Category Archives: News

FOBIF has lent its name to the letter below, urging DELWP to take account of recent research on the Eltham Copper butterfly when it conducts its fuel reduction operation in Kalimna Park this autumn. This operation is a test case … Continue reading →

While we’re on the subject of fire in Box Ironbark systems, it might be worth while recalling important research conducted by scientists at the Arthur Rylah Institute in 2007, and published as Ecological burning in Box Ironbark Forests.  Thirteen years … Continue reading →

Here’s something to think about, from Victor Steffensen’s book Fire Country–how Indigenous fire management could help save Australia [Hardie Grant Travel 2020]: ‘When it comes to Aboriginal fire management, the old people didn’t burn every ecosystem. Many people think that Aboriginal … Continue reading →

The harmless, even charming looking plant below is Tribulus terrestris—variously called Caltrop, bindii, cat’s head, goat’s head, yellow vine. It’s a native of North Africa, now naturalised around the world, including Australia. It’s thought to have been introduced here as … Continue reading →

Another part of the terms of reference is to investigate the matter of ‘hazard reduction.’ Although this has been a favourite theme of commentators wanting to distract the public from the fact that climate change might be making bushfires worse, … Continue reading →

Here’s a factor which should not be forgotten: human causes of fire. We’re not talking only about arson: carelessness or sheer ignorance are factors. The fire which seriously threatened the Canberra suburbs recently was caused by an army helicopter…And it … Continue reading →

Come along to the launch of Trace Balla’s latest book — Landing With Wings — set right here on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Trace is the much loved creator of creator of Rivertime and Rockhopping, The Thank You Dish and … Continue reading →

The Castlemaine Garden Club has invited FOBIF members and supporters to their March meeting: We have been lucky enough to secure Dr Alison Pouliot as our speaker. Alison is an honorary fellow at Australian National University, and has published The … Continue reading →

The Andrews government has closed an “outdated” legal loophole that allowed people to kill wombats without a permit in eastern Victoria. More than 4000 wombats are killed each year, according to the Victorian Greens, because of a decades-old rule that … Continue reading →