Projects lauded for raising fire awareness

TWO projects from the Geelong region have taken home honours in this year’s Fire Awareness Awards.

The Conservation Ecology Centre’s (CEC) Cape Otway Fuel Reduction and Ecological Burns Program and the Wiyn-murrup Yangarramela project were named best in their categories (Community Prevention and Preparedness and Government and Industry Partnership, respectively) at the awards, which were presented last week.

In partnership with the local CFA and the Southern Otway Landcare Network, the CEC has helped restore Cape Otway to more natural vegetation and woodland, while simultaneously managing the bushfire risk to residents and tourists.

Over the past five burn seasons, the program has conducted 19 burns on 14 private properties covering almost 70 hectares, which has reduced the overall fuel hazard, increased plant diversity, prepared a planting ground for trees to restore habitat, and also started a conversation with the community about fire safety.

Wiyn-murrup Yangarramela means “fire spirit comes back” in the Wadawurrung language, and is a joint project led by Corangamite CMA through funding from the National Landcare Program.

The working group included Wadawurrung traditional owners, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative, the Aboriginal community, Golden Plains Shire, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, DELWP and CFA.

Two traditional burns have been completed at the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative’s property Wurdi Youang and at Bakers Lane Reserve in Teesdale, which is managed by Golden Plains Shire.

Aunty Nelly Fagg, a traditional owner and a member of the Victorian Aborginal Heritage Council, was at the Bakers Lane Reserve burn and said it was wonderful to see it happen.

“I hope the partnerships between DELWP and Parks and CMAs grow and foster this, because our traditional owners around Victoria are saying this is vital this is so vital to ensure we have healthy Country.”