Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The record breaking temperatures and fierce, hot winds that Tasmania experienced yesterday are putting lives, homes and wilderness at risk, just as they did last summer.
On behalf of the Greens, I extend our deepest gratitude to the those fighting the fires and everyone supporting them. They represent the best of the Tasmanian spirit.
To the people of Fingal and Pelham, I am sure you will be looking out for each other. Please take no risks and stay safe.
Memories of recent summers are still raw for many islanders. My colleague, Rosalie Woodruff and I acknowledge the anxiety and fear in the community.
There is no doubt we are seeing firsthand what a climate emergency looks like.
So much has already been lost in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. Human lives, millions of animals, homes, entire forest ecosystems. The devastation is just unspeakably sad, and it continues today.
We need climate action as a matter of absolute urgency.
While this island was fortunate, this time, to escape a larger dry lightening storm, there were still hundreds of strikes across the state.
Some of the areas hit, or still burning from the last strikes, are wilderness gems - the South West, takayna/Tarkine and the wild south coast.
We know everyone fighting these fires will be doing everything they can, and we strongly urge the Hodgman Government to ensure every available resource is applied to ensure Tasmania doesn’t face a repeat of last summer.