Environment Matters Autumn/Winter 2023

Fuel to the fire Now is the time to Get Ready for bushfire season.

Rural Fire Service Bushfire Safety Officer Jessica Eadie said preparations had commenced for the upcoming 2023 fire season. “We’ve had three years of La Nina, which has had a considerable impact on the accumulation of vegetation such as grass, undergrowth, leaves, bark and branches,” she said. The ongoing rain has also provided few opportunities to reduce these fuel loads due to weather and issues like vehicles bogging. “It means the next fire season there is likely to be an increase due to those factors,” Ms Eadie said. “We could see some high intensity fires too, depending on that growth of vegetation.” Ms Eadie is with a new bushfire mitigation unit which assists and advises landowners and partner agencies on larger scale burns. “Hazard reduction burns are one of the most effective ways to reduce bushfire risk,” she said. “Other strategies include fire breaks or fire trails, having firefighting equipment on hand and creating property fire management plans. “A well-prepared property is much easier to protect.” Ms Eadie said now was a good time for all residents to Get Ready for bushfire season. “You can do simple things around your house such as cleaning your gutters and having available water sources.”

COUNCIL HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS Autumn and winter are the peak time for council to do its hazard reduction burns. Council manages more than 6,700 hectares through Enviroplan conservation estates and reserves. These controlled ‘cool’ burns have many benefits for both environment and community. Council advises of hazard reduction burn activity through letters to neighbouring residents and council’s Facebook page.

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