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TRANSCRIPT
National Research Priorities to 2020 and BeyondNational Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Australia and New Zealand’s Forest Fire Management Group
Edition 2, May 2013
Cover photograph:
2009 fuel reduction burn in high elevation, long unburnt native forest, Namadgi, ACT (photo: Neil Cooper, ACT Parks and Conservation Service).
1National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond
Contents
Purpose 2
Background 3Australia 3NewZealand 4
LandscapeFire 5
ThePolicyContext 7
TowardaResearchAgenda 8
ResearchPriorities 9ClimateChange 9TheIdentificationandMaintenanceofAppropriateFireRegimes 11RiskManagement 12WaterCatchmentManagement 12TheRoleofForestsandWoodlandsandFireRegimesinFloodMitigation 13TheRoleofIndigenousPeopleinLandManagement 13MaintainingaLandManagement‘SocialLicence’ 14TheUseofAircraft 14DevelopingandMaintaining‘ResearchInfrastructure’ 16WorkplaceHealthandSafety 16LegislationandPolicy 17ResearchImplementation 18
References 19
Appendix1–FFMGResearchThemes/Issues/ResearchQuestions 20
2 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
2. TolistprioritylandscapefiremanagementresearchthemesformanagersofAustraliaandNewZealand’spubliclandstomeettheidentifiedneeds,to2020andbeyond.
3. Toidentifytherelatedspecificresearchquestions(whicharesummarisedinAppendix1).
Purpose
1. ToidentifytheresearchneedsrequiredtofundamentallyunderpintheimplementationoftheNationalBushfirePolicyStatementforForestandRangelands.
FirekilledAlpineAshinVictoria(photo:BushfireCRC).
3National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond
Background
AustraliaOccupyinganentirecontinentofsome7.6millionsquarekilometres,Australiaisthesixthlargestcountryintheworld.Nearlysevenmillionsquarekilometres,or91percentofAustralia,iscoveredbynativevegetation.
AccordingtotheNationalForestInventory,Australiahas149millionhectaresofforest.Ofthis,147millionhectaresisnativeforest,dominatedbyeucalypt(79percent)andacacia(7percent),and1.82millionhectaresofplantations;whileAustralia’sChiefScientistrecordsgrasslandascoveringaround440millionhectaresofland.
FirehasbeensignificantinshapingthedistributionandcompositionofmuchofAustralia’sfloraandfauna.Manynativespecieshavedevelopedspecificmechanismstosurviveperiodicfire;somearefiredependentforcriticallifestages.
Thelongtermeffectoffireonplantsandanimalsvariesaccordingtosequencesoffireeventsratherthantoasinglefireevent.Sequencesoffireeventsareknownas‘fireregimes’.Fireregimesaredeterminedby:intensity,frequency(howoftenfiresoccurataplace),season(thetimeofyearfiresoccur),extent(howlargethefireisanditsspatialpattern),andtype(e.g.solelyabovegroundoralsoconsumingtheorganiclayerofsoil).
EcologicallyappropriatefireregimesacrossthelandscapeareimportantfortheprotectionofAustralia’sbiodiversity.Plantsandanimalsareadaptedtodifferentfireregimes.Forexample,theplanet’stallestfloweringplant,MountainAsh(Eucalyptusregnans)regeneratesfromseed,andthereforemaynotsurviveiffiresaretoofrequent,astheplantsneedtoreachmaturityandproducesufficientseedbeforethenextfireepisode.
Conversely,excludingfirefromsomelandscapesforlongperiodsandoverlargeareascanthreatenecosystemhealth.Forexample,therecanbenegativeconsequencesifaspeciesisnolongerabletoreproduceorifheavyfuelloadsaccumulateresultinginlarge,veryintenseandecologicallydamagingbushfires. FuelreductionburnACT(photo:BrianLevine).
Equally,somespeciesand/orecosystems,suchasrainforests,requirelongfire-freeintervalstoensuretheircontinuedpresence.
‘EcologicallyappropriatefireregimesacrossthelandscapeareimportantfortheprotectionofAustralia’sbiodiversity.’
IndigenouspeoplewereintegraltothedevelopmentofAustralianfireregimeswhichshapedthelandscapesfloraandfauna.Followingthemovementofnon-aboriginalpeopleintothislandscaperesultingingradualchangesinlandtenureandthecreationofbuiltassetsonasignificantscale,bushfirescametobeseenasAustralia’smostubiquitousnaturalhazard.Inmorerecentdecades,south-easternAustraliahascometobeviewed,withintheinternationalwildlandfirecommunity,asoneofthethreemostfire-proneregionsonEarth.
