For a small island off the south coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island gives a big bang for its buck. It has spectacular landscapes, significant cultural sites, wildlife that includes several endangered species and world-class produce. These are just some of the reasons why it is so important to protect this precious part of the world from bushfire.

Bruny Island is two islands – North and South Bruny – bound together by a narrow sandbank called ‘The Neck’. The island is prone to bushfires with no readily accessible water for the volunteer fire service.

Battling bushfire on Bruny Island

We recently interviewed Leigh Blackwell, Fire Chief for the North Bruny Fire Station which received Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local stream funding to install two water tanks.

Leigh said while the water tanks do not seem like a big deal, when seawater is the only readily available water – and is unsuitable - they are a game changer. He highlighted that having direct access to water instead of having to go onto farmers’ properties to source it from dams, will make a big difference.

“Water is one of our biggest issues. Having the water tanks will make it so much faster and safer to get water if a fire did break out. There are a lot of things on this island like wedge-tail eagles and significant Aboriginal cultural sites that need to be protected.”

The locally embedded National Emergency Management Agency staff member spoke about the valuable role the water tanks play preparing the Island for future disasters, and protecting residents and visitors if a bushfire broke out.

“In summer during the tourist season the population can jump from 99 to 1000. With only one road in and out of the main township, people’s safety is a big consideration,” she said.

Bruny Island: Aboriginal cultural significance

Bruny Island holds great cultural significance for the Tasmanian First Nations community. Murrayfield Station run by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation is home to around nine thousand sheep and hosts 300 sites of cultural significance.

Bushfire is a constant threat to locals, tourists, cultural sites and wildlife on Bruny Island. Protection against future outbreaks ensures the preservation of the unique features that culminate to make this premier destination such a special part of Australia.

Find out more about how we’re helping local communities prepare for future disasters.

About this project

Who: North Bruny Fire Station (grant applicant ‘Friends of North Bruny’)

What: The purchase, delivery and installation of two water tanks with associated tank foundation, plumbing and fire pump.

Program funding: Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local stream Funding received: $46,000

Benefits delivered: This project will improve the resilience and preparedness of North Bruny to respond to bushfire hazards faster, with a dedicated water supply on the island, making it safer for residents and visitors.

Project end date: The project was completed on 31 October 2022.

Related articles: Funding supports Australian wildlife bushfire recovery and preparation