Bush firefighters
Australia’s bushfire tragedy
The Australian Conservation Foundation sends its sincere condolences to all who have been adversely affected by recent extreme weather across our country, especially those who have lost family and friends in the Victorian bushfires.
More than 180 people have died and thousands left homeless from the unprecedented fires which have ravaged the state.
Like many others, ACF has lost friends and colleagues in the fires. Hundreds of our members and supporters who live in the bushfire-ravaged areas have also been badly affected.
We can’t turn back the clock but we can learn from this terrible event. We can reduce the risk to people, property and wildlife of even worse catastrophes in the future.
ACF welcomes Premier Brumby’s swift decision to establish a Royal Commission to thoughtfully and soberly explore the facts.
We hope the Royal Commission will:
- Examine planning, urban growth and risk management policies in an increasingly harsh climate.
- Use the best available science to assess what difference, if any, different land management practices could have made.
- Consider how stronger action on climate change now can minimise the risk of more and more intense fires in the years to come.
On 7 February, the highest temperature ever logged in Victoria was recorded at Hopetoun, where the mercury hit 48.8C, beating the previous record by 1.6 degrees.
Records were also set in Melbourne where the temperature reached 46.4 – the hottest day by a considerable margin since records began 154 years ago.
The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre, which includes leading Australian climate scientists, said in September 2007 that a high rate of global warming would see the number of extreme fire weather days in Victoria rising 15–65 per cent by 2020 and 76–230 per cent by 2050.
Sadly, the extreme weather events have not been confined to Victoria. Lives have been turned upside down by tropical storms and flooding in north Queensland. Scores have died from the heatwaves in South Australia and Victoria. Many native animals and birds, as well as livestock and pets have suffered during these extreme weather events too.
If you have been directly affected by the extreme weather events of the past week and would like to share your experience with ACF, please contact us at: bushfire@acfonline.org.au
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009 is a fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria.
Wildlife Victoria reports that the Victorian fires have destroyed much wildlife habitat and at least two wildlife shelters. If you find native animals that need help, call 1300 094 535 or visit www.wildlifevictoria.org.au.