4 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
NewZealandEveryyearareaswithinNewZealandexperienceorarethreatenedbywildfire,andtherisksfromruralfiresaregrowing.Conversely,overthelast30yearsthedamagecausedbywildfirehasdeclinedsignificantly,withtheareaburntdroppingbyapproximatelyathird.Themajorreasonforthedeclinehasbeenchangesinmanagementofboththeareasinwhichwildfiresoccurandthetechniquesusedtomanagethemoncetheystart.Changingtechnologyhasplayedonlyaminorroleinthistrend.Decreasingdamage,whilerisksarerising,hasbeenasignificantachievementandamajorgainforallstakeholders.Appliedresearch,bothinNewZealandandinternationally,hasbeenthesinglelargestdeterminantofthechangesinmanagement.Researchintotheimpactsofclimatechange,landusechange,useoffire,carbonemissions,healthandsafety,andtheretentionofvolunteers–areallareaswhereabetterunderstandingtoassistfiremanagementarenecessary.
FuelreductiontrialsinNewZealand(photo:NRFANZ).
‘…supportofappliedresearchtofurtherourunderstandingofthewildfireenvironmentandhowitcanbemanaged.’
Forthisreasonallstakeholderswithintheruralfiresectorareinsupportofappliedresearchtofurtherourunderstandingofthewildfireenvironmentandhowitcanbemanaged.Theaimoftheforestandruralfireresearchprogramistoassistintheprotectionoflife,property,economicandconservationresourcesinNewZealand’sforestandrurallandmanagementenvironments.Theresearchprovideslandmanagers,policymakersandruralfirefighterswithbothinformationandtoolstohelpreducethenumberandconsequencesofwildfires.
5National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond
LandscapeFire
HeavysmokefromaplantationfireinWesternAustralia(photo:WADEC).
InthewiderAustraliancommunity,fireisincreasinglyregardedasapartoftheenvironmentwithlargeforestandwoodlandfiresbeingunderstoodtooccurperiodically,bothpriortoandsinceEuropeansettlement.
InnorthernAustralia,fewyearspasswithoutlargeareasbeingburnt.Thesefiresgenerallyhaveacomparativelyloweconomicimpactduetothelimitedpopulationdensityandthedispersednatureofbuiltassets.Thepotentialenvironmentalimpactsfrompoorlyplannedorexecutedfireregimesarehowever,significant(negativeimpactscanincludethelossofnaturalbiodiversity,andincreasesinpestplantsandanimals).ThegreenhouseimplicationsofextensiveburninginnorthernAustraliaarealsoslowlybeingbetterunderstood.
InsouthernAustralialargefiresoftenhavesignificanteconomicandsocialimpacts.The2002–03and2006–07fireseasonsinsouth-easternAustralia,andmostparticularlythe2008–09seasonwerebad,withverysignificantareasofforestburnt,majorassetlossesoccurring,veryhighsuppressioncostsincurredandcomplexincidentmanagementarrangementsbeingrequired.Thetragic2009VictorianBlackSaturdayfiresandtheearly2013Tasmanian,NewSouthWalesandVictoriaeventsagainhighlightedthenegativeeconomic,socialandenvironmentalimpactsthatbushfirescanhave.
‘ThegreenhouseimplicationsofextensiveburninginnorthernAustraliaarealsoslowlybeingbetterunderstood.’
Ithasbeenestimated(Russell-Smithetal.2007)thatbetween30millionand70millionhectaresofAustraliaareaffectedbyfireannually,withseasonalfluctuationsbeinglargelyresponsiblefortheconsiderablevariation.
Over90percentoftheareaofAustraliaburntbyfireeachyearisfoundnorthoftheTropicofCapricorn,withburningoccurringduringthe‘dryseason’,generallybetweenAprilandNovember.
Mostoftheremainingburntareaisfoundinthetemperate,moredenselypopulatedsouthernregionofAustraliawithhighfiredangergenerallyoccurringbetweenDecemberandMarch.
