The purpose of the trials was to investigate whether mechanical fuel load reduction can reduce bushfire risk in an economical, socially acceptable and environmentally sound manner around key assets, such as conservation areas or townships, where prescribed burning is undesirable for a range of reasons.
The Australian Government provided $1.5 million under a National Partnership with the NSW Government to undertake the trials. The trials were managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Trial locations and consultancies
NSW DPI worked with other state agencies and providers to establish three trial locations:
- the Mid-North Coast of NSW trials were delivered by NSW Forestry Corporation
- the East Gippsland Victoria trials were delivered by VicForests, and
- the southwest region of Western Australia trials were delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast in partnership with the Forest Products Commission Western Australia, the Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia, and Western Australia Plantation Resources.
In addition, consultants were also contracted to determine whether Mechanical Bushfire Fuel Reduction, compared to fuel reduction burning, is:
- acceptable to the community
- cost effective
- mechanically feasible, and
- reducing fire risk across the landscape.
Findings
The NSW DPI has provided the final report below drawing together results from across the three trial locations and the additional consultancies that formed a part of the project.
The University of Canberra has delivered a study of community acceptance of mechanical fuel load reduction.
This report was not prepared by the department and may not meet Australian Government accessibility guidelines. If you require an accessible version of the report, please contact its author.