The Climate Council is calling on the Federal Government to provide funding for ongoing research into bushfires following news that the organisation dedicated to such research will be axed.

Funding for the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) will cease on June 30, 2021 despite Australia just experiencing one of its worst fire seasons on record.

“There must be funding for ongoing natural disaster research whether it is through the CRC or another mechanism,” said Climate Councillor and Former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, Greg Mullins.

“This summer’s devastating fires show how important it is to have a dedicated research organisation. Climate change is supercharging bushfires. Fires are becoming more difficult and expensive to fight and fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer,” said Mr Mullins.

“Overlapping bushfire seasons also means it is becoming more difficult to share resources between states and territories and also between countries,” he said.

“The Federal Government needs a plan that prepares Australian communities as well as health and emergency services for escalating fire danger. We must also rapidly phase out the burning of coal, oil and gas which is driving more dangerous fires,” he said.

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