After the discussion at the two advisory group meetings, I wrote the letter below to several local politicians, with copies to DSE and Parks. I sent it as an individual, not as Advisory group nor as a Foggie.
I am writing to you over my deep concern as to some unforeseen consequences of the burn targets set after the Bushfire Royal Commission. I am not at this point commenting on the targets themselves, but on how wildfires and different suppression activities are not taken into account.
The recent fire in the Grampians highlights the problem. The fire burnt through 28,920 hectares, almost one fifth of the park’s 168,110 hectares, of which 15,000 hectares was planned to be burnt this year. And this only 7 years after the Mt Lubra fires, so that now only one third of the Park’s vegetation is more than 7 years old. Yet under the rigid burn targets, none of this reduces what is supposed to be burnt in the next couple of years. There have also been fires in the less populated areas of the Mallee, which face the same problems.
In addition, other suppression activities such as bulldozed areas are also disregarded.
Much good work is being done by DSE and Parks Victoria staff to improve our understanding of the role of planned fire in protecting both the environment and human life, but this is undermined by meaningless academic targets which do not take into account the areas where fire and suppression activities have already created fire breaks.
I realise that it is probably too late for this years Prescribed Burning Plan but would urge you to bring these arguments to the Minister so that action can be taken before the next plan. I am not arguing for no burns, only for a more rational calculation of what is needed and that all fuel reduction, whether it occurs through planned burning or bushfire be taken into consideration.
Yours etc
Margo Sietsma
I had only cursory acknowledgements from the government members, but support from my local Labour member.