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To reproduce this news story, please include an acknowledgement of the Forest Products Commission and reference to it originally appearing on the Forest Products Commission’s website.

The Forest Products Commission (FPC) launched the new Community Fire Protection Grants Program, in May 2023, that provided grants of up to $10,000 to support volunteer fire brigades and other relevant organisations with their fire prevention, preparedness, and response activities.

As well as protecting regional communities, fire protection of our State’s softwood plantation estate is critical to the long-term security of Western Australia’s timber resource.

The FPC recognises the important role of volunteer fire brigades, local government authorities, and community organisations in protecting our forests and local communities from the threat of bushfire. The new grant program supports their efforts in planning, preparing, and responding to bushfire emergencies.

The grants are for items such as training, equipment, and supplies that are not covered by the Emergency Services Levy or other funding provisions.

The program selected applications aligned with the FPC’s priorities linked to its softwood plantation management, increased understanding about fire management in plantations, and delivered the greatest benefits to local communities.

Following competitive judging process against selection criteria, 11 successful applicants received grant funding.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 FPC Community Fire Protection Grants Program:

• Allanson Bushfire Brigade (1) - Radios
• Allanson Bushfire Brigade (2) – LED lights
• Argyle Bushfire Brigade – Radios
• Donnybrook Town Volunteer Bushfire Brigade – Gazebos/Chairs/Tables
• McAlinden Bushfire Brigade – Trailer
• Mumballup-Noggerup Bushfire Brigade – Submersible water pump
• Shire of Boyup Brook – Radios
• Shire of Cranbrook – Tank
• Shire of Donnybrook, Balingup – Radio twin packs
• Shire of Nannup, Volunteer Bushfire Brigade – Radios
• Upper Capel Bushfire Brigade – Water tank

The program is beneficial to volunteer fire brigades and community organisations who have been able to use the funding to enhance their firefighting and fire protection needs.

Mumballup-Noggerup Bushfire Brigade President Garry Hatch said, “We would like to sincerely thank the Forest Products Commission and the Community and Engagement team for the recent grant for our volunteer brigade.

"This grant means a great deal to our brigade as part of a program aimed at ensuring a reliable, secure water source at our Hearle Road Station, to enable refilling of a large storage tank and having a standpipe from which we can rapidly refill firefighting appliances, during a fire.”

It further strengthens the collaboration between the FPC and its stakeholders to boost bushfire safety in Western Australia.