From the Mayor's Desk

There are many joys that come from living in the Bushland Shire, but also a number of hazards. These are particularly significant at this time of year, when the storms are most violent and the risk of bushfires is at its peak. We saw this firsthand last summer, when a number of storms caused damage throughout the region and the flames from bushfires were right at our Shire’s borders. It is inevitable that both of these naturally occurring events will strike again, if not this summer than at some point in the future, so it’s vital that we all take the necessary steps to prepare. There are a number of ways to prepare for storms, including maintaining your yard, securing items that might be blown around and preparing an emergency kit. The best way to be safe from bushfires is to prepare a bushfire survival plan, so you and all of your family know exactly what to do. One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk from both storms and bushfires is to make sure your gutters are clear of fallen leaves and other debris. I strongly urge you to visit ses.nsw.gov.au and rfs.nsw.gov.au to find out more about how you can be prepared this summer.

Philip Ruddock AO

Mayor Hornsby Shire Council