Therearesignificantdifferencesbetweenthetypesoffiresthatoccurinnorthern,andinsouthernAustralia.NorthernAustralianfirestendtooccurinsavannahwoodlandsandinhummockgrasslands.Theamountoffuelintheseenvironmentsisgenerallylimitedandtheweatherconditionsinthedryseasonaregenerallystable.Maximumfireintensitiesinthesesituationsrarelyexceed20,000kilowattspermetre.DuringbushfiresinthemountainforestsofsouthernAustraliamaximumintensitiescanreachupto100,000kilowattspermetre.(Tolhurst,2004).
6 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Atthesehighintensitieswhich,coincidentally,areecologicallynecessaryfortherenewalofthe‘ash’typehigheraltitudesinglespecieseucalyptforests,builtassetsandhumanlivescanbeputseverelyatrisk.
FromaNewZealandperspective3,000–4,000wildfiresoccureachyearthatburnaround6,000hectaresofNewZealand’sruralvegetationandland(grasslands,scrublandsandforests).Thisisinadditiontothemorethan100,000hectaresburnedannuallybyprescribedfire.
Overthelast16yearstheareasaffectedbyfireinNewZealandhaverangedfrom1,183hectaresin1991–92to17,698hectaresin1998–99,mainlyduetofluctuationsinseasonalweatherconditions.Changingdemographics,land-useactivitiesandclimatechangewillcontinuetoadverselyaffectNewZealand’sfirehazardscape.
TheaverageeconomiccostofNewZealandwildfiresfrom2002–2007hasbeenestimatedat$97.7millionperannum(BERL,2009).Thisfiguredoesnotcapturethefullcostsofindirectfireimpacts,forexampleonfarmingproduction,biodiversityandtourism.
TheNationalRuralFireAuthority(NRFA)isthenationalco-ordinatingbodyforthe76ruralfireauthorities(LocalGovernment,DepartmentofConservation,NZDefence,forestrycompanies)andothers(e.g.FederatedFarmersofNZ),whosefocusistomanageandminimisetheimpactofruralfireinNewZealand.
‘…averageeconomiccostofNewZealandwildfiresfrom2002–2007hasbeenestimatedat$97.7millionperannum(BERL,2009).’
ThemissionoftheNRFAisto‘minimisethesocial,economicandenvironmentalimpactsoffireintheforestandrurallandscape’.Togetherwithotherstakeholders,theNRFAhastwobroadobjectivesforruralfiremanagementinNewZealand:reducingthenumberandconsequencesofwildfires,andfacilitatingtheuseoffireasaneffectivelandmanagementtool. Soilerosionfollowing2003fires(photo:BushfireCRC).
7National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond
ThePolicyContext
TheUnitedNations’FoodandAgricultureOrganisation(UN-FAO)MinisterialMeetingonForestsandthe17thSessionoftheFAOCommitteeonForestry,March2005calleduponFAO,incollaborationwithcountriesandotherinternationalpartners,includingtheofficeoftheUnitedNationsInternationalStrategyforDisasterReduction(UNISDR),todevelopastrategytoenhanceinternationalcooperationinfiremanagement,thatadvancedknowledge,increasedaccesstoinformationandresourcesandexplorednewapproachesforcooperationatalllevels.Italsorequestedpreparationofvoluntaryguidelinesontheprevention,suppressionandrecoveryfromforestfire.Theneedforsuchtoolstoassistininternationalcooperationhadalsobeenhighlightedatthe3rdInternationalWildlandFireConferenceandtheInternationalWildlandFireSummit(Sydney,Australia2003)asaconsequenceoftheincreasingincidenceandseverityofimpactsofmajorfiresglobally.
‘…buildontheworkoftheexistingBushfireCRCandexpandresearcheffortsintoothernaturalhazards…’
Aninternationalexpertconsultationinwildlandfires(Madrid,May2006)agreedthatanon-legallybindingStrategytoEnhanceInternationalCooperationinFireManagementwouldincludeanoverarchingframeworkandfourcomponents:
i. FireManagementVoluntaryGuidelines(whichwerepublishedin2006);
ii. AnImplementationPartnership;
iii. AGlobalAssessmentofFireManagement;and
iv. AReviewofInternationalCooperationinFireManagement.
