Shire of Waroona reverses 2022 decision to hand over bush fire brigades to DFES

A Peel council has reversed its decision to hand over three of the area’s fire brigades to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

The Shire of Waroona voted in 2022 to give up control of the Lake Clifton, Preston Beach and Waroona West volunteer bush fire brigades to the State Government body after changes to the State’s workplace health and safety laws put it at risk if a volunteer firefighter died or was injured on the job.

But councillors voted 5-2 at last week’s meeting to stop the move progressing while also asking chief executive Mark Goodlet to provide a report on having the three brigades become an “association” to limit the shire’s legal liability.

Cr Charlie Clarke requested the move, highlighting work between the shire and brigades on a new bushfire policy which was passed earlier in the meeting.

Alongside handing over the brigades to DFES, the 2022 decision also called for the shire to advocate for local governments to not be required to manage the service.

“Both of those seem to be null and void in my view because we are working together with the brigades,” Cr Clarke said.

After questioning from deputy shire president Naomi Purcell, Mr Goodlet told the meeting it was unlikely the brigades would be handed over to DFES.

“The (DFES) commissioner’s position is that they will only consider taking on the local bush fire brigades if council and all of the brigades in the district agree to be handed over,” he said.

Cr Purcell then asked why shire staff were opposed to Cr Clarke’s move. Mr Goodlet said it was the result of the difference between best practice advocacy position and the reality of the situation.

Shire president Mike Walmsley said he was torn on how to vote but ultimately voted in favour of the move.

“The reality is I don’t believe that the brigades will be handed over,” he said.

“As much as there’s benefits for and against, I don’t think you’re going to get a consensus from the brigades to come under DFES control.”

Cr Purcell and Cr Karen Odorisio voted against the move.