Local burn targets, not a statewide target, need to be considered

Friday, 27 August 2010

Media release

The Victorian National Parks Association today called on the State Government to have a close look at regional targets for fuel reduction burning instead of a one size fits all statewide target, and to increase funding for ecological monitoring and research.

“Reaching a planned burn target of 385,000 hectares a year by 2015 will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve and is likely to have a significant impact on Victoria’s native plants and animals,” VNPA’s Fire Project spokesperson Phil Ingamells said.

In the Brumby Government’s response to the Bushfires Royal Commission's recommendations, just 2% of the land and fuel management budget (only $8.4 million over four years out of a total budget of more than $400 million) is to be spent on research and monitoring of the impacts of burns on biodiversity.

“This is an inadequate response to the Bushfires Royal Commission’s clear call for a significant upgrade of research into the impacts of planned burning on biodiversity, including establishing a research centre in Victoria,” Mr Ingamells said.

“State-wide burn targets are counterproductive, both for public safety and for protection of nature, as they tend to push burning operations into remote areas like the Mallee.

“The more difficult, but more important, burns around vulnerable townships tend to be ignored as they contribute little to the statewide target.

“We need to ensure that fuel reduction burns are based on strategic and science-based criteria. Communities deserve local burn targets, geared to their local safety considerations, and taking note of local tourism and industry issues, as well as protection of local flora and fauna,” Mr Ingamells said.

“It is no comfort to a township in Gippsland if a statewide target is reached by burning in the far west of the state,” he added.

The VNPA also flagged concerns about the impact fire control will have on native vegetation on roadsides, particularly in already highly cleared areas of the state, where roadside vegetation is of very high conservation significance, and also the 18 month delay in removing the 10/30 rule, which was criticised by the commission.

The VNPA welcomed increased resources for fire fighting, emergency management, electricity caused fire, planning and building rules and community information and education campaigns.

For more information contact Phil Ingamells on 03 9347 5188.

Background Information

More details of the VNPA’s analysis and response to issues surrounding fuel reduction burning, clearing of roadside vegetation and planning controls can be found on under the fire and biodiversity section of our website.