FromanAustralianperspective,therecentlyreleasedNationalBushfireManagementPolicyStatementforForestsandRangelands,thatwasdevelopedbytheForestFireManagementGroup(FFMG)andsubsequentlyendorsedbytheCouncilofAustralianGovernments1(COAG),linkedStandingCouncilsofbothPrimaryIndustries,andEnvironmentandWater,states:
‘…Astrategicapproachtoresearch,monitoringandlearningaimedatsupportingtheuseoffireinthelandscapewillleadtoanimprovedunderstandingoftherelationshipbetweenfireregimes(andindividualfires)withrisk,biodiversity,ecosystemhealthandresilience,naturalresourcemanagementandproduction,catchmentwateryieldsandwaterqualityandgreenhousegasstorageandemissions…’(pg.12)
Intermsofcurrentfederalgovernmentresearchpriorities,thethenMinisterresponsibleforthe‘cooperativeresearchprogram’listed,latein2012,innovativemanufacturing,socialinnovation,andsustainableregionalcommunities.Morerecently,thePrimeMinisterhasannounced,aspartoftheimplementationofCOAG’s2011NationalStrategyforDisasterReduction,federalfundingtowardtheestablishmentofaBushfiresandNaturalHazardsCRC.ThePMstatedthatthenewCRCwould‘…buildontheworkoftheexistingBushfireCRCandexpandresearcheffortsintoothernaturalhazards…’
1 COAGincludestheNewZealandGovernment
8 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Thefutureresearchprogramdirectionsdevelopedaspartofthatprocessacknowledgedacontextthatseesfewcommunitiesinfire-proneareasaroundthecountrybelievingthattheyaresuccessfullymanagingtheirforests,woodlandsandruralareasandtheinherentfirethreatassociatedwiththem.Changesinphilosophicalandorganisationalapproachestowildlandareasoverthelast40years,theexpansionofurbanpopulationsintothehinterland,andmorerecentlytheuncertaintiesassociatedwithclimatechangewereseenaspresentingcurrentdecision-makerswithconsiderabledilemmas.
Inlate2012/early2013,theFFMGsought,withinthecontextoftherecentlyendorsedNationalBushfireManagementPolicyStatementforForestsandRangelands,toidentifyboththe‘drivers’andtheresearchprioritiesconfrontingthenation’slandmanagerstotheyear2020andbeyond.
Identifiedpolicy/research‘drivers’included:
• Globalwarming;
• Populationgrowthandthemovementofpeopleandassetsintothebushland‘interface’;
• Riskmanagementconsiderations;
• Watercatchmentthreats;
• Budgetlimitations;
• Ecosystemcomplexity;
• Growingdemandsforservicesincluding:
− Tourismandrecreationalopportunities;
− Water;
− Timber;
− Carbonstorage;and
− Foodproductionandgrazingonrangelands.
‘…fewcommunitiesinfire-proneareasaroundthecountrybelievingthattheyaresuccessfullymanagingtheirforests,woodlandsandruralareasandtheinherentfirethreatassociatedwiththem.’
ThisworkbytheFFMGfollowedanearlier,somewhatsimilaranalysisundertakenbytheAustralasianFireandEmergencyServiceAuthoritiesCouncil(AFAC).Duringaprocessthatwasdesignedtohelpdefinemoregeneralfutureresearchneeds,fireagencyCEOsacknowledgedthattheydidnothavethetoolsandknowledgetomeetthefutureneedsoftheindustryandthecommunityitserves.
BurntinfrastructureCoonabarabran2013(photo:DrMargaretKitchin).
TowardaResearchAgenda
9National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond
ResearchPriorities
ThefourstrategicobjectivessetoutintheNationalBushfireManagementPolicyStatementforForestsandRangelandsareto:
• EffectivelyManagetheLandwithFire;
• DevelopInvolvedandCapableCommunities;
• FacilitateStrongLand,FireandEmergencyPartnershipsandCapability;and
• ActivelyandAdaptivelyManageRisk.
TheStatementalsocommitslandmanagersto:
‘…continuetoimprovelinkswithcooperativeresearchcentres,universitiesandotherresearchprovidersby:
• developingacomprehensiveresearchstrategytosupporttheimplementationofthisstatement(thiswillincludeassessingthevalueoflongtermecologicalresearchsitesinsupportingbushfiremanagementacrossthelandscape)…’(pg.15)
ThemembersofFFMGdeveloptwelveNationalResearchthemesrelevanttolandmanagers:
• ClimateChange
• AppropriateFireRegimes
• RiskManagement
• WaterCatchments
• FiresRoleinFloodMitigation
• IndigenousInvolvement
• SocialIssues
• Aircraft
• ResearchInfrastructure
• WorkplaceHealthandSafety
• LegislationandPolicy
• ResearchImplementation
TheissuesfacingFFMGmemberagenciesandtheprioritytasksforeachofthesetwelvethemesarelistedasfollows.
