With the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) having started early in some parts of NSW, Local Land Services is helping landholders with advice on native vegetation management and bushfires.
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The NSW Rural Fire Service has announced 12 local government areas, including MidCoast, have entered the BFDP ahead of the official start to the fire season on October 1; the MidCoast kicking off on August 1.
"With bushfires a potential threat in some of the drier parts of the State, it is good idea for landholders to look at their options for managing native vegetation on farm," Sustainable Land Management officer, Andrew Davidson said.
"As a volunteer fire fighter, I have experienced the impact of bushfires first-hand and know how important it is for landholders to have the right information and advice," he said.
Local Land Services has a set of fact sheets on managing native vegetation to prepare for bushfires, during a bushfire emergency and after an emergency has passed.
Landholders wanting to prepare for bushfires have a range of options available to them, including clearing vegetation to protect rural infrastructure which does not require approval from Local Land Services because it is listed in the 'allowable activities' provisions.
If a bushfire is underway that threatens people, animals or property, landholders can remove native vegetation if directed by the NSW Rural Fire Service for emergency firefighting or emergency hazard reduction.
When a bushfire has passed and the clean-up is underway, landholders have options such as removing fallen timber that is on the ground and lopping parts of fire-damaged trees, whilst maintaining the integrity of the live tree.
At any time landholders can also consider their options for managing native vegetation for safety, productivity and the environment under the Land Management Framework.
"Depending on the circumstances, different rules apply so come talk to us at Local Land Services and we can provide individual advice," Mr Davidson said.
The 12 local government areas that entered the Bush Fire Danger Period on August 1 are Armidale Regional, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, Kempsey, MidCoast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie Hastings, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha.
For more: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
