THE constituents are rightly concerned that the new Warren-Blackwood electorate has had too many uncontrolled accidental bush fires raging in the last few years.
Scotsdale Road (Denmark), Margaret River, Milyeannup, and Nannup are four locations where government agencies, Department of Environment and Conservation and Forest Products Commission have accidentally initiated bush fires.
An issue that is continuing to cause significant stress is that these agencies are clients of the State Solicitor's Office.
As such they enjoy total legal protection regardless of compelling proof of negligence.
An added complication occurs when a private contractor is engaged.
Currently, the only recourse one has for compensation for third party fire damage is by litigation or by having powerful support. We recognise that we live in a fire prone environment, but the agencies must accept their public responsibility with good grace and compensate private losses fully and swiftly.
The DEC bushfire data base includes statistics of events, dates and causes.
For the DEC Blackwood district, timber industry bush fires have been increasing steadily from the 2008/2009 fire season.
Mr Terry Redman is currently seeking re-election as our local member, winding up a four year stint as the Minister for Forestry.
Would Mr Redman confirm to us that a victory for him would see his first loyalty to his constituents and any ministry offered, play second fiddle?
Alan Morris,
Balingup