Bushfire policy needs review: Poynter
A recent call for a comprehensive review of bushfire policies has been made by community leader and disaster resilience expert, Ian Poynter. Speaking about the effectiveness and adequacy of current procedures, Poynter emphasised the need to adapt and evolve Australia’s bushfire management strategies in light of increasingly severe fire events. This comes as regional areas continue to face intensifying threats from bushfires, exacerbated by prolonged dry conditions, rising temperatures, and evolving climate patterns.
In a report published by the Gippsland Times on 3 February 2025, Poynter highlighted gaps in current bushfire preparedness and argued for enhanced coordination between local, state, and national authorities. His statements come amid growing concern from residents and community leaders who feel existing policies are not adequately addressing the challenges posed by larger and more unpredictable fire seasons.
Poynter began by stressing that while Australia has some of the world’s most advanced fire management systems, this does not mean the status quo cannot be improved. As the severity of bushfire seasons continues to escalate, he argued that relying solely on longstanding procedures is insufficient. Instead, Poynter advocated for a broader, multi-faceted approach that not only focuses on immediate response efforts but also considers long-term prevention and adaptation strategies.
Central to Poynter’s argument is the need to revisit land management practices. He pointed out that insufficient hazard reduction strategies, including fuel load management through controlled burns, could contribute to the sheer intensity of bushfires. Experts in the field agree that while controlled burning has long been a cornerstone of mitigation efforts, several logistical challenges, such as limited weather windows for safe burns and community opposition in some regions, can complicate its widespread implementation.
Another concern raised by Poynter is the adequacy of resources allocated to emergency services. He questioned whether fire services across the country are sufficiently funded, equipped, and staffed to handle increasingly severe fire seasons. In a statement echoed by several fire services professionals, Poynter underscored the importance of not only investing in firefighting resources but also ensuring the mental health and well-being of emergency responders, who are exposed to immense physical and emotional strain during prolonged fire events.
Community engagement was another key focus in Poynter’s call for policy reform. He emphasised the critical importance of educating and involving residents in bushfire-prone areas to ensure they understand risk factors and know how to prepare and respond effectively. Poynter stated that while many community education programmes exist, a more tailored and consistent approach is necessary to reach vulnerable populations who may not currently have sufficient access to information or resources.
The relationship between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of bushfires was also a major theme in Poynter’s message. He expressed concern that current policy discussions often overlook the long-term implications of climate change, focusing instead on short-term crisis management. Poynter argued for integrating climate considerations into all aspects of bushfire policy, from land management to community planning.
There is widespread consensus among climate scientists that global temperature increases bring about shifts in weather patterns, making conditions more conducive to bushfires. While Poynter did not specify particular climate adaptation measures, his comments align with the views of experts who advocate for significant investment in infrastructure that can withstand climate-related events, such as building fire-resistant housing and modifying zoning laws in high-risk areas.
The issue of accountability and clear roles within bushfire response mechanisms was also highlighted. Poynter called for greater clarity regarding which government entities are responsible for overseeing various aspects of bushfire management. He stated that inefficiencies and miscommunications during previous fire seasons had revealed weaknesses in coordination, which could delay critical response efforts during emergencies.
Several regional leaders and organisations in the Gippsland area have voiced similar concerns, including the need for better communication between agencies and local communities. Residents in some rural areas have reported feeling excluded from decision-making processes that directly impact their safety and livelihood.
In response to Poynter’s statements, the Victorian Government has issued a statement acknowledging the call for review and reaffirming its commitment to addressing fire risk. A government spokesperson indicated that the administration is actively reviewing current procedures and is open to consulting experts and the public to identify areas for improvement. However, details of any specific plans or policies under consideration have not yet been disclosed.
Additionally, some critics of current bushfire policies argue that mitigation efforts are sometimes undermined by bureaucratic delays and insufficient federal support, an issue Poynter touched upon during his statement. This sentiment has been echoed in previous studies, which have found that inconsistencies in funding across regions can lead to significant disparities in disaster preparedness.
The urgency for such reforms has been underscored by the catastrophic bushfires Australia has experienced in recent years, most notably the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires, which devastated vast swathes of land, destroyed more than 3,000 homes, and claimed the lives of over 30 people. According to a report by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, the total economic impact of the Black Summer fires was estimated to exceed A$10 billion, with ripple effects on industries such as agriculture, tourism, and insurance.
As bushfire seasons grow longer and more intense, experts argue that regular reviews of policies and procedures are essential to ensure the safety of residents and the preservation of wildlife and ecosystems. While Poynter’s call for a review has been met with general support from various stakeholders, the challenge lies in balancing the immediate need for fire risk reduction with the longer-term goal of creating a framework that can adapt to evolving environmental conditions.
It remains unclear whether the outcomes of any policy review or reform stemming from Poynter’s recommendations will be consistent across all states and territories. Emergency management policies in Australia are often a blend of federal oversight and state-specific initiatives, which can add layers of complexity to coordination and implementation. Nevertheless, experts argue that creating a unified vision for bushfire management, while respecting regional differences, will be key to achieving long-term resilience against fire events.
The Gippsland Times will continue to monitor developments related to bushfire policy and provide updates as new information becomes available.
References:
Original article from the Gippsland Times, 3 February 2025: https://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/news/2025/02/03/bushfire-policy-needs-review-poynter/
Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience reports on Black Summer fires
Statements from the Victorian Government (via official communication channels)