Charlotte Walker (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, I would like to acknowledge the immense dedication and personal sacrifice demonstrated by the South Australian Country Fire Service during their work on the Fleurieu Peninsula last summer. The Deep Creek fire prompted an extraordinary multiagency and interstate response to protect lives, property and our precious environment. In early February, the CFS responded to a fast-moving fire between Deep Creek National Park and Cape Jervis. At this time, more than 260 firefighters, supported by 40 trucks and 15 vehicles, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from reaching the township of Cape Jervis.

Over the course of the following 10 days, the fire burnt approximately 4,500 hectares and created a perimeter stretching more than 60 kilometres. The firefighters worked systematically to protect the regional community from harm and to ensure the local towns were shielded from potentially catastrophic losses. This was no small feat. Crews carried out complex back-burning operations to hold containment lines and protect communities and critical habitats of wildlife, including that of nationally endangered bird species. Through the extraordinary efforts of around 5,000 firefighters and personnel, supported by an additional 170 interstate responders, the fire was ultimately brought under control. Their work was aided by remarkable local support from the District Council of Yankalilla; government agencies; charitable organisations such as the Salvos, which provided up to 1,500 meals each day to firefighters and volunteers.

While the fire has, thankfully, passed, many residents continue to experience stress, disruption and uncertainty. Our thoughts remain with all those affected, and we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a part in keeping our community safe. I encourage everyone in my local community to create a plan and be bushfire ready. (Time expired)