Drone-bombing trial success
Wimmera parkland has provided the setting for a successful airborne trial of managing planned ecological burns that saves time and reduces risk to firefighters.
Forest Fire Management Victoria crews have used a remote-control drone aircraft to drop aerial incendiaries to establish a burn in a targeted area of Grampians National Park.
The crews have worked with a licensed drone operator on a project designed to increase burn accuracy and save crews time from navigating difficult terrain by foot.
Authorities identified a 3000-hectare ecological burn site near Halls Gap as ideal for the drone trial due to thick vegetation, intersecting drainage lines and creek system – which all make it difficult for crews to access.
Every year since 2017, FFMVIC crews have carried out the burn, which aims to create a patchy mosaic of burnt and unburnt land to break up the vegetation, encourage regeneration and provide habitat for threatened species such as the heath mouse and southern brown bandicoot.
It also promotes the growth of threatened native grasses and orchids and helps to control weeds in the area.
This trial is part of a $517-million State Government 2021-22 Budget investment to fund FFMVIC workers and ensure access to modern technology, fire towers and equipment.
FFMVIC works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind speed – and only carries out burns when conditions are suitable.
Victorian Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’ambrosio said by improving practices and trialling new technology, the government could establish effective planned-burn programs to protect communities and the environment from bushfires.
“Climate change and more extreme weather events are changing the nature of bushfires, so it’s important we take action now to minimise risk to human life and our native wildlife,” she said.
Upper House Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford added: “It’s great to see our local crews exploring innovative ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planned burning. This work will help to protect our treasured natural environment and improve bushfire safety.”
People can find out the latest information about planned burns online at ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn, download a Vicemergency app or call the Vicemergency hotline on 1800 226 226.