The independent Bushfire Building Council of Australia (BBCA) has joined scientists and indigenous experts in calling for a national strategy to improve community resilience to fire.

CEO Kate Cotter says states and territories have “a multitude of agencies dealing with bushfire, often with conflicting interests” and the current set-up cannot cope with the growing challenge.

“We urge the Federal Government to bring our bushfire scientists and indigenous fire experts together to develop a national bushfire strategy,” Ms Cotter said.

“We know it is absolutely achievable to reduce bushfire intensity, which reduces the impact on life, property and the environment.

“The cost savings are well documented. This could be a game-changer for our nation.”

The BBCA says high-risk communities contain less than 5% bushfire-compliant housing.

“We have chosen to retreat from bushfire by leaving our environment unmanaged and our communities to fend for themselves,” BBCA Expert Advisory Board Chairman Stephen Kip said.

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