Council investigates cultural burning methods

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will look to include cultural burning practices as a way to complement its existing land management practices.

After the suggestion was raised in Council last year, Environment and Community Committee portfolio lead Cr Tim McMahon said Council had commenced discussions with the Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC) on the idea.

“In a place like the Toowoomba Region, which is surrounded by vegetation, it’s important our interventions comprise a range of fire management techniques,” Cr McMahon.

“While we have always undertaken prescribed burns throughout the Region, we are continually looking at improved interventions and investigating alternative strategies to complement existing activities.

“Last year Council raised the idea of incorporating cultural burning practices into our existing land management arrangements and since then discussions with the BPAC have been positive.

“BPAC has a wealth of knowledge related to traditional burning techniques on country and Council intends to work with this group to assist us in reducing the risk of bushfires as well as the long-term conservation of our environment.”

General Manager of BPAC Paul Dawson said, “The Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation is committed to working in partnership with the Toowoomba Regional Council, land management agencies and the community to share knowledge and improve how we care for country.”

“BPAC believe in rebuilding knowledge for all of our communities on how we apply fire in the landscape that will lead to healthier landscapes and safer communities based on long-standing Aboriginal cultural knowledge and connections to country.”

On Tuesday 16 February Council endorsed progression of strategies to advance development of partnership agreements between Council and the Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation.

For more information on how to prepare for bushfire season go to http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/bushfire or contact Council on 131 872.