Bushfire - an Intensifying Risk for Queensland

Lee Johnson AFSM FIFireE Commissioner (Ret) QFES

The presentation will cover the Climate Science factors influencing changes to the level of risk that Natural Hazards present to Queensland with a focus on why Bushfire is becoming more concerning. Lee will also discuss the history of and the current preparedness levels in Queensland, as well as what can be done to better prepare the Queensland community with a focus on the role that mitigation plays in keeping us safe. How better co-ordination between Fire Services, Government land agencies such as QPWS, private land holders and the use of practices used by First Nations people contribute to better land management.

Bio: Lee Johnson AFSM FIFireE served as Commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services for 13 years. (2002 – 2015)

Having joined the fire service in Townsville in 1975 where he worked for 10 years as a firefighter before transferring to the Gold Coast as a Station Officer, Lee was promoted to Rockhampton in 1988 as the Deputy Chief Officer and 1990 District Commander. In 1997 he was appointed as an Assistant Commissioner for the then Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority in Central Region and later in 2001 Brisbane South Region.

During his time as Commissioner, Lee played a key role in the development of Urban Search and Rescue capability within QFES and nationally working closely with Emergency Management Australia (EMA). Lee is a strong advocate for enhancing Building fire safety. Lee has extensive experience in command and control and Chaired the AFAC Committee for the renewal of the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS).   
He has been a speaker at International Fire and Safety Conferences in Asia. In 2013 Lee was inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Fire Engineers having been a member since 1976.

Lee served as President of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) for 4 years (2009 – 2013) and as a Director on the Board of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) from 2003-2015. Lee is currently a Board Director of Bushfire and Natural Hazards Co-operative Research Centre (BNHCRC -2003) and is a founding member of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA). Lee currently works as an advisor to Locatrix a fire safety and indoor mapping company.

Please note: If you have registered for the Zoom live stream the lecture link will be emailed to you closer to the lecture date. Also, please make sure your microphone and camera are turned off when you join the meeting. The lecture may be recorded as well.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au.

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