Fuel burn concerns

By Tania Martin
MOUNT Evelyn environment champion Franc Smith says a plan to increase fuel reduction burning from 1.7 per cent to 5 per cent across the state wasn’t enough.
He said the recommendation, which was released as part of the Bushfire Royal Commission report on Saturday (31 July), could have been a lot higher.
Mr Smith said initially there was talk of an 8 to 10 per cent increase.
He said 5 per cent would take more than 20 years for most public land to be burnt at least once on a rotational basis.
But Mr Smith said if it was increased to 8 to 10 per cent, it would only take 10-12 years. The Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group has welcomed the move, but is waiting for more details to be released.
DRCBGSecretary Mel Gajdek said fuel reduction had been the community’s biggest concern following a survey of more than 800 residents in 2009.
She said five per cent had been recommended but not implemented before.
“It’s a minimum target and sets the basis for the future,” Ms Gajdek said.
“It’s better than what was there before.”
Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said burning off had its uses, but it would all depend on where and when they would do it.
He said in some areas it could be detrimental to the environment.
Cr Cox hopes the council will be included in the discussion on where the increased fuel reduction would take place.
Lyster Ward’s Cr Samantha Dunn said it was great to see the commission also recommending mapping studies be undertaken into the biodiversity impacts before any fuel reduction is undertaken.
“We need to have the science around what is going to protect communities which is what is really important here – the actions must protect communities,” she said.
But Cr Dunn said it was a very complex issue especially considering the nature of the wet and dry vegetation in the Dandenongs. “It comes back to making sure the right bits are being burnt,” she said.
Cr Dunn said burning off always posed a problem in the Dandenongs with many residents raising concerns over the increased smoke in the air.
She said it was important that all these factors were taken into consideration when planning the increased fuel reduction.
DRCBFG has also welcomed a recommendation calling for provisions for the reduction of the roadside vegetation. Ms Gajdek said the roadside clearing was vital especially as there were very limited emergency exits from the hills.