❓ Hon Dee Margetts raises concerns about a firebreak order issued by the Shire of Gingin on a high conservation value banksia woodland, questioning its impact on local fauna and the Shire's ability to protect the environment. The Minister's response indicates ongoing efforts to incorporate environmental considerations into fire management guidelines.
AnsweredQoN 313Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the issue of a firebreak order by the Shire of Gingin on Swan Location 7807 East Lancelin corner Nilgen and Sappers Road which mainly comprises of a large area of high conservation value banksia woodland, and the imposition by the Environmental Protection Authority of clearing restrictions on the same land because it is adjacent to Nilgen Reserve where there is a remnant population of small mammals, including Dunnarts -
(1) Can the Minister confirm that the reason the Shire of Gingin has issued the seven day firebreak order for the owner to clear firebreaks into four cells (or else the Shire will go in and do it themselves) is to force the owner to burn the entire property over the next four years, without taking into account the likely destruction of this high conservation habitat through clearing, weed invasion and erosion?
(2) Given that 2/3 of the property was burnt four years ago, and the owner has been required to submit a planned burning programme as recommended by FESA, who will ensure that the faunal habitat is protected to the standard required by the EPA when the Shire clearly does not have this ability?
(3) Given that the recovery from fire for a remnant small native mammal population is about 15 years will the draft preliminary guidelines on prescribed burning (see question without notice Nos 1166 and 1148) take into consideration minimum fauna recovery times?
(4) If so, how will Shires such as the Shire of Gingin be forced to comply?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) As there appears to be no legislation that requires the Shire of Gingin to consider the impact on important habitat by too-frequent burning, will the Minister be looking at a legal mechanism to ensure that this can be done?
(1) Can the Minister confirm that the reason the Shire of Gingin has issued the seven day firebreak order for the owner to clear firebreaks into four cells (or else the Shire will go in and do it themselves) is to force the owner to burn the entire property over the next four years, without taking into account the likely destruction of this high conservation habitat through clearing, weed invasion and erosion?
(2) Given that 2/3 of the property was burnt four years ago, and the owner has been required to submit a planned burning programme as recommended by FESA, who will ensure that the faunal habitat is protected to the standard required by the EPA when the Shire clearly does not have this ability?
(3) Given that the recovery from fire for a remnant small native mammal population is about 15 years will the draft preliminary guidelines on prescribed burning (see question without notice Nos 1166 and 1148) take into consideration minimum fauna recovery times?
(4) If so, how will Shires such as the Shire of Gingin be forced to comply?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) As there appears to be no legislation that requires the Shire of Gingin to consider the impact on important habitat by too-frequent burning, will the Minister be looking at a legal mechanism to ensure that this can be done?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 December 2002
Responded by
Minister for Racing and Gaming representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Response time
20 days
(2) The owner has been requested to produce a planned burning plan to demonstrate to the Shire how they intend to reduce the fire hazards on the property using an alternative method to firebreaks. Until the owner’s fire management plan is available, the Shire cannot determine what action is necessary in this area. (3-5) I have referred the issue of minimum fauna recovery times to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and have requested that it be considered as part of the draft guidelines. (6) I am advised that there is currently no specific scientific information that can categorically state what frequency of burning would cause the loss of biodiversity. There is some information that indicates a frequency of 8-15 years may be appropriate to maintain floral biodiversity, particularly if a variety of burning seasons is chosen and a mosaic burning program is initiated within each cell. This will be dependent on the floral diversity and health of the vegetation prior to the burning. FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
(3-5) I have referred the issue of minimum fauna recovery times to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and have requested that it be considered as part of the draft guidelines. (6) I am advised that there is currently no specific scientific information that can categorically state what frequency of burning would cause the loss of biodiversity. There is some information that indicates a frequency of 8-15 years may be appropriate to maintain floral biodiversity, particularly if a variety of burning seasons is chosen and a mosaic burning program is initiated within each cell. This will be dependent on the floral diversity and health of the vegetation prior to the burning. FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
(6) I am advised that there is currently no specific scientific information that can categorically state what frequency of burning would cause the loss of biodiversity. There is some information that indicates a frequency of 8-15 years may be appropriate to maintain floral biodiversity, particularly if a variety of burning seasons is chosen and a mosaic burning program is initiated within each cell. This will be dependent on the floral diversity and health of the vegetation prior to the burning. FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
(3-5) I have referred the issue of minimum fauna recovery times to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and have requested that it be considered as part of the draft guidelines. (6) I am advised that there is currently no specific scientific information that can categorically state what frequency of burning would cause the loss of biodiversity. There is some information that indicates a frequency of 8-15 years may be appropriate to maintain floral biodiversity, particularly if a variety of burning seasons is chosen and a mosaic burning program is initiated within each cell. This will be dependent on the floral diversity and health of the vegetation prior to the burning. FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
(6) I am advised that there is currently no specific scientific information that can categorically state what frequency of burning would cause the loss of biodiversity. There is some information that indicates a frequency of 8-15 years may be appropriate to maintain floral biodiversity, particularly if a variety of burning seasons is chosen and a mosaic burning program is initiated within each cell. This will be dependent on the floral diversity and health of the vegetation prior to the burning. FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
FESA is working to gather information that will facilitate fire protection taking into consideration all values in terms of life, property and the environment, and threats to those values. I have requested that this also be incorporated into the draft preliminary guidelines.
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