Fire workshops on the road

The first in a series of planned fire workshops was held in Coen in early May to discuss fire planning for the upcoming dry season. 

“The meeting went well and we got some great outcomes,” Cape York NRM Fire Coordinator Andrew Drenen said. 

Attendees included representatives from Queensland Fire and Emergency Service; Cook Shire Council; Bamboo and Astrea Station; Corporate Carbon on behalf of Holroyd, Yarraden, Crystal Vale and Watson River Stations; Bush Heritage Australia; Bureau of Meteorology and 15 Times Better (a consultancy specialising in Indigenous engagement, contracted by Corporate Carbon).

“BoM presented a review of the 2022 wet season rainfall and temperatures, and climate outlook for Cape York for the 2023 dry season. They also reviewed the climate 'drivers' (La Niña vs El Niño), which helped set the scene for discussion,” Andrew said. 

“We've had a succession of years wetter than average, but it’s likely to trend in the opposite direction for a while, and this all has implications for fire management - grass growth, rapidity of curing, length of dry season, number of days of extreme fire conditions.”

The workshop also reviewed maps and watched an animated presentation of fire spread for 2022 and began planning fire operations for 2023.

“It was also great to see neighbouring pastoral properties discussing their 2023 planned fire management objectives, and seeing where they could collaborate,” Andrew said. 

The next fire meeting, to be held at Moreton Telegraph Station, will be on the 7-8 June and will combine the workshop with a “mini-fire forum”, Andrew said. 

“Historically, it has been a one-day meeting of multiple stakeholders gathering to develop proposed planned burning locations and discuss key fire management issues,” he said. “This year we are expanding it to two days, with the forum and presentations on day one and fire planning on day two.

“We have a good line-up of presenters and a wide mix of topics, which will help in the coming weeks of fire management activities."

Topics include an overview of what is available on the NAFI website; new fire mapping developments; fire project co-benefits via the ecosystem services method; fire history; using drones for aerial ignition; high-resolution mapping; and climate outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology.

“There will be discussions among Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Corporations, presenters and others about key fire management issues, as well as collaborative planning sessions on regional fire management,” Andrew said. 

The event will have overnight camping available and meals will be provided. BYO camping equipment and chair.

The fire workshops are funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.