The Northern Tablelands LLS values the capability of the Aboriginal community in traditionally managing natural resources. The LLS is hosting this workshop to share some of this knowledge with the broader community and encourages anyone who is interested, to attend.

The workshop will take place on traditional Ngoorabul land at ‘The Willows’, an Indigenous Protected Area property at Emmaville north of Glen Innes.  

Aboriginal fire management practices have shaped the Australian landscape over thousands of years, but they can also be applied to modern land management to improve agricultural production and environmental regeneration. 

Harry White, Northern Tablelands LLS Aboriginal Communities Officer, reports cultural fire burning methods have been used on ‘The Willows’ for the last 30 years, and have recently been implemented on the ‘Wattleridge’ Indigenous Protected Area at Guyra.

 “Cultural burns are also being planned on a number of other Indigenous Protected Areas in the Northern Tablelands LLS region.  There’s a lot of interest from both the Aboriginal and the broader community in how to apply these techniques across different terrain.”

“During the workshop we’ll be talking about things that need to be considered before planning a burn, such as possible threats to wildlife and native plants, and the control mechanisms that have to be in place to ensure a burn is kept within the target area.” 

“The program will include a Nature Conservation Council of NSW Firestick Program presentation, as well as a discussion of legislative requirements with the Rural Fire Service.” 

“We’re also planning a practical demonstration featuring a ‘cool burn’, which is a less intensive, slow-burning technique used to contain a larger ecological burn, and we have some very knowledgeable guest speakers coming along to share their expertise,” said Mr White.

Registration is essential and those wishing to attend can RSVP to Harry White by Thursday 1 May, phone 02 6728 8047 or email:  harry.white@lls.nsw.gov.au