Improving landholders’ knowledge of fire as a management tool within the Burdekin rangelands
Improving landholders’ knowledge of fire as a management tool within the Burdekin rangelands Conference Paper
17th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference
- Author(s): Olivia Pisani, Bob Shepherd
- Published: 2012
- Publisher: Australian Rangeland Society
Abstract: There has been a reduced use of fire as a management tool in grazing systems within the Burdekin rangelands since the wet years of the 1970’s. Several severe droughts and the adverse effects of wildfire have resulted in a negative perception of the role of fire as a management tool. The reduced frequency of fire has contributed to a decline in some 3P grasses, an increase in woody weeds and a change in woodland structure. As a result land condition has deteriorated causing a reduction in carrying capacity for beef production. In November and December of 2011 QDAFF ran five fire management information days on host properties within the Burdekin catchment to outline the role of fire and its importance in land management. In total, the information days were attended by 56 beef producers representing 54 properties covering an area of 1,728,738 ha, two national parks employees and two employees from local mines. Four members from Queensland Fire and Rescue also attended to provide information on fire safety and regulatory aspects. Producer feedback indicated 51% of attendees felt they could make more use of fire to improve their pasture management, with 92.9% feeling more informed to make decisions about the use of fire as a result of participating in the day. The fire management information days are part of a larger extension program to improve the management of beef enterprises in the Burdekin catchment.
- Urls: https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Poster-7-5-Olivia-Pisani.pdf , https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/biennial-conference/17th-biennial-conference-papers-2012/
- Publisher Location: Kununurra, Western Australia,