Australia's sustainable and innovative forestry industry is well prepared for the upcoming bushfire season, and plays a critical role in preventing, managing and responding to bushfires.
With the 2026-27 bushfire season starting today, AFPA joined forestry members near Bunbury, in Western Australia, to highlight the industry's commitment to reducing bushfire risks in regional communities, as the warmer months approach.
AFPA Senior Policy Manager and bushfire spokesperson Dominic Lane (pictured above left) said the well-resourced industry has a long and effective tradition of helping keep forests, assets and communities safe.
"Our sector is fully committed and ready to reduce and manage bushfire risks, and invests significant resources every year on preparedness and prevention," Mr Lane said.
"We work closely with local, state and national emergency management authorities and volunteers to protect forests, farms, reserves, wildlife and communities."
A recent AFPA survey found the sector invests more than $100 million each year in bushfire prevention, mitigation and response across Australia.
"This includes around $8 million on fire towers, detection cameras and other monitoring systems, almost $65 million on firebreaks, roads, prescribed burning and fuel management, and almost $30 million on more than 1,200 firefighting appliances and 1,500 personnel," Mr Lane said.
"Forestry companies also contribute around $15 million through insurance and other levies that support bushfire preparedness and response."
Mr Lane said the industry works hand-in-glove with local fire authorities, and regularly undertakes hazard reduction burning and embraces new techniques to reduce fuel loads.
"For example, Wespine in WA is using cattle in plantation forests to reduce fuel loads, as part of an innovative new trial. Called pyrograzing, this biological method offers a highly customisable, low-emission approach to fire management.
"Overall, we sincerely our thank and applaud the forestry sector for their strong contribution and work in this critical emergency management area."
