Shire of Augusta-Margaret River says focus on bushfire fuels rather than dry-spell trees

Community emergency services manager Adam Jasper has offered encouraging words about the region’s recovery from the past year’s dry spell.

The effects of the eight-month dry spell was felt across all reserves including national parks under the care of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Mr Jasper said.

But, in a statement this week, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s Mr Jasper said residents should focus on reducing ground fuels before bushfire season and give injured or struggling trees time to heal.

“We saw a similar die-off event in 2011 where around 85 per cent of trees recovered,” he said.

“While the recent event seems to be more widespread, there are already visible signs of recovery.

“The recovery process can take several years and it’s crucial that we give nature a chance to heal. Even during recovery, these trees and the surrounding vegetation provide essential breeding and foraging habitats for native animals.”

Ms Jasper urged residents not to remove unwell trees and focus on fuel loads ahead of the summer.

He said the situation was not as dire as some feared.

“The total fuel load in areas affected by this event hasn’t increased although there will be more dry leaves, branches, and other dead vegetation on the ground which is the first to ignite in a bushfire,” he said.