The Victorian Government says it has prepared for the summer bushfire season by investing a record $517 million, recruiting 600 seasonal firefighters and undertaking year-round planned burning.

More than 500 planned burns covering 135,000 hectares of public land have been completed since June last year, while 154 Fire Operations Officers have been added to Forest Fire Management Victoria’s ranks, for a firefighting workforce more than 1000 strong.

“Victoria is one of the most bushfire prone regions in the world. We’re constantly adapting to the challenges of climate change, ensuring the risk from bushfires is minimised,” Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said. “We are prepared for the summer ahead.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria has undertaken precision, high priority burning close to homes, catchments, power supplies, schools, hospitals and key transport routes. Crews have also supported 15 cultural burns led by Traditional Owner Groups.

More than $35 million has been spent enhancing the state’s strategic fuel breaks, with 484 kilometres upgraded and another 963 kilometres of work expected by mid 2022.