Bush Fire Coordinating Committee
Bush Fire Coordinating Committee
Role of the Bush Fire Coordinating Committee (BFCC)
The BFCC provides a forum through which a broad cross-section of Government and non-Government organisations with an interest in the prevention, mitigation and suppression of bushfires can come together to develop and progress policies and procedures aimed at ensuring a coordinated, agreed approach to major issues.
The BFCC also plays a key role in coordinating the work of District Bush Fire Management Committees in preparing plans for Operations, and Bush Fire Risk Management. This is most important given the responsibility under the Rural Fires Act to ensure that all activities are conducted with regard to the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
Many complex issues with the potential to cause conflict have been worked through and agreed at BFCC level, because the concerns and imperatives of each organisation are able to be explained and explored thus ensuring, as far as possible, agreed outcomes.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of the BFCC is in developing an understanding between the various member organisations of the various roles and concerns held.
The BFCC does not have an operational role, although it assists the combat agencies by ensuring a firm basis of operational plans is in place. Additionally the BFCC reviews major bushfire suppression operations to identify opportunities for improvement.
Matters of local operational importance should in the first instance be raised at the District Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC). If unable to be resolved, issues can be referred to the Coordinating Committee for resolution.
However by necessity, the BFCC must take a statewide view of issues, and the outcome may therefore not accord with local wishes. For this reason the BFCC encourages all eligible organisations to participate at the District Committee level, and for local issues to be resolved, as far as possible, through this process.
The BFCC also encourages District Committees to modify statewide policies, after full and proper consultation, to meet local needs (provided the intent of the policy is not offended).
Where there are difficulties implementing BFCC policies, assistance can be sought via the NSW Rural Fire Service Regions or Headquarters.
More about the Bush Fire Coordinating Committee:
Other relevant information:
More Statutory Committee information:
- RFS Advisory Council (RFSAC)
- Fire Services Joint Standing Committee (FSJSC)
- State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC)
- District Emergency Management Committee (DEMC)
- Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC)
Printer friendly format