2016-03-17
The Senate will hold an inquiry into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area fires, after today agreeing to a motion moved by Senator Nick McKim.
“This summer we saw the effects of global warming on Tasmania, with record-shattering hot and dry conditions and devastating bushfires,” Senator McKim said.
“This inquiry will look at the impact of global warming on fire frequency and magnitude and make recommendations for adequate financial, human and mechanical resources in the future.“
“It will also examine the adequacy of fire assessment and modelling capacity, and Australia's obligations to protect the area under the World Heritage Convention.”
“It will look at the world best practice in remote area fire management and see what can be adapted to Tasmania.”
“Our firefighters deserve the very best, and we need to be sure that they have the best possible planning and resources in place for next time.”
“The World Heritage Area contains ecosystems found nowhere else on the planet, and globally significant cultural and natural heritage values.”
“It is also Tasmania’s most important and valuable tourism asset, and we need to learn lessons from the fires so we can better protect it in the future.“
The inquiry will be held by the Environment and Communications References Committee and will report by 30 May 2016.