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Have Your Say On Prescribed Burning Issues

Now is the time to find out what fuel reduction works, asset protection and ecological burns are planned for public land (parks and forests) in your neighbourhood, as well as fire access road works and facilities maintenance.

By Department of Sustainability - 30th July 2007 - Back to News

The Department of Sustainability and Environment’s three-year Fire Operations Plans are available for public comment at DSE and Parks Victoria offices across the region until Friday August 31 2007.

Senior Fire Management Officer, Geoff Pike said that over the coming weeks, DSE will be seeking input from the community on the Fire Operations Plans to ensure that everyone affected has a chance to comment on and contribute to proposed fuel reduction and ecological burns across the region.

"The Fire Operations Plan is an important organisational plan and tool for sustainable land management that requires the involvement of all stakeholders and the community," Mr Pike said.

"Everyone is encouraged to participate in the burns planning process and to raise any concerns or comments with DSE’s local Fire Management Officers now, before the Plan is finalised in late September."

Fire is part of the Australian landscape and Victoria’s location, its vegetation and climate combine to produce one of the most fire-prone areas in the world.

"Burning is not only about asset protection, it's about protecting our natural environment and the flora and fauna that inhabit that environment," Mr Pike said.

"Many of our native plants and animals need fire for their ongoing survival: to open seed pods and release seed, or to provide the right conditions for their food sources to grow."

Department staff will meet with the community, public land managers, local councils, indigenous communities, CFA and flora and fauna specialists to achieve the best outcomes for community safety and the environment.

Please contact the Fire Management Officer at your nearest DSE office for further information and to view the Fire Operations Plan for your fire district. If you are unsure of who to talk to, please call Kelly Gleeson, Regional Prescribed Burning Coordinator on 51 722111.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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