Shire of Murray fire brigades want volunteers to stay in charge of fighting fires
Members of the voluntary fire brigade in the Shire of Murray will continue to be responsible for fighting bushfires.
The district is reviewing the brigades’ leadership structure, specifically who will fill the fire control chief and deputy positions.
Historically, the CBFCO role was fulfilled by a volunteer appointed by the district under the Bush Fires Act of 1954.
But in the past two years, it has sometimes been filled by the district ranger and community safety coordinator due to what a council report called “operational and organizational circumstances.”
The current CBFCO is Nicole Stevens-Barrett, who is also the district’s ranger and community safety coordinator.
Earlier this year, as part of a review of bushfire management regulations, the region’s volunteer brigades were asked if they would like the CBFCO role to be filled by a district employee or a brigade volunteer.
Brigades said there were pros and cons to both arrangements, but a volunteer was preferred because it would maintain a strong connection to the brigade culture, “operational reliability” and “voluntary ownership” of bushfire leadership.
The district’s wildfire advisory committee voted 6-1 in favor of having a volunteer in the role at its May meeting. Coolup volunteer bush fire service FCO Douglas McLarty, who is also the area chairman, voted against it.
The council voted unanimously to follow the committee’s recommendation at its June 18 meeting.
Cr Rob Cashman, who said he was a member of the South Yunderup/Ravenswood brigade, said the brigades had sent a “very clear” message.
“Our brigades have strongly expressed their preference for a volunteer leadership model for the roles of chief wildfire control officer and deputy chief wildfire control officer,” he said.
“The report highlights that volunteers bring operational knowledge, trusted relationships and a deep understanding of the brigade’s capabilities and community expectations.
“These strengths…are fundamental to effective wildfire response and cannot be replicated through a model implemented across the state.”
He said the volunteers know the land and each other very well and have operational experience.
“When volunteers who are frontline responders tell us about the leadership structure that best supports them, I believe it is our responsibility to listen,” Cr Cashman said.
Having a paid employee as a CBFCO was viewed by brigades as providing greater availability, administrative consistency and greater integration with provincial functions, but there were concerns about the impact this would have on brigade morale and autonomy.
North Dandalup, Dwellingup, West Murray and Pinjarra brigades have opted to have a voluntary CBFCO. The Coolup brigade opted for a paid CBFCO.
The South Yunderup/Ravenswood brigade said there was insufficient time to consider the proposal but opposed the “unilateral appointment by the district” of a paid CBFCO.
He said the position must come with a shire vehicle. The West Murray brigadier said it should come with a car and a payment of between $10,000 and $15,000.
A vehicle was being allocated but was deemed no longer useful by district management following changes to the fire management structure and internal personnel changes.
A report to the committee last year said CBFCO received $2,500 a year and MPs received $1,500.
Position descriptions of CBFCO and its deputy were also prepared. The council report said they did not change responsibilities and intended to clarify what the expectations were for the positions.
Key responsibilities include managing fire resources during wildfire incidents, promoting positive brigade culture, and assisting in resolving operational or brigade related issues.
Expressions of interest for the two roles were open from 2 to 16 June. Applications will be evaluated by the wildfire advisory committee on July 8.
A council report said they were called ahead of the council’s decision to avoid delays in filling them ahead of the 2026-27 fire season.
