Fire burning practices have been effectively used by Indigenous communities as a traditional land management tool for millennia.
Interest in how Aboriginal people conduct fire burns has been increasing, as the benefits become more widely known and appreciated.
In response to the recent fires near Tenterfield and subsequent community consultation, a Traditional Fire Burning workshop will be held in Tenterfield over two days, on 11 and 12 September.
Hosted by the Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council and funded by Northern Tablelands Local Land Services, the unique event will be conducted by nationally recognised Traditional Burning Man from Cape York, Victor Steffensen.
Victor Steffensen is an expert Indigenous fire practitioner, filmmaker, and educator who plays a strong role in environmental and community cultural well-being. Victor will be discussing and offering practical workshops in fire burning, traditional fire management, reduction of fuel loads and creating fire breaks.
Ivan Lackay, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Aboriginal Communities Officer, recognises the benefits and cultural significance of traditional fire burning practices.
"There are a number of benefits that come out of traditional burning, otherwise known as 'cool' or 'cultural' burning," explained Ivan.
"Burning encourages the regeneration of native grasses and production of new feed. It reduces scrub and fuel which helps in preventing intense future bushfires. Importantly, it assists in promoting biodiversity," said Ivan.
With fire danger looking to increase as summer approaches due to the current conditions, Ivan is encouraging community members, as well as landholders, to take part in the workshops. The practices taught will be particularly relevant regarding the reduction of fuel as a preventive measure.
Fire burning practices require a thorough understanding of local conditions to ensure they are effective as well as safe.
Northern Tablelands Local Land Services works in partnership with the Rural Fire Service in co-ordinating fire burning practices. It is a stipulation that the Rural Fire Service be informed and in attendance when burning.
Ivan is encouraged by the shift that is taking place in the recognition and adoption of some of the traditional Aboriginal land management practices that have a positive impact on sustainable land management.
"Passing on local traditional Aboriginal knowledge and educating people to increase their understanding of the benefits is vitally important for our modern-day agricultural practices," said Ivan.
