Extensive hazard reduction burns in Goonoo State Forest

Forestry Corporation is undertaking extensive hazard reduction burning in Goonoo State Forest as part of its annual hazard reduction program.

Forestry Corporation Western Region operations forester based at Dubbo Matt De Jongh said burning of approximately 3000 hectares of Goonoo State Forest was now underway due to ideal weather conditions for fuel reduction.

The burn off is due to continue for the next couple of weeks.

“By conducting cooler controlled burns now to reduce fuel levels, we provide a safer environment for firefighters to confidently control wildfires and minimise their size during summer,” he said.

Mr De Jongh said each hazard reduction burn was carefully planned and the environmental impact carefully assessed.

“The burn in Goonoo is being conducted in a mosaic pattern, whereby the habitat requirements of threatened species are taken into account.

“Burning is also aimed at protecting neighbours from the effects of wildfires. Forestry Corporation has a very good cooperative working relationship with its neighbours and local Rural Fire Service brigades when it comes to hazard reduction burning and fighting wildfires,” he said.

Mr De Jongh said prior to the start of the program all relevant stakeholders were informed. The Dubbo District Bushfire Management Committee approves these Forestry Corporation burns.

He said Forestry Corporation had also approached a member of the Local Aboriginal Land Council in relation to the burn as there were some sites of Aboriginal significance within the targeted areas.

“Sites such as these are protected from the effects of the burning program,” Mr De Jongh said.

Mr De Jongh said Forestry Corporation has provided considerable resources to effectively complete the hazard reduction program including experienced firefighting personnel from Gilgandra, Dubbo and Baradine, plus a front-end loader to ensure that the fire was contained.

“Because it is currently so dry, the Rural Fire Service at Dubbo organised for assistance from Mogriguy and Ballimore Rural Fire Service brigades, to carry out patrols during the weekend to ensure re-ignitions did not cross planned boundaries,” Mr De Jongh said.

“Forestry Corporation is thankful for the continuing cooperation from the Rural Fire Service and its volunteer members.”

Further information
Matt De Jongh on (02) 6884 5288 OR 0427 100 729. Photos available