AUGUST DROUGHT FIGURES
NSW SET FOR POSSIBLE SEVERE BUSHFIRE SEASON

With more of the State slipping back into drought, Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Mr Phil Koperberg, warned last month that NSW was facing the possibility of another severe bushfire season. He was commenting on the release of drought figures at State Parliament on 8 August by NSW Agriculture Minister, Mr Ian Macdonald.
Despite recent rainfalls in some parts of NSW, nearly 90% of the State remains in drought. The August data shows 89.1% of the State is experiencing drought, while 10.3% is considered marginal. In July, 87.8% of the state was experiencing drought, while 12% was considered marginal and 0.2% satisfactory. The drought has been compounded by severe frosts, which have stunted pasture growth and reduced soil moisture levels in general. Commissioner Koperberg said "As we have witnessed over the past two seasons, drought exacerbates fire. Low levels of ground moisture, high temperatures and low humidity have created severe fire conditions. Also, a bad summer season in the Northern Hemisphere is often a harbinger of a bad season for Australia.
Despite some rain in April, May and June - which delayed much of the planned burning program, but did not fill dams or impact on soil moisture levels - much of the State is likely to be very dry this summer. We’re seizing the opportunity to push on with our burning program, targeting priority areas near homes and farming assets. More than 20 burns were carried out in the Sydney basin. More than 100 others are ready to get underway. There is no room for complacency. We are preparing for a potentially serious fire season should the drought continue into summer.’’
Local preparations for bushfire season are underway. Burn offs have been carried out near Helensburgh tip. The NSW Fire Brigade invited volunteer members of the Community Fire Units (CFUs) to assist them in protection work during the burn off. This was a great example of the Rural Fire Service and NSWFB and CFUs working together in our town. CFUs present were Wilson’s Creek, Gardner’s Place and The Ridge units. These three CFUs provided members to cover seven people on two hour rotation shifts and provided a great opportunity for experience and training.