- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 26/06/2024 01:11

What Australia can do better to protect against catastrophic bushfires

Forestry Australia is hosting its inaugural two-day Fire Summit 2024 on Prescribed Fire: Exploring Science, Culture and Practice, at the University of Melbourne today and tomorrow to examine this critical topic. Source: Timberbiz More than 30 experts from universities, government agencies and fire services, independent consultancies and Aboriginal corporations will share their knowledge and lead discussions with more than 150 attendees from across the country. Prescribed fire is all about deliberately and strategically setting fires in the natural landscape during the cooler season to reduce fuel-loads, heal Country through cultural connection and protect communities and the environment from catastrophic fire regimes. Forestry Australia Forest Fire Management Committee Chair Gary Morgan said there had never been a more important time for a national discussion and united action on prescribed fires. “Fire has been an important and natural part of the Australian landscape for millions of years,” Mr Morgan AM AFSM said. “It helps to maintain biodiversity and ecological processes in our forests. “Prescribed fires are an important part of this. The reality is prescribed fires save lives, protect communities, are fundamental to our environment and save governments millions of dollars in recovery and repair payments. “These strategically planned fires and cultural burning practices, supported by legislation, government policy and ongoing research, are the best bushfire mitigation tool we have. “Australia is one of the most bushfire prone countries in the world, and we must have effective fire management strategies that protect Australians and support healthy and resilient forests. “The Fire Summit is all about bringing this discussion back to the science and practical actions that actually work.  Our best and brightest minds will examine what is working, what isn’t and what do we need to do differently?” Day One Topics: Cultural Fire Practices and Aboriginal Forest Management Assessing The Effectiveness of Prescribed Fire In Reducing the Spread and Severity of Unplanned Fires Achieving Land Management Goals Using Prescribed Fire Prescribed Fire Research – Encouraging Effective Practice, what are Critical Gaps and How Can These be Filled? Day Two Topics Fire Communication Prescribed Fire for Environmental and Other Values Fire Management, Health & Risk Prescribed Fire: Considerations on the Way Forward