South Australia has allocated nearly $100 million ahead of the upcoming bushfire season including a plan for a 50% increase in prescribed burns.

A $49 million action plan was unveiled last week on top of the $48.5 million announced in July.

The $97.5 million total will be injected into the state’s emergency services sector and the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) to equip the state with stronger resources in preparation for future catastrophic bushfire events.

Environment and Water Minister David Speirs says DEW will receive $37 million to significantly increase hazard reduction across the state.

“We know prescribed burns play a critical role in helping reduce the risk of bushfires and providing safer access corridors for firefighters,” he said. “The extra $37 million will allow us to undertake more hazard reduction across the state with the aim to increase our prescribed burns program by 50% in the coming years.”

The extra funds come after last year’s devastating bushfire season, which saw almost 279,000 hectares of land burned, nearly 68,000 livestock lost and three people killed. .

A subsequent review by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty to look at what can be done to mitigate the impacts of future bushfires produced 68 findings and 15 recommendations.

“We have responded swiftly to the review and have already begun implementing a number of immediate action items in preparation for the 2020/21 bushfire season,” SA Premier Steven Marshall said.

The review recommended extra staff and equipment; better protection for critical assets; enhanced communications and technology; improved information and mental health support for emergency services.

Funding of $20.3 million for new trucks and enhanced communications and technology has previously been announced, and a further $16.7 million in federal and state funding will be invested over five years for the South Australian Disaster Risk Reduction Grants Program.

A progress report will be delivered in September next year.