Category Archives: Fire Management

Risk management vs random burning: a reply

We’ve received a prompt reply to the questions we put to the Environment and the Bushfire Response Ministers yesterday. Readers will remember that our question was simple: –the government is trumpeting its achievement in setting out to burn 5% of … Continue reading

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Yee–Haah! On the runaway horse!

The Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Bushfire Response, Kim Wells, has today issued a press release on the State Government’s achievements in planned burning. The release is mainly concerned with publicising increased cooperation between DEPI and the CFA; it … Continue reading

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What are our ‘high value ecosystem areas’ [and how do we know?]

On Monday August 25 the Department of the Environment and Primary Industries hosted a meeting with representatives of enviro groups from the West Central Risk Management area. The point of the meeting was to discuss current and future fire planning … Continue reading

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Where do the plantations fit in the Fire Operations Plan?

Residents living near the Hancock Moonlight Flat pine plantations have been informed by company foresters that the plantations are to be harvested and resown this coming season. This finally puts to rest the story that the plantations were slated to … Continue reading

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Safety last?

The Conversation website this weekend carries an important article by Deakin University researchers on the burning program currently supported by both major parties in Victoria. Revealingly titled ‘Burnoff policies could be damaging habitats for 100 years’ the article patiently explains … Continue reading

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Royal Commission Monitor hits the target, again

The Royal Commission Implementation Monitor, Neil Comrie, has once again questioned the policy of burning five per cent of public land annually. The Monitor’s Annual report is released today. It can be found here. The relevant section of the report … Continue reading

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Fire planning starts again

Along with other interested parties, FOBIF has been invited by DEPI to express its ‘fire management priorities, issues or concerns as they relate to DEPI’s strategic fire management priorities, and also about fire prevention works’ in our area. This is … Continue reading

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Anonymous mound of dirt tells a story

The photo below shows a barely noticeable mound of dirt, covered with grass, next to the Limestone Track near the Tarilta Creek crossing. Passers by might not give it a glance: a pity, because this mound of dirt should be … Continue reading

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Tassie fire chief: reduction target ‘no benefit’ to safety

At the risk of beating the same old drum on the five per cent burning target practised by the Victorian Government,  we reprint here reports from Tasmania on the island government’s parallel policy. The report is from the Weekly Times … Continue reading

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Fuel reduction: how long do the benefits last?

Evidence presented to the Tarran Valley panel by bushfire expert Stephen Carn on behalf of the CFA shines some light on the limits of fuel reduction. Discussing the fire risk in the area surrounding the proposed development,  Mr Carn says … Continue reading

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