❓ Hon Sophie McNeill raises concerns about the impact of prescribed burns on veteran trees, tourism, and quokka populations. The Minister responds, outlining adaptive management, consultation processes, and the postponement of some burns, while also providing an update on the fire camera trial.
AnsweredQoN 1173Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) Frankland district prescribed burnt Giants East FRK_111 forest block on 18 December 2024 and the results were disastrous with at least 140 veteran Tingle and Karri trees collapsed from fire damage. What measures are the department taking to ensure this outcome does not occur again? (2) DBCA is intending to prescribe burn a further 4 Tingle/Karri forest blocks this summer, 3 of which are important tourism destinations. What measures will DBCA undertake to ensure the tourism values of those areas are not diminished? (3) in relation to (2), Has DBCA consulted with tourism operators affected by those burns? (4) one of the burn areas, Coalmine FRK_113 covers the Knolls which is an important recreation area for Walpole residents and tourists and contains a thriving local population of mainland Quokkas. Has DBCA consulted with Walpole residents about the impacts to the Knolls? (5) in relation to (4), has DBCA conducted an assessment of the Knolls Quokka population? (6) can you provide an update on the progress of the fire camera trial tender announced on 14 July 2025? (7) in relation to (6), which company was awarded the tender? (8) in relation to (6), what progress has been made? (9) in relation to (6), how many fire cameras have been installed to date?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for the Environment
Response time
5 days
(1) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ (DBCA) post-burn assessment recorded 114 tree falls, including four veteran trees. DBCA applies adaptive management measures to its prescribed burning program by continuously reviewing and updating operational guidelines as required. Current measures applied in the tingle forest include scrub rolling around burn perimeters and applying fire retardant to the lower trunks of accessible large red tingle trees before ignition.
(2) – (3) Three of the four proposed burns will not proceed this season due to other operational priorities. Tourism values are considered throughout the burn planning process, and where these values are identified, DBCA liaises with tourism operators to determine any specific actions required to mitigate impacts. Where actions are required during the burn implementation phase appropriate protective measures are applied during the burn.
(4) – (5) The FRK_113 burn, including the area referred to as the Knolls, will not occur this season. DBCA monitors quokka populations at a landscape scale and, where required, at an individual burn level. Prescribed burning is conducted under carefully controlled conditions, which significantly reduces the likelihood of impacts on quokka populations and other wildlife. In contrast, uncontrolled bushfires can cause severe and widespread habitat loss, threaten population viability, and lead to long-term ecological damage.
(6) – (9) DBCA is currently in the final stages of awarding a tender contract to support implementation of the fire camera trial. The installation and commencement of the trial is expected to commence in time for the 2026-27 fire season.
(2) – (3) Three of the four proposed burns will not proceed this season due to other operational priorities. Tourism values are considered throughout the burn planning process, and where these values are identified, DBCA liaises with tourism operators to determine any specific actions required to mitigate impacts. Where actions are required during the burn implementation phase appropriate protective measures are applied during the burn.
(4) – (5) The FRK_113 burn, including the area referred to as the Knolls, will not occur this season. DBCA monitors quokka populations at a landscape scale and, where required, at an individual burn level. Prescribed burning is conducted under carefully controlled conditions, which significantly reduces the likelihood of impacts on quokka populations and other wildlife. In contrast, uncontrolled bushfires can cause severe and widespread habitat loss, threaten population viability, and lead to long-term ecological damage.
(6) – (9) DBCA is currently in the final stages of awarding a tender contract to support implementation of the fire camera trial. The installation and commencement of the trial is expected to commence in time for the 2026-27 fire season.
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