Port Stephens Council is preparing to deliver another culturally-informed cool burn educational workshop to round out a successful three-year project aimed at improving Koala habitat, enhancing biodiversity and fire management in the region.
The workshop is being delivered as part of a number of on-ground burns in collaboration with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Bindelong Aboriginal Corporation Cool Burn Fire & Ecology, Hunter Local Land Services, and local members of the Rural Fire Service.
It focuses on enhancing Koala habitats and reintroducing cool burn land management techniques, while also educating the community about the benefits of cool burn practices.
Mayor, Leah Anderson explains how culturally informed cool burns help support the natural environment.
“Seeing our community and agencies come together for projects like this is so special – especially when it improves Koala habitat and promotes cultural practices,” she said.
“When we use culturally-informed cool burns alongside our fire management practices, it really gives our ecosystems a boost.
“These carefully planned burns are a valuable tool for looking after our land, helping to make our ecosystems stronger and supporting all the amazing plants and animals we have here in Port Stephens.”
A cool burn, also known as a low-intensity burn, is a controlled burning technique that removes undergrowth and dry debris and limits the spread of invasive weeds without significantly impacting the overstory vegetation.
“What’s truly special about a culturally informed cool burn is the use of amazing traditional Aboriginal land management practices,” Mayor Anderson said.
“It’s tapping into generations of wisdom, and it helps us get the best possible results for our local environment,” she added.
The culturally-informed cool burn demonstration and educational workshop will be held on Saturday 19 July at the Mallabula Community Centre.
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to come and learn about the benefits of these practices in a truly special way,” the Mayor said.
It will be the last educational workshop delivered as part of the three-year project, made possible through grant funding from the NSW Government Environmental Trust.
For more information about the event, visit pscouncil.info/culturally-informed-cool-burn.
