Shires get share of fire grant

Four Great Southern shires will receive a share in more than half a million dollars of bushfire prevention grants through Royalties for Regions.

Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan announced that $5.5 million would be distributed between 23 regional local governments to help them mitigate bushfire risks.

The grants are part of the State Government’s $15 million Mitigation Activity Fund. Mr Logan said 714 bushfire mitigation activities would be delivered through the funding.

Those activities would include hazard-reduction burns, the creation of firebreaks and mechanical and chemical treatments to reduce fuel levels.

The Shire of Denmark will receive $335,000 while the Shire of Jerramungup will receive $103,150.

The Shire of Wagin ($65,200) and the Shire of Woodanilling ($82,500) were also successful.

“For every dollar we invest in mitigation, we save $11 in emergency management so not only does it make sense to reduce the chances of catastrophic bushfires and the effects they have on communities, but it also makes financial sense,” Mr Logan said.