All 76 recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry have been approved in principle by the state government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a media conference on Tuesday morning, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the recommendations were "wide-ranging", but repeatedly stated was "no silver bullet" when it came to preventing bushfires.
"The last summer was caused by a crippling drought, seeing an increase in fuel loads, that's a matter of public record," he said.
"What we also know is that the vast majority of these fires were started by lightning strikes, and of course that's not something that a government, no matter how hard we work, can prepare for."
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was a "sense of urgency" as "the next fire season is already upon us".
She also added the fact that the "climate is changing" was acknowledged in the inquiry's report.
Mr Elliott said the recommendations from the six-month inquiry did not contain "any real criticism" of the way the last bushfire season was approached.
He said there was a stronger focus on aviation assets, while NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said the fire service would be looking at its night-time abilities.
Mr Elliott said the government was prepared for the coming bushfire season, and these recommendations will sharpen its ability to prepare for the unknown.
"Everything we do with these 76 recommendations will be focused on protecting life and property," he said.
When discussing hazard reduction, Mr Rogers said landowners already had rights on their properties as well as obligations to ensure a fire did not leave their property.
Mr Elliott said the Premier had given him permission to look beyond the 76 recommendations required.
A NSW government media release states all 76 recommendations will be accepted in principle, with further work to be done on specific timelines to give communities assurance that changes will be made to keep them safe.