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Forest and Fire Management

Answer

Forest and Fire Management is a science which has significantly evolved over recent years with listening and learning from the knowledge of our First Nations peoples. Mosaic burning has been introduced and the frequency and size of areas back burnt has reduced.

Native timber harvesting in Victoria ended on 30 June 2024, with the Victorian Government owned business VicForests ceasing to exist on the same date.

Every region in Victoria, including in the Casey electorate, has a strategic plan for forest and fire management which includes fuel breaks and fuel reduction.

Fuel breaks are not logging, The width of a fuel break is variable based on different vegetation types and height. With a low intensity fire, fuel breaks can reduce the flame height with the fuel break area a safe space for firefighters to defend from. Fuel breaks won’t stop a high intensity fire.

After a fire, forest management includes the identification and removal of hazardous trees, with a tree-by-tree assessment. This tree removal is not mechanical.

Warburton Environment Inc. is seeking urgent court injunctions to stop the logging of hollow bearing trees (HBT) in Victorian State and National Parks being conducted by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV). Concerns raised include an increase in the rate of removal of HBT trees, with questions asked about the oversight and regulation of tree removal contractors previously retained by VicForests. During its tenure VicForests was found to have repeatedly breached threatened species laws. Warburton Environment allege that logging of HBT will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the Leadbeater’s Possum, southern greater glider and the yellow bellied glider. If rogue tree clearing contractors are found, these companies need to be held to account.

I support all community groups being active and engaged in the issues they care about. The court will decide based on evidence presented whether an injunction is warranted.