Press Releases

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is conducting a series of prescribed burns this autumn as part of its ongoing commitment to reducing the risk of bushfire and conserving native plants and animals.

 

Gardens Director , Mr Chris Russell said that while it was impossible to be specific about which days were to be set aside for the burns, neighbouring residents have been given warning of the pending burns.

 

He said the burns will be conducted by accredited and experienced RBGC staff with the support of the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

 

“All burns conducted by the Gardens follow a plan in accordance with the ‘Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land’,” he said.

 

The plan specifies the weather conditions in which it is possible to light up.

 

“These conditions are assessed on the day of the burn, which means that the exact day of a burn cannot be determined in advance,” said Mr Russell.

 

The Australian Garden will be open on the days of burns, but the bushland, including Stringybark Picnic area, will be closed.

Public Enquiries: Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (03) 5990 2200.

Media Enquiries: Penny Underwood on (03) 9818 8540.

 

About the fire management plan

RBG Cranbourne has a fire management plan that incorporates the controlled use of fire for asset protection and to maintain biodiversity. The plan recommends the strategic burning of selected small patches of bushland during the spring or autumn. 

Fire is a necessary management tool for RBG Cranbourne where the plants are adapted to periodic fire. Most species regenerate from underground rootstock or from seeds that lie dormant in the soil. Some species depend on fire for regeneration and flourish after fire.  Prescribed burning is also used to reduce the amounts of fuel at strategic locations across the site, with a focus on protection of assets.

 

Prescribed burns during Spring and Autumn help to reduce the overall fire risk during the fire danger period over the hotter months.