ClimateChange
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Landmanagersclearlyhavemuchworktodoiftheyaretosufficientlyunderstandtheimpactofclimatechangeonboththeecosystemstheyareresponsiblefor,andonthenation’slevelofbushfirerisk.Australia’sClimateCommission,initsmostrecentreport(April2013),notesthatfireproneconditionsandassociatedvulnerabilitiesareincreasing.
‘…scientificissuesassociatedwithclimatechangesciencearecomplex…’
Thescientificissuesassociatedwithclimatechangesciencearecomplexand,inthecontextofbushfires,mustalsobeviewedinconjunctionwiththenatureofAustralia’snativevegetation,muchofwhichhasamulti-facetedevolutionaryrelationshipwithfire.
Therelationshipbetweenclimatechangeandvegetation/ecosystemchangeshasmajorimplicationsforfiremanagementandriskassessment.Changestobiotaandecosystemswill,ataminimum,affectfuelaccumulationanddistributioninforestandwoodlandsaswellasaffectingthebiodiversityandecologicaloutcomesrequiredfromfiremanagementprograms.Thelocationandextentoffireproneandfiresensitiveecosystemsislikelytochangeinrelationtoclimaticchanges,presentingnewchallengesforlandmanagementandfiresuppressionoperations.
‘…developingacomprehensiveresearchstrategytosupporttheimplementationofthisstatement(thiswillincludeassessingthevalueoflongtermecologicalresearchsitesinsupportingbushfiremanagementacrossthelandscape)…’(pg.15)
10 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Arelatedconsiderationseessmokefrombushfires,andmoreparticularlysmokefromtheuseofprescribedfire,asbeingincreasinglyviewedinsomequartersasfurtheraddingcarbondioxideandotherGreenhousegasestotheatmosphere.Aswithmuchofthescienceassociatedwithclimatechangehowever,thestoryiscomplex.Newvegetationthatestablishesfollowingafireinvariablygrowsvigorously,generallysequesteringconsiderablequantitiesofcarbon.Similarly,anycontributionstoglobalwarmingthatmayresultfromprescribedfiresmustbebalancedagainsttheglobalwarmingeffectsofmorefrequentandmoreintensebushfiresthatwilloccurintheabsenceofthestrategicuseofprescribedfireinmanyecosystems.
Morespecifically,ithasbeenestimatedthatachangeinonly10percentofthecarbonstoredinthesoilwouldbeequivalenttoalltheanthropogenicCO2emittedover30years(Kirschbaum,2000).Theinfluenceoffireonthecarbonbalanceofmontaneandsub-alpineecosystemsinAustraliaisvirtuallyunexploredbutisclearlyofimportancegiventheextentoftheecosystemsconcerned,theircarbondensity,andtheirsensitivitytobothfireandclimate.CurrentBushfireCRCresearchisdesignedonlytoprovidebaselinedataoncarboncyclingfromkeyvegetationtypesinthesub-alpineregionofNSW,andtofurtherelucidatethedriversofcarbonfluxinsoils.
Otherimplicationsthatflowfromachangingclimateandconsequentialmoreextremeweathereventsinclude:
• Changestothedistributionandextentofecosystemsundermanagement,changingfireriskprofiles,planningandmitigationactions;
• Thelikelihoodofincreasingevent‘cross-over’,suchasmorefrequentandmoreintenseheatwavesleadingtoconflictsbetweenadvicetovulnerablepeopletorestandtostayindoors,whileatthesametimeremainingalerttothethreatofbushfires;
• Heatwaveimpactsontheavailabilityandefficacyofvolunteerfirefighters;
• Apossiblegreateroccurrence,nationally,ofsimultaneousbadfloodsandseriousbushfiresisapossibilityrecentlyraisedbytheBoM,fragmentingemergencyresponse;
• Amergingofnorthernandsouthernhemispherefireseasonsleadingtoalesseningoftheeffectivenessofthecurrentmutualsupportarrangements(particularlybetweenNorthAmericaandAustralia);
• Possiblechangesinthepatternofdrylightningstorms;and
• Changesintheamountandseasonalityofrainfallwhichcanaffectfueldynamicsinnativeecosystems.
