Nationals’ Senator for New South Wales Senator Fiona Nash has applauded the efforts of emergency services personnel and volunteers in fighting the recent fires across NSW, and has urged all residents to remain vigilant during the bushfire season to avoid further devastation.
“As a nation, we are all indebted to the work done by our emergency services men and women and volunteers who without hesitation, tackle the extreme bushfire conditions head-on to protect our property and most importantly our lives,” Senator Nash said.
“My thoughts go to the people who have been affected by the recent bushfires, including my Senate colleague Bill Heffernan and his family in Junee, who have been severely affected by the recent fires.”
Senator Nash said the havoc caused by the fires – which has resulted in the devastated areas of Junee and the Central Coast being declared ‘natural disaster zones’ – serves as a warning of the potential destruction bushfires can cause.
“People have lost livestock, sheds, farm equipment and in some cases their homes, and the fire threat is far from over. People, especially those in rural areas, need to remain vigilant by heeding fire bans and ensuring they have done all they can to reduce the threat of fire in and around their homes.”
Senator Nash said fire precautions aren’t the only safety measures NSW residents should be thinking about, with road and drowning risks also heightened during the summer months.
“January is typically the time when families pack up and head off on holidays. This means there are more cars on our roads which means drivers need to be extra cautious during their journey. With 16 fatalities on the state’s roads already during this holiday period, and 68 nationally, all drivers and their passengers need to remember to take it easy on the road, keeping in mind the dangers of driver fatigue, speeding and drink driving.
“Water and boat safety is also paramount over the holidays in rivers, pools and at the beach. Even on farms, it is important to be wary of any water that may be lying in dams, troughs and tanks. Statistics show 104 people died as a result of drowning in the 12 months to June 30 last year, and while that was down on the previous year, we need to ensure that figure continues to fall.”
Media Contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600
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