WA will allocate $80 million to its new Rural Fire Division – funded through a rise in the emergency services levy (ESL) on council rates – and take further steps to reduce risks as it continues to respond to deadly bushfires two years ago.

Other funding includes $34.6 million for mitigation, which adds to the Mitigation Activity Fund announced in November, $18 million for a Bushfire Centre of Excellence and $15 million to extend a risk management plan program.

“The Rural Fire Division is a major part of the broader changes and will not only recognise the skills and experience of volunteers, but provide them with even greater support,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said.

The division will sit within a revamped Fire and Emergency Services Department and will not change the operational and management structure of Bush Fire Brigades, which remain with local governments.

The Bushfire Centre of Excellence will be developed to enhance fire management practices across the state and provide a specialised facility for volunteer training.

The Government says the metropolitan ESL will rise by $28 from July, while regional ESL categories will increase by $8-$17.

The changes will be included in the state budget, to be delivered on May 10.

Changes to bushfire strategy were recommended by an inquiry into the January 2016 Waroona-Yarloop blaze, which left two people dead and destroyed 181 homes. Insurance losses totalled $71.3 million.