warned to start thinking about bushfire preparedness after the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre published its mid-year seasonal bushfire outlook this month.

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: July 2020, urges Australians to be prepared for another summer of fire risk.

The Victorian section of the report notes that welcome autumn rainfall totals means good prospects for spring pasture and crop growth in the north of the state.

Coming off the warmest and driest year on record for Australia, the first half of 2020 has seen a shift to more normal rain patterns for a number of areas, according to the report.

“A La Niña WATCH is current, and if a La Niña eventuates there is a higher than normal chance of above average rainfall during spring,” the report stated.

Minister for Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said all Australians needed to prepare for another tough bushfire season.

“According to the report, the first half of 2020 has seen more rainfall in parts of Victoria compared to the last two years,” Mr Littleproud said.

“While this rain is very welcome it will lead to strong grass growth that, once the grass dries, could pose a significant fire risk.”