THE start of the Official Bushfire Season in the ACT has been delayed by one month due to the current wet conditions across the Territory and will now commence on 1 November 2016.

“All the indicators suggest that the risk of bushfires occurring between now and December 2016 is low,” ESA Commissioner Dominic Lane said.

“The ACT has been subject to above average rainfall across the Territory for a number of months, with a new rainfall record set in June 2016. The grasslands around the ACT are fully saturated and all farm dams and lakes are full.

“The outlook provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC (BNHCRC) Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2016 states that for the next three months Australia can expect a higher chance of above average rainfall.

“The combination of these factors supports postponing the commencement of bushfire season in the ACT to 1 November 2016, so after consulting with the ACT Bushfire Council I have made that decision.

“The delay also provides Canberra residents with the opportunity to prepare their homes and businesses against the impact of bushfires in the coming months.

“The ESA website esa.act.gov.au has all the information you need to get ready for the bushfires season. This includes links to download a Bushfire Survival Plan via mobile app or in hard copy.

“I encourage everyone to make their preparations ahead of the height of summer and bushfire danger period.”