Sydneysiders are starting to feel the effects of the bushfires ravaging the state. The blame lies with the government for their past inaction.

Ex-NSW Fire Commissioner Phil Koperberg believes that it’s too late to add more resources. He fears that we will end up in a situation similar to California, with wildfires burning the entire year.

what needs to change

Technically the NSW fire season has not started. However, we’ve already lost 1.5 million hectares of land. Additionally, we’ve lost over 600 homes and six lives from the bushfires.  Politicians don’t seem to be talking about the causes of the fires. Nor are they discussing what measures they plan on taking to stop history repeating itself.

One of the main contributors to the bushfires are combustible fuels. How we fix this is something that the government needs to start talking about. They must seek help from farmers, scientists and land managers for solutions.

Scott Morrison needs to stop ignoring climate change. He risks a storm of activism that will make the Extinction rebellion look like a storm in a teacup. The business community needs to start factoring climate change into their planning, investment, and statements.

As a community, businesses need to let our leaders know that their lack of action is not okay.  All NSW and national businesses need to start thinking about what practical assistance they can offer to our community.

Let’s follow the examples of what the locals are doing for those affected by bushfires. Small businesses, like the Hotel Motel 5 in South Grafton, are opening their doors. Accommodating firefighters, evacuees and the general community with food and accommodation.

The Turramurra Sikh Temple opened its doors and fed firefighters after they brought an emergency level fire back under control. Locals in Nana Glen, NSW have opened their homes to help with food and a place to rest.

It’s great to see local support. But as the fires come closer to the capital.. Sydney based businesses need to take a stand and start to see where they can help.  A lot can be achieved if everyone pitches in.

what DDP Property is doing

Zaki Ameer, director of DDP Property (DDP), has pledged to donate $30 000 to help one of the bushfire victims rebuild their property.

“It’s about giving something back and showing our support.  Every little bit helps, which is why we are donating one of our $30 000 commissions to help a bushfire victim start rebuilding,” said Ameer.

While not every business has the same resources to donate as DDP… There are plenty of organizations that you can donate to. These include; the Rotary Club Appeal, NSW Rural Fire Service, Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul.