Mayor Margaret Thomas said the City promotes year-long preparedness for emergencies and natural disasters.

“We’ve seen the devastating impacts of bushfire both here in WA and on the east coast in recent years and we will continue to work with our community to ensure we are as prepared as possible.” Cr Thomas said.

“Research shows preparedness improves the resilience of the community. When people feel empowered to plan for emergency events, we see much better outcomes. The reality is it takes a whole of community approach and we will need to do our bit.”

“Teams have been out slashing long grass, undertaking mitigation and controlled burns, along with our amazing Volunteer brigades to get ready for the upcoming season.”

Residents are encouraged to download the DFES MyBushfirePlan app to start their preparedness journey. “Your household should have an emergency kit packed and ready to go if you need to leave your home for a safer location. Remember to also think about your pets.”

The City has seen increased demand for face-to-face community upskilling and each year rolls out bushfire safety education and workshops to build resilience and increase preparedness. “Our teams proactively share information about fire danger ratings, what a fire ban means, confirm annual burning periods and explain firebreaks at various workshops and community street meets throughout spring and into summer,” Cr Thomas said. “We also issue a comprehensive Annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notice detailing resident’s responsibilities and how we can work together to ensure we are as prepared as possible.”

The Walliston Transfer Station is free for unlimited green waste for residents and the City provides a skip bin service where residents can access a minimum of three skip bins each financial year to assist with removal of green waste and general household rubbish.

Following this winter’s record rains there will be plenty of new growth in the coming weeks that will turn dry and brittle over summer. It’s the perfect time to have a garden blitz to ensure you’re ready for the coming bushfire season.

Find more information, resources, tip sheets and links here or alternatively, please contact the City on 9257 9999 during business hours or via email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

CALL 000 FOR ALL FIRES & EMERGENCIES