The Cities Power Partnership brought local governments and experts together to host a roundtable in the Blue Mountains focused on bushfires and climate change.
The event was co-hosted by the Blue Mountains City Council and drew together leading councils, community organisations, as well as a range of bushfire experts including Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks, climate and legal experts. The aims were to connect and share best practise when it comes to preparing for climate risk, bushfires and the implications for local governments.
Why bushfires?
Intensifying climate change is driving Australia’s escalating bushfire threat, creating longer and more dangerous fire seasons than ever before. Bushfires mostly threaten the bushland and national parks surrounding Australian cities, but as our urban areas continue to sprawl, these areas are increasingly under threat too.
Local governments are often on the frontline when disaster strikes, and it is critical to share strategies, best practice and to understand risk and liability for local governments.
Download the final agenda here
ACCESS THE SPEAKER’S PRESENTATIONS
Climate Change and Bushfires: Professor Lesley Hughes, Climate Councillor and Ecologist
On the frontline: Bushfires and Climate Change, Climate Councillor and Former NSW Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins
What does worsening extreme weather mean for local governments and liability? – Associate Professor Michael Eburn, Australia National University at Bushfire
WA bushfire case studies: Tim McNaught, Director Office of Bushfire and Risk Management Western Australia
FACILITATED DISCUSSION TOPICS
- How can local government better collaborate on these challenges?
- What additional support do local governments needs to be prepared?
- What are the knowledge gaps that still need to be addressed?
Discussion Notes group 1: Facilitated by Alix Pearce
Discussion Notes group 2: Facilitated by Lesley Hughes
IMAGE GALLERY
Access the Roundtable Image Gallery here
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM THE EVENT
Climate Council Resources
- Bushfire Mythbusting Guide
- Bushfire reports
- Feb 2019 Webinar with Greg Mullins Climate Councillor & former NSW Commissioner of Fire and Rescue
NSW Office of Emergency Management
Nature Conservation Council NSW
Council Case Studies
Red Cross Pillow Case project – Primary school bushfire preparedness teaching resource (years 3&4 )
ClimateWise Communities Resources– Kuring-gai- Council NSW
Bushfire Events and Videos
Blue Mountains Bushfires 2013 Documentary: Fire Stories Living with Risk
ROUNDTABLE EXPERTS
Professor Lesley Hughes: Climate expert and Climate Councillor
Lesley is a Distinguished Professor of Biology and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity & Development) at Macquarie University. Her research has mainly focused on the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems.
Greg Mullins: Former NSW Fire Commissioner and Climate Councillor
A front-line voice, Greg will provide first hand experience regarding the worsening bushfire threat and it’s links to climate change.
Timothy McNaught: Director, Office of Bushfire Risk Management, WA
Tim has a wealth of experience in bushfires, climate change and the implications for local governments across Western Australia. He will provide best practise case studies being implemented in WA.
Associate Professor Michael Eburn: Australian National University
Michael is a leading researcher in the area of emergency services, emergency management and the law. He specialises in natural hazards, legal risk and liability, including what extreme weather means for local governments and liability expectations.