The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is asking landowners, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to protect paddock trees when burning stubble on their properties.
Native trees are protected by law and good planning and management are considered crucial to ensuring their long-term survival.
Paddock trees benefit biodiversity and to prevent harmful impacts, it’s recommended that property owners take steps before burning to protect them.
These include: slashing around the base of the tree to establish an adequate fire break; moving woody debris from around the base of the tree and wetting the area around the tree before beginning the burn.
Adequate water supplies and fire fighting equipment should also be on hand.
For some council areas, fire restrictions are still in place, with a Fire Danger Period declared by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) until the start of May, meaning a permit is required before any burn can be carried out.
DEECA Natural Environment program manager, Adrian Martins, said native paddock trees were a valuable resource and must be protected.
“They provide shade to stock, reduce wind impacts to crops, store carbon, and provide habitat to important pollinators and birds that feed on pests,” Mr Martins said.
“We encourage landholders to be well prepared before beginning a stubble
burn. Creating firebreaks around trees and having water and equipment ready to extinguish the fire will ensure you can protect your valuable native trees.”
To find Fire Danger Period dates for your area, visit:
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period/fire-restriction-dates
For CFA guidelines outlining wha can and can’t be done during a declared Fire Danger Period, visit:
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i
For a stubble burning fact sheet, go to: www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/farming-and-native-vegetation
To report concerns about stubble burning and the destruction of paddock trees, contact your local council.
