CITY of Kalamunda council resolved to advertise their draft bush fire brigades local law 2025 for public comment at their May 27 ordinary council meeting.

The proposed local law’s purpose is to provide for the establishment, organisation and maintenance, administration, and funding of bush fire brigades in Kalamunda.

The intended effect of this local law as outlined in council documents is to assist bush fire brigades in the area in complying with changes in law and operational practise.

The new act is broken up into six parts with the first part covering the preliminary information about the law and the definitions of terms used within the law.

The second part is about bush fire brigades and what needs to be done when establishing one, outlining when a local government may establish one, and the different roles that need to be appointed.

Part three covers the dissolution of bush fire brigades and how the city would dissolve a brigade if it is of the opinion the brigade isn’t complying with the act or achieving the objectives for which it was established.

It states that if a brigade’s registration is cancelled, the city is to make alternative arrangements in respect of the brigade area but does not specify what those arrangements might be.

Part four relates to the organisation and maintenance of fire brigades and outlines the duties of each role such as the chief bush fire control officer’s responsibility in maintaining, replacing and upkeeping all brigade protective clothing, equipment and appliances.

The fifth part of the document concerns administration and covers clauses to do with suspensions and terminations of appointed positions as well as bushfire meetings.

The final part of the new local law is a general section that states in addition to funding made available through emergency services grants, the city may provide further funding depending on the assessment of budget priorities for the year.

The city’s meeting minutes state the chief bush fire control officer and the bush fire advisory committee were consulted and have endorsed the draft local law.

The City of Kalamunda said on their official Facebook account that they acknowledged there had been recent media attention around volunteer compensation.

“However, it’s important to note that this matter is separate and not related to the local law currently being proposed,” they said.

Feedback on the new local law may be submitted in person, through email at enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or via the Engage Kalamunda portal.

Comments will close by 5pm on July 25.