Foundations laid for Institute

The proposal for an Australasian Fire Research Centre has been gaining momentum in recent months, with our Governing Board focused on laying the foundation work. The idea of an Institute was raised and recommended by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. It provides a once in a generation opportunity to develop a centre of global excellence in the practice of managing fire and related natural hazards.

Our environment is now more complex than when the Bushfire CRC began in 2003. Our partners have grown and cover a broader range of activities alongside fire, including managing the land all year round.

The Institute will bring together the best researchers from around Australasia and other countries in a coordinated and national research program. Like the Bushfire CRC, it is supported by all Australian and New Zealand fire and land management agencies, as well as leading universities and research organisations.

Importantly, the Institute will build on the depth of research undertaken by the Bushfire CRC with a broader and ongoing strategic focus on natural hazards. It will continue to ensure that this research is used by our partners, education providers and the community.

I encourage you to keep watching our website for more updates on the progress of the Institute. For Stakeholder Council representatives, a thorough update will be provided at the June meeting.