Terms of Reference

The Environment and Natural Resources Committee is required to inquire into and report by 30 June 2008 upon the impact of public land management practices on the frequency, scale and intensity of bushfires in Victoria, and in particular —

(1) the extent, timing, resourcing and effectiveness of prescribed burning on both crown and freehold land;

(2) the manner in which prescribed burning is conducted, including how applicable codes of practice are employed;

(3) the impact of prescribed burning and recent wildfires on Victoria’s biodiversity, wildlife and other natural assets including water quality and quantity;

(4) the reporting process applicable to prescribed burning programs;

(5) the legislative and regulatory arrangements for prescribed burns and bushfire management;

(6) the effectiveness of maintaining permanent, strategically placed fire breaks and containment lines throughout public land areas;

(7) the provision and maintenance of large water points on crown land to assist with bushfire aerial taskforce operations;

(8) the impact of traditional land uses such as timber harvesting, grazing, four-wheel-driving, hunting, camping, mining and prospecting on the scale and intensity of bushfires and the ability of relevant agencies to respond;

(9) the provision and maintenance of serviceable access tracks and signage to assist with recreational and emergency requirements;

(10) the impact of climate change on bushfires and public land management practices;

(11) whether additional measures are required to provide a mechanism for the skills, knowledge and interests of local communities, and appropriate scientific expertise, to be better represented in the management of bushfire risk on public land;

(12) the involvement of local communities in the management of fire;

(13) any other matter that impacts on the scale and intensity of bushfires in Victoria; and

(14) The consequent impact of bushfires on the June/July 2007 Gippsland flood.*

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Legislative Council of Victoria
No. 11 — Wednesday, 14 March 2007

* Added Wednesday, 18 July 2007 — Minutes of the Proceedings of the Legislative Council of Victoria, No. 29