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FEBRUARY 2013 Issue 1 Vol. 22 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • E: l.martin@ryanmediapl.com.au • www.timberbiz.com.au
Where there’s smoke there’s Simple task of getting approval for fuel confusion reduction burns way too hard B
USHFIRE DEVASTATION is no stranger to this country; lives, homes, stock and livelihoods have been lost in terrifying infernos that show no favours when and where they strike. And the argument rages on whether fuel management levels have been adequate. Now, in the latest twist, the Greens have come up with what some industry stalwarts describe as ‘incoherent, inconsistent nonsense’ with claims there should be “selective fuel burns only”. Basically, the Greens maintain there should be protective measures for parks and reserves only. Greens Senator Peter WhishWilson had claimed the Australian Greens had always supported the principle of selective fuel reduction burns, then added … “Any misconceptions regarding this fact are due to the fact that the Greens don’t support forest industry production “re-generation burns”, which are quite different to – but frequently mistaken for - selective “fuel reduction” burns”. This raised the ire of many, including Senator Richard Colbeck, Coalition forestry spokesman, who described the latest Greens outburst as offensive. “It’s a bit rich for the Greens to come out after the event talking about fuel reduction burns when they have attacked them at almost
every turn. “Every time a puff of smoke has appeared on the horizon during burn-off season the Greens have hit the airwaves attacking the forest industry. “The reality is that the Green policy of opposing native forest harvesting regimes and more lockups will contribute to higher fuel loads in our forests and, with those
more forest and closing down the industry, which increases the risk to communities. “It is really quite offensive that in an attempt to deflect the deserved criticism coming their way they call for more resources for fuel reduction burns,” the Senator said. Senator Colbeck said after touring the fire devastated areas of
flux. He added that no-one had been impressed with the massive amendments brought down at such a late stage and again had the Government in his sights when he said ... “Looking at the fires alongside what’s happening with the forestry deal, my view is that you potentially create more risk because you’re locking up more
The thing that frustrates me is the fact that if you go back to pretty much every major bushfire inquiry since 1939 and have a look at the recommendations the management of the fuel load is one of the key recommendations and yet we’re still struggling to get effective regimes to be put in place. higher fuel loads, more intense fires,” Senator Colbeck told AFTN. “The research is very clear. A well-managed native forestry regime combined with effective fuel reduction in non-harvested areas will help mitigate the intensity of bushfires. “Other countries have learned these lessons. In the US, California for example, forests are managed more intensively closer to built-up areas, providing a level of protection for residents. “Yet here in Australia the Greens continue to advocate locking up
Firefighters battle against the odds. This scene has been played out in almost every State in recent times as bushfires continue to take their toll.
Tasmania that many fire officers had pointed out the issues regarding fuel management. “I suppose the thing that frustrates me is the fact that if you go back to pretty much every major bushfire inquiry since 1939 and have a look at the recommendations the management of the fuel load is one of the key recommendations and yet we’re still struggling to get effective regimes to be put in place.” Senator Colbeck said fuel loads were high because of the spring and “when you combine that with the conditions that we had it was obviously going to be very, very dangerous and it proved to be that”. He said it was certainly an issue in the fires around Dunalley. The loss of Ike Kelly’s sawmill was an absolute tragedy -- that’s a 50year business. One of the things of major impact was the residue pile he had because he had the ridiculous situation brought on by the closure of Triabunna. A number of other sawmillers, particularly in the south, have significant piles of residues (sawmill waste) they haven’t been able to get rid of. This waste is an additional danger at this stage of proceedings.” Senator Colbeck said he had come across some particularly disgruntled farmers who had found the simple task of getting approval for fuel reduction burns way too hard. “I spoke to one guy who gave up after trying (to get a permit) for six months. Rest assured that will be part of the discussions in the aftermath of the fires,” he said. Senator Colbeck fired another salvo at the Government and said the “mismanaged peace talks were basically still in a state of
forest; you’re not actively managing the forests which you can do if you’re harvesting to reduce fuel loads particularly close to built up areas. This forest deal actually
could increase future fire risk,” the Senator warned. It’s interesting to note that back in March last year Greens Health spokesperson, Paul O’Halloran MP had said it was difficult to justify why the entire island had to suffer such regressive air pollution just for Forestry Tasmania to pursue its failed business model. “Forestry Tasmania is again torching Tasmania’s worldrenowned clean, green, clever and creative reputation, with wholly unnecessary so-called regeneration burns,” he had said. “If the [forest] industry says there are no alternatives, I say they are not trying hard enough. It is erroneous to suggest smoke pollution is similar to other pollution. There are all sorts of weird and wonderful organic compounds in wood smoke. We cannot wish the science away.” All this raises the obvious question … What’s the difference between fuel reduction burn smoke and re-generation burn smoke!
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