Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

DSE Frustrated By Fuel Reduction Burning Season

The Department of Sustainability and Environment today said it was disappointed it had not achieved its fuel reduction burning target of 130,000 hectares for the 2005-2006 financial year.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 14th June 2006 - Back to News

DSE Chief Officer for Fire and Emergency Management Ewan Waller said that although unfavourable weather conditions had hampered fuel reduction burning, the Department was frustrated that it had not reached its target

"We set ourselves an ambitious target and we’re disappointed that we only managed 49,000 hectares," Mr Waller said.

"While the weather didn’t help us, we believed our targets were realistic and we expected to achieve them. Obviously we’re disappointed that hasn’t happened."

Mr Waller said fuel reduction burning played a vital role in reducing the impact of bushfires and DSE simply had to find a way to meet its targets.

The unusually dry conditions from last spring until early autumn this year significantly slowed DSE’s fuel reduction burning program.

This was followed by wet and cold conditions. The unusually cold conditions (April temperatures were 2 - 3° C below the average) meant fuel-loads were not drying out.

"All of the above made the window of opportunity for prescribed burning very narrow," he said.

"Regardless of this, DSE will still be examining all details of its fuel reduction burning season to fine tune its processes for future seasons."

Mr Waller said the big positive to emerge from the 2005-2006 fuel reduction burning season was that when the weather was suitable for burning, DSE staff worked incredibly hard to make the most of it.

"On the April 13^th this year, 47 burns were conducted in a single day. This effort was surpassed two weeks later on April 27th when 52 burns were ignited in a single day. That’s an excellent result and is believed to be a record number," Mr Waller said.

Mr Waller said another positive was that most burns were conducted to provide asset protection across Victoria.

"Asset protection burns are generally smaller in area and are managed intensively to prevent escapes but they play a vital role in protecting homes and properties," he said.

Mr Waller thanked communities across the state for their patience and understanding and said DSE was committed to an extensive fuel reduction burning program in the years ahead.

"We didn’t achieve what we set out to do this season but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It can and we will do whatever it takes to make it happen in a safe and responsible way," he said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Seacombe fire prompts calls for greater fuel reduction, improved firebreaks and stronger emergency access around Loch Sport communities
  The Seacombe fire has prompted calls for increased fuel reduction, improved firebreaks and emergency access, with Loch Sport residents seeking stronger bushfire prevention measures.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
  The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness.
• Labor's trade record faces $46B deterioration as fuel dependence leaves Australia increasingly vulnerable to global disruptions
  Australia’s trade position has deteriorated nearly $47 billion since 2022, with a $5.1 billion deficit. Fuel imports surged 42.5 per cent, exposing Australia’s growing dependence on overseas fuel supplies and refining.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches spring season with five exhibitions and live mural creation on 19 September 2026 In Morwell
  Latrobe Regional Gallery will launch its Spring Season on Saturday, September 19, featuring five exhibitions and a live monumental mural by Japanese-Australian artist Twoone/Hiroyasu Tsuri during the Morwell event.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Tourism industry warns visa delays threaten jobs and revenue ahead of Australia's critical Christmas holiday season this year
  Australia's tourism sector warns visa delays, rising living costs and fuel prices could put $3 billion revenue and 20,000 jobs at risk this Christmas, urging government action.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand.