Bushfire Advisory Committee (BFAC)

The Bushfire Advisory Committee (BFAC) advises and assists Council in the effective management of Bush Fire related activities in the district.. The BFAC meets four times a year.

Terms of Reference 

Name

The name of the Committee shall be the Bush Fire Advisory Committee hereinafter referred to in its abbreviated form as (BFAC).

Establishment

The Committee is established pursuant to Section 5.8 of the Local Government Act 1995 and Section 67 of the Bushfires Act 1954.

District

The Committee shall operate within the local government boundaries of the Shire of Nannup.

Guiding Principles and Purpose

  • The Committee will provide recommendations in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, sections 5.8 through to 5.25 and in accordance with the Section 67 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 to Council on Policy, Standards and Procedures on all matters of fire protection within the Shire of Nannup.
  • The Committee shall act for and on behalf of Council in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Act 1995, local laws and policies adopted from time to time by the Shire of Nannup.

Duties, Objectives and Responsibilities

  • To advise and assist Council in the effective management of Bush Fire related activities in the district by making recommendations on:
  • the preparation and adoption of the Bush Fire Management Plan required under the Emergency Management Act 2005;
  • ensure that required resource levels for adequate district fire protection in conjunction with Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
  • advise and assist with Bushfire Education;
  • advise and assist with the planning, setting of standards and work programs for fire prevention within the Shire of Nannup;
  • advise and assist with preparedness for bushfire situations;
  • response and controlling bushfire situations;
  • recovery from bushfire;
  • recommend and regularly review Council’s Policies relating to the delivery of fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery; and
  • advise Council on issues of compliance with the Bushfires Act 1954 regarding all matters relating to prosecutions for breaches of the Bush Fires Act 1954.
  • The Committee will be responsible for reporting to Council on:
  • financial affairs of the Brigades; and
  • the general management of the affairs of the brigades and activities of Bush Fire Brigades.
  • To provide for Council:
    • support and guidance to all Bush Fire Brigades within the Shire of Nannup and to assist those Brigades to fulfil their objectives;
    • establish and maintain high levels of communication and cooperation with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and other relevant bushfire stakeholders in respect of the key Committee objectives;
    • establish and maintain an operational command and control structure by developing procedures to enhance the ability of the Brigades to carry out operations, activities and training efficiently and effectively;
    • ensure co-operation and co-ordination between all Fire Brigades within the Shire of Nannup and between all other Fire Brigades and stakeholders in their efforts and activities;
    • advise relevant Officers authorised under the Bush Fires Act 1954 and any other relevant person/s or organisation/s on matters referred to the Committee;
    • report to Council on matters referred to the Committee by Council; and
    • perform any other function assigned to the Committee under Section 67 of the Bush Fires Act, Regulations or Council