‘…influenceoffireonthecarbonbalanceofmontaneandsub-alpineecosystemsinAustraliaisvirtuallyunexplored…’
HeavysmokefromGrampianfires2013(photo:PatriciaD’Abrera).
National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond 11
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Amuchgreaterunderstandingofthewayglobalwarmingwillimpactonecosystemhealthandviability,ataregionallevel;
• Theimpactofclimatechangeonthecriteriausedtoproducefiredangerratingsinspecificareas;
• Agreaterunderstandingofcarbonstorageoptionsavailableforforests,woodlandsandrangelands,andarelatedimprovedunderstandingoftherelationshipbetweenvegetationage,fireregimesandcarbonfluxes(involvingsoils,vegetation,smokeandtheatmosphere);and
• Waystointegrateappliedresearchwithadaptivemanagementtoincreasetheratesofresponsetoecosystemchanges.
TheIdentificationandMaintenanceofAppropriateFireRegimes
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Thiscontinuestobeafundamentaltaskiflandmanagersaretoadequatelyfulfiltheirraisond’êtreinrelationtotheecosystemsforwhichtheyareresponsible.Ecosystemspecificresearchhoweverisgenerallyconductedatthejurisdictionalorlocallevel,issuesbeyondtheidentificationofframeworksandbenchmarksrarelybeingnationalinnature.
Theplanningandimplementationoffireregimesislongterminnatureandrequirespredictivecapacity,withunderstoodlevelsofuncertainty,tounderpindecisionsinthepresent.
Overtime,itislikelythatatleastsomeecosystemswillmoveacrossthelandscapewithchangestoclimate,becomingeitherlarger,smallerorofsimilarextentbutchanginggeographicallocation.Currentknowledgeoffiremanagementintheseecosystemswillformthebasisforfuturemanagementacrossdifferentareas.
However,thedevelopmentofanationaldatabase,describingthedistributionofexistingecosystems;predictionsofwheretheywillbeinthefuture(withdefineduncertainty);andsettingouttheappropriatefireregimes(withappropriateburningprescriptions)necessaryforfuturemanagementwillneedtooccuraspartoftheimplementationoftheNationalBushfireManagementPolicy.
‘…newecosystemswillarise,andthesewillneedresearchintofireriskandappropriatefiremanagementneeds.’
Usingcurrentclimateprojectionsitwouldseempossiblethatnewecosystemswillarise,andthesewillneedresearchintofireriskandappropriatefiremanagementneeds.Similarly,itappearsarangeofsensitiveecosystemsmaydisappearandarangeof(fire-dynamic)ecosystemswillbecomemorewidespread.Itiscurrentlysuggestedthatfiremanagerswillexperienceconditionsthatexistalreadybutmorewidelyacrossthelandscape.
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Thedevelopment,andon-goingmaintenanceofanationaldatabaseofcurrentandprojecteddistributionsofexistingecosystemsunderarangeofclimatechangescenarios(thesizeofthistaskisacknowledged,andprioritiesandstrategiccollaborationwithotherinterestedstakeholderswouldneedtobeestablished);
• Developmentofmodelstoassistindeterminationandmanagementofappropriatefireregimes;
• Agreedindicatorsoflandscapebiodiversityhealthandfireriskmanagement,forassessingtheadequacyandeffectivenessoflandscapemanagementapproaches;
• TheidentificationofasuiteofappropriatefireregimesforeachmajorAustralianandNewZealandecosystem;adatabasethatisinformedbytheneedsofthreatenedspeciesoffloraandfauna,bytherequirementtomanagepestplantsandanimals,andthatusesagreedmeasures(andindicators)ofecosystemhealth,vitalityandproductivemaintenancecapacity;and
• Parametersforevaluatingbiodiversitytrade-offswhendesigningburningprogramsforhumanlifeandpropertyprotectionwhichcanbereadilyappliedinariskassessmentandmitigationcontext.
• Waystointegrateresearchwithadaptivemanagementindefiningandmanagingappropriatefireregimes;and
• Abetterunderstandingofhowclimatechangewillinteractwithfireseasons(length,dryness),fireweather,drylightningandbushfireriskacrossallregionsofAustraliaandthetimeframesinvolved.
12 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
‘Tool(s)whichstandardiseriskassessmentacrossdifferentvegetationtypes,managementobjectives,agenciesandcommunitieswouldbeusefultoensurethreatsarerecognisedandtreatedinthesameway.’
