Published on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 2:09:51 PM
Council and the Shire of Esperance welcome new State Government funding that will help reduce the risk and intensity of bushfires across the region over the next three years.
The Shire has secured over $1,100,000 through the Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF) 2025-2028 grants program, which supports bushfire mitigation works across WA. In total, six local governments received funding under this round, with 632 bushfire mitigation treatments planned across high-risk areas. Of these, 151 treatments will be carried out in the Esperance region, the highest number of any successful applicant.
A significant number of Crown reserves within the Esperance local government area are already managed by Shire Bushfire Risk Mitigation officers. This work requires a structured, risk-based approach to reduce bushfire hazards.
The new MAF funding will allow the Shire to expand the delivery of bushfire mitigation treatments on Crown land areas that have been identified in the Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BRMP) as Extreme, Very High, and High risk. This funding directly supports the implementation of the Shire’s Bushfire Mitigation Management Plan by targeting priority risk areas where mitigation will have the greatest impact.
Importantly, this funding is supplementary. It strengthens and enhances the Shire’s existing bushfire mitigation program but does not replace the need for ongoing core mitigation works. Reducing bushfire risk requires collaboration, and continued support from both State and Local Governments plays a vital role in protecting the landscape and our communities.
These activities are especially important in a region like Esperance, where long, dry summers and extensive bushland increase both the likelihood and potential severity of bushfires. All mitigation works are grounded in careful planning and delivery in collaboration with land managers and emergency services to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Through the Council Plan, residents asked the Shire to focus on greater readiness and resilience to natural disasters and to actively implement the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan, including seeking funding through the State Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund. In response to these priorities, dedicated Shire officers prepared and submitted a detailed application in September 2025.
Further details on upcoming mitigation activities will be shared through Shire communication channels as planning progresses. The community will be kept informed of any works that may affect local access or require temporary closures.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date via the Shire website and follow all bushfire preparedness advice.
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