Climate Change – Cultural Burning Project: Overview
This Project was made possible through funding from the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation for community projects addressing climate action.
The goal of the Project is to promote Cultural Burning as an effective tool to mitigate bushfires for properties in the Scenic Rim.
Project Aims:
The Project Aims to bring Traditional Owners, Cultural Burning Fire Practitioners and Associates, Landholders, and Landcare volunteers and relevant agencies together to identify at-risk areas, develop and implement a plan to assist in the understanding of Cultural Burning practices as a useful tool in mitigating potential wildfires and, thereby, mitigating potential carbon emissions.
The Project also offers opportunities for First Nations Peoples to revive Cultural Burning practices to provide a future resource in our local district.
Project Activities:
The Project provides opportunities for Land Managers to observe the process of Cultural Burning and to connect with Indigenous Fire Practitioners and the Community.
Why does this work need to be done?
There is an increasing body of evidence that suggests that Cultural Burning practices are an important tool in managing landscapes in Australia. These practices have identified benefits in protecting the soil and native wildlife, while significantly reducing fuel loads and promoting the regeneration of native grasses.
The expansive natural assets in our District have already seen wildfires in recent years that have had immediate and long-term negative impacts. Practices that reduce this potential in the future need to be recognised and promoted.
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the support of Firesticks Alliance in conducting the site assessments and burning activities with Fire Practitioners and Fire Practitioner Associates, including the Mununjali Fire Crew. Thanks to Yugambeh Land Enterprises Limited for permission to access various sites for ongoing demonstrations of Cultural Burning practices.
Thanks also to the various Local and State Government and Non-Government Agency personnel who contributed to valuable initial discussions and decision-making.
