Ecological burn benefits community and environment

The planned burn conducted in a grassland area on the northern boundary of Malmsbury township was organised and led by Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s local bushland contractor Envirotechniques supported by staff from Southern Ecosystem Management and a crew from Malmsbury Fire Brigade.

The weather conditions on the day were considered optimal to undertake an ignition of the 1.9 hectares of grassland which will promote native grassland species and provide a significant break on the north-west township boundary prior to summer.

Malmsbury Captain Tony Stephens sees the burn as a win for the community, its fire brigade and the environment.

“This is the second planned burn we’ve done with council. It not only provides protection in an area north of the township, but it also helps establish grasses native to the area,” Tony said.

“It was also a fantastic opportunity for our members to get some burn practice and get some skills recorded in their workbooks for crew leader sign-off. The environmental and fire risk reduction outcomes for the town are great. It shows when we all work together we can get great results.”