UPDATE: The NSW Farmers Association has issued an urgent warning about the escalating fire danger in New South Wales’ national parks, describing them as “ticking time bombs” ahead of the summer season. This alarming statement comes as authorities continue to designate large areas as national parks, without the necessary resources to manage the associated bushfire risks.
Xavier Martin, President of the NSW Farmers Association, emphasized that while farmers have made significant efforts to prepare for the upcoming fire season, critical fire management resources have not been allocated for public lands. “We’ve got a serious danger that’s out of our hands and out here on our doorstep,” Martin stated. He highlighted the precarious situation, noting, “We’re talking about huge tinderboxes of timber and vegetation that are just sitting here, simply waiting to explode.”
The dire situation is compounded by inadequate management of fuel loads and a lack of timely burn-offs. Martin expressed deep concern over safety for communities living near these parks, stating, “Fuel loads haven’t been managed at all well.” This growing threat threatens not only the environment but also the livelihoods of those in proximity.
In support of this urgent plea, Gerard Glover, Chair of the NSW Farmers’ Western Division, called on the state government to take immediate action. “The state government must step up and implement a serious regime to manage bushfire risks,” Glover insisted, particularly for farmers in western NSW who are facing an uncertain summer. He warned, “Some of these parks span hundreds of thousands of acres, and often there’s barely anyone monitoring them.”
With predictions of another scorching summer ahead, both Martin and Glover urged the government to prioritize bushfire prevention measures. “If the average citizen had an opportunity to prevent a bad fire from becoming far worse, they’d take it,” Glover remarked. “The question is, would our governments do the same?”
Farmers and communities are rallying for more robust fire risk management in national parks, recognizing the immediate need for action to safeguard lives and properties. As temperatures rise, the urgency for comprehensive fire management strategies becomes increasingly critical.
The situation remains developing, with farmers and local communities anxiously awaiting government response to these pressing concerns. As summer approaches, the call for action is clear: New South Wales must address the hidden fire dangers lurking in its national parks before it’s too late.
