Can the Capertee Valley be better prepared for bushfires?

19 March 2009, 1:05am

Proactive approaches to fire management for the protection of life, property and the environment will become increasingly important as the rules applied in the past change under climate change.

"Many areas of Australia can expect an increase in bushfire activity and the number of days when fire danger ratings are very high to extreme as the impacts of climate change take hold," the Nature Conservation Council's Hotspots Strategist Waminda Parker said today.

"Now more than ever, it is important that landholders and local authorities work together strategically to prepare well for fire.

"Landholders in the Capertee Valley are participating in a series of workshops aimed at empowering them to plan for protecting farm assets, homes and the diversity of native plants and animals on their land as part of the Hotspots Fire Project.

"The Hotspots Fire Project in the Capertee is run by the Nature Conservation Council with the support from the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority.

"Participants will have the opportunity of working with local authorities, such as the Rural Fire Service, on developing and implementing detailed fire management plans for their property. In many cases, neighbours will be cooperating for the first time on plans covering several properties.

"By understanding the ecology of their property, landholders can manage fire to help protect all their assets, including their homes, productive farmland and the diversity of native plants and animals.

"Planning across a number of properties or at a landscape level can help create a mosaic of vegetation in different stages of post-fire development, providing a variety of food and shelter sources for native animals.

"It is impossible to eliminate fire from your property if you live in an area like the Capertee Valley, but managing fire is an important part of better protecting your assets and managing the land," Ms Parker said.

Nature Conservation Council's Hotspot Fire Project Workshop

When: Tuesday, 24 March 2009.

Where: Capertee Valley, NSW (Please note: This workshop is complete - no new participants)

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