Spring burning has begun with the State Government capitalising on favourable weather conditions to get bushfire ready ahead of the coming summer months.
The Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has begun its spring prescribed burning program to minimise the impact of devastating bushfires on communities.
In the 2016-17 financial year, the department achieved 247,360 hectares due to preparation of burns during the preceding 12 months, committed staff and beneficial weather conditions. This was the department’s best result in 29 years.
In its south-west forest regions, the department aims to have 45 per cent of the landscape it manages, about 2.5 million hectares, at less than six years since last burnt. At the end of the last financial year, it was at 41 per cent.
The extra funding allocation of $5.5 million has enabled the department to undertake additional burning when conditions are suitable, as well as extend employment contracts of seasonal land management employees as required.
Additionally, it provides the department with a greater ability to engage additional contracted earthmoving machines, water tankers and road and traffic management contractors.
The department’s daily proposed prescribed burns can be accessed at http://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/todaysburns