Bushfires Threaten Great Western Woodlands and Eyre Highway Safety Amid Funding Shortfalls

The Eyre Highway, known for its barren landscape, transforms into a verdant oasis at its western end, where the Great Western Woodlands, the largest temperate woodland globally, emerges. However, this natural wonder faces a growing threat from climate change, leading to frequent and intense bushfires.

The Shire of Dundas, responsible for managing fires in much of the woodlands, faces significant challenges. Despite its vast jurisdiction, the shire lacks resources and expertise in fire management. Its annual fire management costs exceed its meager allocation from the Emergency Services Levy.

The recent Balladonia fire, which closed the Eyre Highway for several days, highlighted the shire's vulnerability. The lack of safe access points, water sources, and maps poses liability concerns for the shire. The delayed handover of fire control to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) further exacerbates the situation.

While DFES acknowledges the need for improved fire mitigation, the funding pool is insufficient and restrictive. The Shire of Dundas believes it could play a more significant role in firefighting and preventing highway closures with adequate funding and support. However, the lack of a formal debrief following the 2020 fires has raised concerns about the shire's involvement in future planning and improvements.