The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, is asking all landowners to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to protect paddock trees when burning stubble on their properties. 

Fire restrictions remain in place with fire danger periods for most of the Wimmera likely to be in place until May.

A permit is required to burn grass, stubble and other vegetation until the fire danger period ends.

Native trees are protected by law and with good planning and management can be protected in the long term.

Grampians acting regional manager natural environment programs Pauline Rudolph said paddock trees had huge biodiversity benefits and good preparation before burning was important.

“It is important to protect native paddock trees. They provide shade to stock, reduce wind impacts to crops, store carbon and provide habitat to important pollinators and birds that feed on pests. We encourage landholders to be well prepared before beginning a stubble burn,” she said.

“Creating firebreaks around trees and having water and equipment ready to extinguish the fire will ensure you can protect your valued native trees.” 

DEECA advises slashing around the base of the tree to establish an adequate fire break; moving woody debris from around the base of the tree; and wetting the area around the tree before beginning the burn.  

It is also important to ensure there is adequate water and the right equipment on hand to extinguish the fire before starting a burn. 

More information can be found at www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/farming-and-native-vegetation.

Anyone wanting to report concerns about stubble burning and the destruction of paddock trees should contact their local council. 

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