South West Nannas call for change to burning plan

A group of local ‘Nannas For Native Forests’ members recently took a walk through an area of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to highlight the potential loss of biodiversity in the area, ahead of planned prescribed burning.

The Department of Biodiversity and Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) said it uses prescribed burning to mitigate the severity of bushfires and to help protect lives and property by reducing the build-up of flammable fuel loads, as as to maintain biodiversity.

Nannas for Native Forests spokesperson Jann Lane said the Nannas were on alert following the devastation of the Walpole-Nornalup and Franklin River fires, which destroyed thousands of hectares of bushland, and the longest drought on record in the South West.

“It was brought to the attention of the Nannas For Native Forests that several prescribed burn notices have been put up by the DBCA in our local shire,” Jann said.

The group of 15 Nannas headed to the forest on Vlam Road in Karridale to assess the area.

“They were devastated that this burn could occur in a long standing healthy forest; here they found a wonderful eco-system with tall Jarrah, huge Marri, ancient Balgas, lush understory, and an unexpected large wetland containing an abundance of large Paperbarks, wildflowers, frogs, fungi and insects.”

The Nannas said they were determined to continue raising awareness.

“We feel that times have changed. Last year we lost hundreds of trees and undergrowth in the shire just from drought, never seen before.”

The Nannas urged the State Government to “update its science, and practices”.

“In particular, by requiring indigenous rangers to educate us when a burn is necessary, and assist us with their knowledge.

“We need to be saving our forests not burning them.

“We fully understand there is necessity for burns, and our wonderful local volunteer fire brigades assist where homes and infrastructure are in danger.

“However we want our remote National Parks saved, for our children and grand children.”