With huge bushfires still wreaking havoc across the country, the primary focus of authorities in the coming days, weeks and possibly months will inevitably be combating the immediate threat they pose. However, there will come a time when the full impact of the carnage needs to be analysed and lessons need to be learned.
The scale of the tragedy can hardly be over-estimated. Many lives have been lost, hundreds of properties destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of hectares of land scorched.
For the many country communities already deeply affected, it will be a long hard road back to anything like normality. But people will pull together, houses will eventually be re-built, and thoughts will turn to the future.
In recent years, many smaller settlements have become increasingly reliant on tourism to boost the local economies and there will be real concern about the length of time it will take for visitors to return.
The bushfires have made headlines across the world and have affected thousands of grey nomads and other travellers, either by threatening them directly or forcing them to change their travel plans.
In Western Australia, where a mega-blaze tore through a third of Stirling Range National Park, tourism operators say there needs to be a locally based fire facility to reassure would-be visitors and to keep people safer.
John Byrne, the operator of the Mount Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park, said it was absolutely terrifying for everyone when the fire started.
“One of the main concerns that we have as a tourism sector is protecting our visitors … it’s very important for us to have a quick response,” he told the ABC. “Everyone just needs to know that they’re safe when they’re camping in a natural bush environment … just the fact that everyone knows there’s a local fire team would put everyone’s mind at ease.”
It is a call that is likely to be echoed in various places across the country but finances will inevitably be key.
The State Parliament Member for Roe, Nationals MP Peter Rundle, told the ABC that the Borden volunteers had been trying for years to acquire a heavy-duty, four-wheel drive fire truck to be permanently stationed near the tourist hub.
However, the group has reportedly been advised that an application for the truck was unlikely to succeed.
“I think the Government needs to listen to our volunteers,” said Mr Rundle. “When they are asked for help, they are the first to step up and when the volunteers ask for some help with a fire truck I think the Government need to step up.”
Yes as the great late Slim Dusty said we should clean up our own back yard.Stop handing out money to other countries and causes and concentrate on backing our fireys and ambulance people, the farmers who feed us .The dairy industry and the small business operator who want to have a go. Both sides of government have lost the plot.we have no manufacturing or industry. The country is sick of the shit, get on with it and get your priorities right.I also hope that all grey nomads do head down that way and spend a few dollars to help these poor fellas.The cook and I have just come back from a 10 week trip of the west looking at what the drought has done and it is heart breaking.Every cent we spent was truly appreciated and most commented thank god for the nomads.Once again Schmo get on with it clean up our own back yard.Stevo.
Scomo heads for Hawaii, the Emergency Services Minister for NSW dallies in London and Paris,sundry other pollies take overseas “study trips”
Perhaps the great and good of this country could consider a holiday/study trip in their own backyards.