When a large part of Central NSW is enduring extreme flooding, and on the heels of a string of wet weeks and minor flooding in the local area, it’s easy to feel complacent about fire risk for the coming summer. 

But as the RFS has pointed out, the mild winter and wet spring will result in healthy growth in paddocks and gardens, which will dry out and increase the summer fire risk. 

At the same time, the ongoing wet weather is likely to hamper any burning off in preparation for summer. 

However, the wet weather will give owners time to take steps to protect their properties by clearing overgrown vegetation, removing rubbish and flammable material and preparing a bushfire survival plan. 

The response to a Mudgee Guardian online poll early this year indicated that most people are aware of the need to plan for bushfire, with 77 per cent indicating they had a bushfire survival plan, and a further 11 per cent indicating that they did not have one, but knew they should. 

However, 11 per cent  still believed that they would be fine without making preparations for bushfires. 

RFS volunteers have recently been out and about talking to residents about the outlook for the fire season and what they steps they can take to prepare. 

There’s still plenty of time to speak to your local RFS volunteers about the best way to protect your family and property this summer, or go to  www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for information. 

With the launch of the Mudgee Region Farm-Gate Trail and Marketing Strategy on Thursday night and the success of Flavours of Mudgee, the Mid-Western Region continues to build its reputation as a source of  quality food and drink.  

While the local wine industry remains the cornerstone of the tourist industry, a host of farmers, growers and producers are showcasing the many other products the region has to offer.  The Farmgate trail builds on the Mudgee Fine Foods philosophy of taking consumers straight to the source of local produce and is a valuable addition to the region’s attractions.