Criticism for confusing 'catastrophic' warning

THE state opposition has criticised the government for not properly explaining the definition of a "catastrophic" bushfire warning.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Melinda Pavey said yesterday the government must do more to explain its catastrophic fire warning system.

Residents across NSW have said they are unsure about what "catastrophic" means and that the definition is unclear, a spokesman for Mrs Pavey said.

Former Rural Fire Service Commissioner Phil Koperberg also publicly criticised the addition level of "catastrophic".

Mrs Pavey said many in the community believed that if a catastrophic warning was issued, a catastrophe was imminent.

"The warning system was developed nationally following the tragic Victorian bushfires last year," she said.

"Former Commissioner Phil Koperberg is correct in saying there is confusion in the general community.

"The community is saying that the warning relates to imminent danger not the culmination of fire risk through high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions.

"The State Labor Goverment and Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, must do more to explain to the community what the new system means.

"If the State Labor Cabinet was picked on merit then Phil Koperberg would be in it, but unfortunately it is not.

"Nobody knows more about bushfires in NSW than Phil Koperberg so the State Government shouldn't be so dismissive of him.

"If people lose faith in warning systems through lack of understanding and respect for the warning, we create a very dangerous situation," Mrs Pavey said.

Phil Koperberg.