In the News: Prescribed burns to continue in South West after firefighting industrial action concludes with new offer
Shadow Minister for Forestry and Warren–Blackwood MLA - Manjimup-Bridgetown Times 14 May 2025
Summary
State bushfire crews will resume prescribed burning and fire load management after accepting a new pay offer, ending recent industrial action. The agreement was welcomed by Bevan Eatts MLA, who had raised concerns over its impact on 150 burns and is advocating for a broader regional fire strategy.
Key Points
Firefighters represented by the AWU and DBCA delegates endorsed a new EBA, providing improved pay and more flexible leave.
Industrial action, which paused on May 8, had threatened to delay 150 prescribed burns across regional WA.
Bevan Eatts backed the workers' demands and reiterated the need for a comprehensive regional fire strategy with local input.
The AWU praised the deal as a “substantial and meaningful increase” and highlighted support from crews in Manjimup, Margaret River, Busselton, Walpole, and other South West towns.
DBCA stated that prescribed burns would proceed when safe, acknowledging the vital role of its 344 AWU-represented firefighting staff.
