AFAC member agencies are responsible for the provision of fire and emergency services within Australia and New Zealand. These services include:
- Preparing and educating the community to deal with risks from fire and other natural hazards
- Response to fire and emergency incidents, rescue and spills of hazardous materials
- Use of fire to manage land
The demand for these services has been steadily growing over the years, as has community expectations. At the same time unprecedented growth in urban/rural interface, city and regional areas has placed significant pressure on fire and emergency service infrastructure. Not only are new services required for new community developments, the risk profile of existing communities is rapidly changing. The industry is therefore continually seeking new and innovative ways to bring about the changes needed whilst at the same time continuing to provide high quality services to the community.
Future Challenges
There are a range of drivers that impact on the capacity and capability of fire and emergency services across Australasia and the globe. These drivers represent significant challenges for the industry and member agencies are investing in research and development activities that will help them be better prepared and adaptable.
Key partners in the Bushfire CRC and a subsequent CRC re-bid process, AFAC members seek new knowledge and innovation that will assist them be better prepared to successfully navigate through the future.
As these drivers accelerate, can the fire and emergency services adapt quickly enough and is the current model appropriate for a future that might look quite different? Is the industry ready to reinvent itself? These issues among others are now being considered and are growing in importance.
As the world grapples with global warming, the rising price of oil and the continued downward spiral of global markets, the fire and emergency services industry needs to be vigilant and ready to play its role in a significantly altered future.
