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| Fire Planning a first | National Estate Listing extended |
Following a series of fires which burned large sections of the Bomaderry Creek Bushland over the past three months, moves are now afoot to draft a comprehensive fire management plan.
This initiative comes from a number of directions and involves input from local bush fire brigades, NSW Fire Brigade, Shoalhaven Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Land and Water Conservation, Bomaderry Creek Landcare Group, and the Australian Conservation Foundation's Shoalhaven Branch.
A field inspection in June encouraged discussion from all parties on the needs and scope of the plan.
There was general agreement for priority work to be done in areas adjacent to houses which abut the Bushland, particularly those on eastern and southern perimeters. The field inspection focussed on these zones.
Discussion also pointed to the need for local residents to take responsible actions to ensure that their properties are made fire-safe rather than fire-hazards.
Another focus for discussion was the need to maintain the Bushland as an environmental resource rather than have it damaged by high frequency burning.
A committee has been formed to review the draft Bomaderry Creek Fire Management Plan which is presently being prepared. This Plan will also be presented to management authorities for approval.
It is hoped that this Plan will prove to be a blueprint for better management of bushland reserves.
The Australian Heritage Commission has decided to list about 100 hectares of the Bomaderry Creek Bushland on the full Register of the National Estate.
Previously about 5 hectares had received National Estate listing, this being the locations of the first plants of the endemic endangered species, Zieria baeuerlenii to be found
In recent years, this Bushland area has received recognition for its rich diversity of native plants and animals leading to the present extension of the nominated area to cover a much larger section of the Bushland.
Recent survey work commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation has more clearly defined the Zieria baeuerlenii locations through the Bushland and its likely critical habitat.
Speaking for ACF Shoalhaven, May Leatch says that the Heritage Commission Listing is a very positive recognition of the Bushland's national significance. "I find it incomprehensible that Shoalhaven Council still wants to carve through this important natural recreation area with roads." Ms Leatch said.