The WA Government will provide funding to 28 local governments to help boost bushfire mitigation ahead of an expected intense fire season in the coming months.  

The funding, which will come as part of a $5.7 million grant from the Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF), aims to minimise risk by reducing fuel loads through controlled burns and reinforcing fire resiliency.  

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson says the grants will support about 550 mitigation activities.  

“With 90% of our state prone to bushfires, the Cook Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund is empowering WA communities to be better prepared,” Mr Dawson said.  

“The knowledge and understanding local governments have of their area puts them in a unique position to build resilience within their communities.”  

Mr Dawson says the seven shires, cities and towns will be first-time funding recipients under the MAF, which has provided more than $48 million in support since 2017.   

“With warmer weather just months away, now is the time to prepare high-risk areas to protect what is most important to us all – life and property.   

“The Mitigation Activity Fund has already given 70 local governments financial support to undertake crucial hazard reduction burns and I encourage others to take advantage of this program.”  

The Bureau of Meteorology has yet to call an El Nino – but it is anticipated it will – increasing the risk of a substantial bushfire season for much of the country.