**Bushfires: Contractors missing out on crucial work, a temporary variation says Vic Govt**
The Victorian Government has acknowledged that a temporary variation to bushfire management contracts has resulted in some contractors being unable to access work. This development has drawn concerns from various stakeholders who argue that local service providers with specialised knowledge and experience are being overlooked in favour of larger contractors.
According to the report in *The Weekly Times*, the issue stems from revised contracting rules implemented by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The Government introduced these temporary changes as a measure to address staffing challenges and improve preparedness for the bushfire season. DEECA has reportedly explained that these amendments were intended to streamline the process of securing contractors ahead of summer. However, this shift has raised concerns regarding its impact on smaller, locally-based contractors.
The specific changes allow for broader access to state-managed contracts for bushfire mitigation services, including vegetation clearing and fuel reduction. Previously, these tasks were heavily dependent on local contractors who have an in-depth understanding of the environment and terrain. Advocacy groups and independent contractors have indicated that this new system may disproportionately benefit larger, often multi-state companies at the expense of local expertise.
The Victorian Government has argued that the measures are temporary and that they aim to ensure that fire management operations meet the heightened demand during the high-risk fire season. However, affected parties contend that the policy adjustment could have long-term consequences, including eroding the local capacity to respond to bushfires effectively. Contractors have also voiced concerns over job security, with some claiming they have lost essential work due to the changes.
Local contractors, who traditionally play a pivotal role in maintaining fire-prone zones, have highlighted the risks of sidelining their expertise. Unlike larger operators, small contractors often possess decades of experience working in these specific environments and have built strong relationships with surrounding communities. Their familiarity with local topography and vegetation types is viewed as a critical advantage in executing effective fire prevention strategies. Critics argue that the temporary variation could inadvertently weaken the state’s ability to manage bushfire risks on a micro-level.
The timing of the changes has prompted additional concerns, as bushfire preparedness efforts are typically ramped up during spring to prepare for the summer fire season. With fire danger increasing due to climate factors such as high temperatures, strong winds, and fuel load accumulation, ensuring that all bushfire mitigation activities are carried out efficiently is essential. The state experienced catastrophic fires during the Black Summer season of 2019–2020, and many have urged authorities to prioritise readiness to prevent a recurrence of such devastation.
DEECA has responded to the criticism by emphasising that the adjustments are not permanent. A department spokesperson stated that “temporary measures were instituted to tackle specific, short-term logistical challenges” and reassured critics that local contractors remain a vital component of bushfire management programmes. The department also said it would continue to evaluate the arrangement’s effectiveness and gather feedback from all stakeholders.
Despite these assurances, representatives for local contractors have called for greater transparency and accountability in the contracting process. They are seeking clarification on how the temporary adjustments will be rolled back after the fire season concludes. Some stakeholders are also concerned that the changes may set a precedent, allowing larger contractors to dominate bushfire management in the future.
The *Weekly Times* reports that regional advocacy groups have expressed frustration with what they perceive as a lack of consultation prior to the introduction of the variations. They argue that community input should have been sought to assess how the changes would affect local economies and bushfire readiness. Some local governments have reportedly echoed these sentiments, urging the Victorian Government to reconsider its approach and prioritise local expertise.
It remains to be seen how these temporary variations will impact Victoria’s bushfire preparedness as officials move through the 2023–2024 fire season. What is clear is that public scrutiny of this issue is heightened, given the stakes involved in managing potentially catastrophic natural disasters. Bushfire experts, local contractors, and advocacy groups are likely to keep pressing the Government for assurances that Victoria’s fire prevention capabilities are not compromised.
This situation is part of a broader conversation about balancing efficiency with the need to utilise local expertise in areas prone to natural disasters. While no firm evidence has emerged to suggest that the temporary changes will lead to long-term disadvantages, stakeholders’ concerns highlight the delicate nature of fire management policy in a landscape shaped by ever-increasing climate risks. The Victorian Government’s position is largely focussed on addressing fire season challenges in the short term, but the reaction from contractors and local groups suggests that the debate will continue to evolve.
As of the time of writing, no specific timeline has been provided for when the temporary contract variations will be reviewed or withdrawn. The Victorian Government has indicated it remains open to feedback and is committed to ensuring optimal preparedness for the bushfire season. However, stakeholders are seeking concrete action to address the immediate impacts on local contractors.
References:
1. Weekly Times article (original source) – https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/bushfires-contractors-missing-out-on-crucial-work-a-temporary-variation-says-vic-govt/news-story/599e37dacc972224f025ec8c9ad36326
2. Cross-referenced sources include publicly available information on Victorian Government bushfire preparedness policies and contracting practices through DEECA. No significant conflicting reports were identified at the time of publication.