RiskManagement
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Theworkthathasbeenconductedinthisareainrecentyearshascontributedsignificantlytoimprovementsinthemanagementoflandscapefireandprescribedburning.However,publicandprofessionalexpectationsoflandmanagershaverisenconsiderablyandagreater,moretransparentunderstandingofthetrade-offsinvolvedisrequired.
Tool(s)whichstandardiseriskassessmentacrossdifferentvegetationtypes,managementobjectives,agenciesandcommunitieswouldbeusefultoensurethreatsarerecognisedandtreatedinthesameway.Thisapproachisessentialinthetrainingofnewfiremanagersandtotransferexperienceandknowledgebetweengenerationsoffiremanagementprofessionals.
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Refinementofthecurrentlyavailablemodels,andoftheunderlyingfirebehaviourandfuelaccumulationsimulationsinaformthatcanbereadilyutilisedinriskassessmentandmanagement;
• Amorerefinedanalysisoftheeffectivenessofprescribedburninginmeetingbothecosystemandriskmanagementobjectives–includingdelineatingandidentifyingtrade-offsbetweensocialandenvironmentaloutcomes;
• Enhancedtoolsfortheassessmentoffuelcharacteristicsacrossthelandscape;
• Methodsforquantifyingtheseverityofseasonalandmulti-seasonaldroughtanditseffectsonfuelavailabilityandpotentialfirebehaviour;
• Enhancedresourcepreparednessmodelsthatincludefiredangerindicatorsandmorerealisticindicatorsofthedifferinglevelsofriskassociatedwithvariousvegetationtypes;and
• Predictiveresourcingguides(crew,machinesandaircraft)forfire-lineconstructioninarangeofvegetationtypesandtopographies.
WaterCatchmentManagement
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Maintainingcatchmentwaterqualityandquantityinresponsetochangingfireandclimateregimesisakeychallengefacingmanylandmanagers.Communityexpansionandprojectedwatershortagesinsomejurisdictionsplaceadditionalpressureonfiremanagerstosecurewaterinfrastructureandavailability.
‘Maintainingcatchmentwaterqualityandquantityinresponsetochangingfireandclimateregimesisakeychallengefacingmanylandmanagers.’
Balancingresponsibleapproachestothemanagementoflandscapefire,theuseofprescribedfireinwatercatchmentsfortheprotectionofwaterquality,wateryieldandhumansafety,andincludingwateryieldandqualityparametersinfireriskmodelsallpresentchallenges.
ModeloutputofpredictedfirespreadofAshWednesdayfires(photo:VicDSE).
National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond 13
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Abetterunderstandingoftherelationshipbetweenfireregimes,riskmanagement,waterqualityandyield;and
• Apracticalwayofintegratingwateryieldandqualityobjectivesintofireriskmodelsandfireregimes.
TheRoleofForestsandWoodlandsandFireRegimesinFloodMitigation
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Forestsandwoodlandsplayavitalroleinmoderatingwatermovementoverthelandscape.Althoughforestedlandscapescannotpreventlargefloodsoutright,theydominimisethefrequency,intensity,andextentofallfloodingevents,whichinturnsignificantlyreducesthedamagetolifeandpropertythatseriousfloodingcancause.Forestsalsominimizesoilerosionandlandslides,andimprovestreamchannelstabilityandwaterquality.
Asglobalwarmingintensifieshotter,dryerconditionsarepredictedas,insomelocations,aremoreintensestorm,windandrainfallevents.Theinfluenceof
fireregimesontheecosystemsabilitytowithstandtheseeventsandcontributetocommunityresilienceiskeyknowledgerequiredtounderpinplanningandimplementationofcontrolledfire.
‘…influenceoffireregimesonecosystemabilitytowithstandtheseeventsandcontributetocommunityresilienceiskeyknowledgerequiredtounderpinplanningandimplementationofcontrolledfire.’
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Abetterunderstandingoftherelationshipbetweenfireregimes,floodeventsandthelevelofrisktolifeandproperty.
TheRoleofIndigenousPeopleinLandManagement
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Agenciesareincreasinglyworkingwithindigenouspeople,particularlyinnaturalresourcemanagementandheritagerelatedactivities.
‘…needforimproveddialogueandinformationflowbetweenAboriginalandnon-Aboriginallandmanagersisacknowledged,asistheneedforappropriateresearchtounderpinthisrelationship.’
