A new state government taskforce is targeting high-risk areas in the New England region as part of a broader push to accelerate hazard reduction and strengthen bushfire preparedness across NSW.
Taskforce Fire Guard, based at the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations Centre, is coordinating agencies and resources to take advantage of favourable conditions, with burns underway across parts of the New England and Northern Tablelands. Authorities say the effort is aimed at reducing fuel loads and protecting regional communities ahead of future fire seasons.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the initiative would sharpen the focus on areas of greatest need.
“Taskforce Fire Guard brings agencies together to ensure we are making the most of every opportunity to reduce bushfire risk and protect communities,” he said.
“It will strengthen how we plan and deliver hazard reduction across the state, particularly as weather conditions allow work to increase.”
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said conditions in regions such as New England highlighted the urgency of the work.
“We’re dealing with higher fuel loads and increasingly narrow windows to safely carry out hazard reduction,” he said.
“This taskforce allows us to better prioritise and coordinate work across agencies, focusing effort where it will have the greatest operational impact.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Mick Morris said the taskforce would improve coordination while supporting existing local arrangements.
“Task Force Fire Guard is about strengthening how agencies work together to deliver hazard reduction burns where it will make the greatest difference to community safety,” he said.
Residents across the New England region have been advised to expect smoke during planned burns and to monitor conditions through the Hazards Near Me app, while following health advice and taking care on local roads.
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