Category Archives: News

Forget about VCE results: here’s the DEPI report

Posted on 31 December, 2013 by fobif

DEPI has produced a report on its fuel management activity for 2012-13: Reducing Victoria’s bushfire risk on public land. The relevant sections can be found here and here. The report offers a four part scale of achievement: –‘fully achieved’ –‘achieved … Continue reading →

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FOBIF gets a gong

Posted on 29 December, 2013 by fobif

Over a hundred representatives of local volunteer organisations gathered at the Castlemaine Market Building in December as part of international volunteer day. Volunteers ranging widely in age and field of from Castlemaine Secondary students to visitors to care accommodation were … Continue reading →

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Bushfire ‘risk landscape’ forum in Castlemaine

Posted on 29 December, 2013 by fobif

This forum–focussing on the West Central district–was held in Castlemaine on December 11 for a disappointing attendance of only 8 community members, outnumbered by DEPI officers. The West Central district covers the area from Geelong to north of Bendigo, and … Continue reading →

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Ecology last?

Posted on 29 December, 2013 by fobif

The Castlemaine Forum was given a summary of the bushfire risk profile developed by DEPI in cooperation with various research bodies. The profile is a working document rather than a set of conclusions, and is about risk to human life … Continue reading →

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Moss guide published

Posted on 9 December, 2013 by fobif

FOBIF’s publication, A field guide to the mosses of south eastern Australia, has been published. If you wish to place an order this form has all the details and includes a sample page.

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Common sense hammers at the door–again

Posted on 29 November, 2013 by fobif

The Victorian Commissioner for the environment, Kate Auty, has released her State of the Environment Report for 2013. It can be found online here.   A brief summary of the Report’s findings can be found in the Age of November … Continue reading →

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How well is ‘fuel reduction’ working?

Posted on 13 November, 2013 by fobif

It’s been a good Spring for weeds, and one of those doing best around our district is Wild Oats, which is flourishing on roadsides and street reserves, along Forest Creek, and in some bush areas. Interestingly, wild oats has sprung … Continue reading →

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Spectacular orchid display on last FOBIF walk

Posted on 8 November, 2013 by fobif

On 20 October Richard Piesse led the last FOBIF walk for the year in the Fryers Ranges. The day was hot and the walk quite strenuous but the wildflowers, particularly the spider orchids at the lunch spot, made the trip … Continue reading →

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Acoustic Celebration of Box-Ironbark Country

Posted on 23 October, 2013 by fobif

The premiere of a new radiophonic work, Jaara Jaara Seasons, will take place in Fryerstown on Sunday 3rd November. Internationally renowned Sound Artist, Ros Bandt, has been immersed recording the sounds of box-ironbark over a 12 month period, with the kind permission of … Continue reading →

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Bushfires: the why and the wherefore

Posted on 21 October, 2013 by fobif

The bushfire season is well and truly on for Australia,  as witness the destructive fires raging in NSW. The fires will no doubt be followed by discussion about prevention of such disasters. Readers interested in the subject could do worse … Continue reading →

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