Regional Bushfire Management Plans Released
Bushfires NT today released bushfire management plans for the Arnhem region and Vernon Arafura region.
The purpose of these plans is to support community wide fire management in line with the Bushfires Management Act 2016.
Each plan was developed by Bushfires NT in collaboration with the respective Regional Bushfires Committee.
Bushfires NT executive director Collene Bremner said the growth, spread and management of gamba grass was a common risk identified in both plans.
“Gamba grass remains the single greatest driver of change across the Top End landscape and is largely responsible for the escalating cost of fire management,” Ms Bremner said.
“That’s why landholders play such a crucial role in managing gamba grass on their properties, to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfires impacting themselves and their communities.
“Bushfires NT will take a lead role to ensure compliance with the Act and improve communication with landholders so they are aware of their responsibilities, particularly in the Vernon Arafura region where the risk of gamba grass fires is extreme.
“This is mainly due to many residents misunderstanding their roles and responsibilities as landholders in controlling fuel loads on their properties.
“Conversely, most risks within the Arnhem region related to fire management are low to medium as a result of successful existing controls.
“Developments in carbon abatement projects have provided opportunities for landowners to engage in landscape scale fire management with many beneficial social and environmental outcomes.”
Go to www.nt.gov.au/bushfires for more information about Bushfires NT and to download a copy of the management plans released today.
Media Note – For more information / interviews contact Collene Bremner on 89220832
