Over $167,000 spent on fire trail improvements near Cootamundra

More than $167,000 has been allocated by the NSW Labor Government for significant upgrades to the fire trails near Cootamundra, aimed at bolstering safety and safeguarding the community.

These enhancements, focused on the Matilda Fire Trail Network to the west of the town, are designed to provide firefighters with efficient access to the area for bushfire combat and protection of homes and property.

Additionally, these upgrades facilitate hazard reduction burns to lower bushfire risk.

The task of managing and maintaining Crown Lands, which constitutes about 40 percent of NSW or 30.8 million hectares, is substantial.

The NSW Labor Government’s approach to state management focuses on delivering the necessary facilities and services for community needs.

The Matilda Fire Trail Network upgrade

At the heart of the project is the Matilda Fire Trail Network, situated on a 66.26-hectare reserve.

Around 1.4 kilometres of fire trails have been refurbished and elevated to Rural Fire Service standards.

The trails have been expanded to eight metres in width, reshaped, and topped with gravel to accommodate firefighting vehicles throughout the year.

The project’s scope included constructing vehicle turning and passing bays for improved manoeuvrability of fire vehicles.

Additionally, water and erosion control efforts involved clearing and installing drains, establishing new bed level crossings and cross banks for stormwater management, and maintaining culverts.

The environmental and scenic quality of the area was also enhanced by the removal of seven dumped car bodies.

Minister Steve Kamper on the fire trail upgrades

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, highlighted the government’s commitment: “The NSW Labor Government is focused on delivering the essential services and infrastructure our communities need to be safe.

“The community can be confident that with the completion of these fire trail upgrades, firefighters will be able to do their job battling bushfires if they break out, and teams will also be able to safely conduct hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.”

Kamper further noted the broader efforts of Crown Lands, managing over 1,300 fire trails spanning approximately 2,200km, and the annual undertaking of around 800 projects to maintain and upgrade fire trails and Asset Protection Zones against bushfires.

The proactive measures also include annual helicopter inspections of more than 540 fire trails, incorporating remote areas difficult to access by ground vehicles, and the adoption of Aboriginal traditional burning techniques for land management.

IFSJ Comment

By investing in infrastructure improvements and adopting comprehensive management strategies, such as the use of traditional burning techniques and advanced monitoring methods, the government demonstrates a proactive and holistic approach to bushfire risk reduction.

These efforts are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities in fire-prone areas, reflecting a model of responsible and effective environmental and emergency management.