Purpose

Wildfire causes major losses to ground cover, and is a key contributor to erosion of Cape York’s fragile soils, to sedimentation of water ways, and to poorer water quality on Cape York.  It also results in reduced biodiversity and a reduction of suitable grazing country.

Woody weeds, or the nuisance increase in trees and shrubs, have taken over parts of the Alice Springs district since the 1970s. The reasons for this invasion and its effect are described in Agnote No 653, F85 'Woody Weeds in Central Australiaí and Agnote No 654, F89 ëWhy Do Woody Weed Problems Occur?í. These Agnotes mention the use of fire for control of woody weeds.

A separate Agnote (No 343, F20) deals with various mechanical methods of control.

Fires as a control agent