Bushfires 21 Nov 1951 “when flood, fire or famine threatens”
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/141215180?searchTerm=bushfires&searchLimits=#
The bushfires that have been experienced in the State over the past few weeks have indeed been terrible as bushfires always are wild resultant loss of valuable feed, timber, stock, housing and personal possessions.
Any loss occasioned by bush fire is both a national loss and a personal loss, for while the nation suffers to the extent of at least £5 million it is estimated Individuals, also suffer, and their loss is greater in proportion to their means than the nation’s.
It is pleasing to see that £20,000 has been made available by the Commonwealth, and State Governments tor relief, but that will cover only tho bare essentials for those that have suffered terrific losses of home arid possessions quite apart from loss of stock, etc., In fact, their means of livelihood;
Of course, there will certainly be funds established In stricken centres, and there will be generous help given to the bushfire victims, but the consistent ravages of fire, flood, famine should bring it home forcibly to us that there must be some other steps taken to combat these national and personal losses.
Naturally it is not in man’s province to halt Hoods, to prevent the outbreak of fire. (though much more can be done regarding this second than in the case of Hood), but there certainly could be a measure of planning that would make less likely the ravages that annually occur from these outbursts of Nature.
No matter how much assistance Governments or the people give, no matter how much insurance can be collected, when these catastrophies come to pass, nothing can compensate people (or the nation) for losses sustained.
The only way in which relief will be granted to those that usually suffer those on the land is through a system the Federal Government is insisting that the nation is put on a footing of war preparedness. By
all means let the nation be put on an emergency footing, but let not all thought be to the peril we can
see overseas.
There are quite enough natural perils in Australia itself to keep the whole nation and its fighting capacity extended to the full without worrying about overseas dangers.
Naturally we have to worry about these outside dangers, but let us spend a good proportion of our time and resources in preparing to meet Nature’s onslaughts, so that when flood, fire or famine threatens there will be less loss than is usual, less mourning, less that has to be recovered and made good, a lesser period of returning to normal.
Each year Australia and her people suffer it must not be allowed to continue.