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Code Of Practice For Fire Management On Public Land Under Review

The Department of Sustainability & Environment is reviewing the Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land and is alerting Victorians that they will be invited to have their say over the future direction of management of fire on public land

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 13th January 2005 - Back to News

DSE Regional Fire Manager David Tainsh said this was an ideal opportunity for those interested in fire management to be involved.

"The past couple of years have shown that the community have some strong views regarding wildfires and what is done to prevent them and control them," he said. "Now is the opportunity to have a say on those views.

"The Code provides the overall direction for managing fire on public land, and the community has an important role to play in setting this direction."

Mr Tainsh said it was ten years since the Code was written and in that time there had been many changes affecting the way DSE operates, such as shifting demographics and climate change.

He said the latest CSIRO estimates predicted that Victoria’s average temperature would increase by up to five degrees over the next 65 years.

"If this does occur then we can expect more severe summers, longer droughts and less rainfall – all having a major impact on fire management," he said.

"The population in the urban/forest interface has increased dramatically in the past decade and this has changed the focus of forest firefighting and hazard protection. The value of community and economic assets, including water catchments, close to the public land boundary has also risen sharply.

"DSE’s fire management relies on continual improvement and this review is designed to enable DSE to stay ahead of these new challenges in managing public land."

"The review will incorporate up-to-date fire management science, including the latest information on the effects of fire on biodiversity, integration with fire protection on private land, as well as addressing recommendations from the Inquiry into the 2002-2003 Victorian Bushfires conducted by the Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner last year. "

Mr Tainsh said the Code of Practice was a widely respected document and was the first of its kind produced nationally for fire management.

"As well as the community’s input, there will be contributions from academics, the forest industry, key public land stakeholders, other fire agencies and water catchment management authorities," he said.

Formal comment from the community will be sought at two key stages, at the release of a discussion paper in February 2005 and again when a draft "Code" is released in May 2005. Details of how to obtain a copy of these documents will be advertised in major metropolitan and regional Victorian newspapers.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
  Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
• Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
  Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities.
• Baw Baw Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 10 December 2025
  Baw Baw Council’s 10 Dec meeting updated delegations, planning scheme amendments, social housing concerns, awarded transfer station management contract, adopted Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, approved land sale, and noted governance reports.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
  Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
  Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance.