An MP from New South Wales has criticized the state government for putting the region at a “catastrophic” risk during the current bushfire season, citing the achievement of just 11 percent of targeted hazard reduction burns.

Since July 1, the Rural Fire Service has managed to clear only 40,000 hectares out of a goal of 372,000 hectares.

Gurmesh Singh, the Nationals Leader and MP for Coffs Harbour, expressed concern that this lack of preparedness has left a dangerously high level of flammable vegetation. He pointed to the severe bushfire near Bulahdelah, which led to the closure of the Pacific Highway, as a forewarning of potential future threats.

Typically, about 60 percent of hazard reduction burns take place after the bushfire season, during the autumn months.

In the 2024-25 period, the Rural Fire Service managed to burn only 100,936 hectares, covering a mere 27 percent of their hazard reduction goal.

Additionally, the Rural Fire Service is focusing on launching educational campaigns aimed at helping communities better prepare for the bushfire season.

”We encourage communities to do what they can as bush fire preparation is a shared responsibility, with hazard reduction only part of the solution,” a spokesperson said.

“Keeping gutters clear, trimming overhanging branches, and having a bush fire survival plan in place are all critical steps that every property owner should take to prepare for the threat of fire.”