Sampson Flat and Tantanoola Bushfires | Motion
13/05/2015
Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.T. Ngo:
That this council—
1. Acknowledges with gratitude the inspirational efforts of the emergency services staff and volunteers in fighting the Sampson Flat and Tantanoola bushfires which resulted in the declaration of a major emergency on 3 January 2015;
2. The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by SA emergency personnel and their colleagues from NSW and Victoria over the six days before the fire was contained, prevented much worse destruction and any loss of life; and
3. Also acknowledges the work of the many agencies, community groups and individuals involved in establishing and running the relief centres at Golden Grove, Sandy Creek, Willaston and later Gumeracha and those now still involved in the recovery phase led by the State Recovery Office and the wider community for their enormous generosity during and after the emergency.
(Continued from 6 May 2015.)
The Hon. J.A. DARLEY ( 16:53 :49 ): I rise very briefly to support this motion which is essentially official recognition of this chamber’s gratitude and thanks for those who assisted during the Sampson Flat and Tantanoola bushfires. The courage, tenacity and bravery of emergency services staff shown during the Sampson Flat and Tantanoola bushfires is really something that is difficult to express in words. Having experienced personally the two Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1981 and 1983, I am constantly in awe of those who decide to put their lives on the line to protect not only themselves and the things they hold dear but also for the general benefit of the community. The fact that many of those involved in these incidents are actually volunteers, rather than career professional emergency service workers, makes their bold actions even more noteworthy.
I am still amazed that no lives were lost from these bushfires. This fact demonstrates that all South Australians have learnt from previous experiences and are more prepared for such circumstances. Whilst nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario, it is vitally important for both the community and the authorities to be prepared.
The fact that no lives were lost also speaks highly of the professionalism and training of our emergency services. Some say we were lucky that no lives were lost. I say it was part luck and part preparation. That is not to say that we should rest on our laurels as improvements can always be made, but credit should be given where credit is due. The events of the bushfires have already been outlined in detail in this chamber and I will not repeat them. Instead, to all emergency staff and volunteers, I would just simply like to say a very sincere thank you.
The Hon. K.L. VINCENT ( 16:55 :54 ): I echo the remarks of the Hon. Mr Darley and on behalf of Dignity for Disability place on the record our very sincere thanks to all emergency services workers involved in these bushfires. This issue is particularly important to me as a former resident of the Adelaide Hills and with my family still living in that area. It is a beautiful place to live, but the trade-off is some potential extreme fire events.
I have put my personal thanks on the record for that reason and also because my brother, Cody Vincent, is a volunteer firefighter with the Bridgewater CFS and was involved in fighting these fires and was certainly very dedicated to that cause. I have certainly seen the impact that being a CFS firey has had on Cody’s life. I would not say that it has given him a sense of purpose, because he already had one, but I have certainly seen that increase since he has been involved with the CFS, so I am very thankful for that reason and also that my brother was returned safely after doing that important work.
The final point that I would make, as I have raised previously in this chamber, is that these bushfire events raised a number of access and equality concerns for people with a disability in South Australia. As members would be aware, Dignity for Disability is grateful to the CFS, and other agencies such as SAFECOM, for working constructively with us on these issues. I am sure that this collaboration will result in a better and safer South Australia. I would like to reiterate Dignity for Disability’s thanks and gratitude to all involved in this important safety measure.