Aboriginalattitudesandperceptionsoflandmanagementissuescansometimesdifferconsiderablyfromthoseofotherlandmanagers.ExplanationsforthenatureandconditionoflandandresourcescanhavetheirrootinAboriginalcultureratherthaninthewesternscientificparadigm.ThisisanissueofgreatimportancewhenlookingatanyoftheactivitieswhichtakeplaceonAboriginalland.TheneedforimproveddialogueandinformationflowbetweenAboriginalandnon-Aboriginallandmanagersisacknowledged,asistheneedforappropriateresearchtounderpinthisrelationship.
HazardreductionaroundACT’smainwatersupply2013(photo:OdileArman).
14 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Abetterunderstandingofthescientificandculturalbasisforindigenousburningstrategiesindifferentecosystemsandhowthatmightbeintegratedintofiremanagementplansandobjectives;
• Abetterunderstandingofthedriversofindigenousparticipationinlandandfiremanagement;and
• Abetterunderstandingofindigenousaspirationsandobjectivesforlandandfiremanagementwithindigenouslandownersaskeystakeholders.
MaintainingaLandManagement‘SocialLicence’
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Inrecentyearstheterm‘sociallicence’hascometobemorewidelyapplied,andusedbyabroaderrangeofstakeholders–beyondtheearliermorelocalisedcompanyandcommunitycontext.Therehasalsobeenincreasingdebateintheacademicliteratureoverhowtodefine‘sociallicenceobligations’andwhat(ifany)valuetheconceptbringstoanunderstandingofthesocialaspectsofsustainabledevelopment.
Inthehighlyurbanisedsocialandpoliticalclimateinwhichlandmanagementagenciesmustoperate,anunderstandingof,andsupportformanagementactivities(suchastheuseofprescribedfire,andthemanagementofpestplantsandanimals)amongthewidercommunitycannotbeassumed.Achievingabetterunderstandingofthesematterswithinsocietyisalsoessentialifcommunityeducationandinformationprogramsaretobeeffectivelydesignedanddelivered.
‘…anunderstandingof,andsupportformanagementactivities(suchastheuseofprescribedfire,andthemanagementofpestplantsandanimals)amongthewidercommunitycannotbeassumed.’
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Logical,nationallyconsistentandeasilyrecognisedindicatorsoffireprogrameffectivenessandgoalachievementforreportingtoGovernmentsandotherstakeholders;
• Consistentandregularassessmentofcommunityattitudesandexpectationsforfiremanagementwithlinkstotheriskassessmentandcommunityeducationprogramsofthefireandlandmanagementagencies;and
• Abetterunderstandingofthechanginglevelsofcommunityresilienceandwhatthatmeansforeducationandawarenessprograms;and
• Abetterunderstandingoftheimpactsofsmokeonhealth,communityservicesandviticulture,anddeveloptoolsandmethodstomanagetheseimpacts.
TheUseofAircraft
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Theroleofaircraftinthemanagementoflandscapefirehasincreasedinprominenceconsiderablysincethe1960s.
‘…thecostsofsuppressingbushfireshavebeenrisingdramaticallyandaircraftusecomprisesasignificantcomponentoftheseincreasedcosts.’
Nationally,thefederally-fundedNationalAerialFirefightingCentre,whichwasestablishedin2003–04tofundtenaircrafttoassistState-basedoperations,now,routinely,fundsinexcessof52aircraft,asignificantpercentageofwhicharelarge,heavy-liftmachines.
Inthesameperiod,thecostsofsuppressingbushfireshavebeenrisingdramaticallyandaircraftusecomprisesasignificantcomponentoftheseincreasedcosts.
Inrecentyearsbushfirerelatedaircraftusehasreceivedconsiderableattentionfromthemedia,particularlywhenaircrafthavebeenusedonsignificantfiresfringingmetropolitanareas,andwhenlargemachineshavebeenused.Thisaircraftprominencehasthepotentialtodistortmoreconsideredapproachestothemanagementofbushfire.
National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond 15
Equallyhowever,aircraftuseisnowintegratedwithintheoveralltaskofmanaginglandscapefireandthebenefitsandlimitationsneedtobeunderstood.Similarly,theuseofretardantandsuppressantchemicalsneedstobeunderstoodinthecontextoffiremanagementandtheecologicalfootprint.
TheFFMGisSeeking
Abetterunderstandingofquestionsincluding:
• Therelativeeffectivenessofaerialfiresuppression–exploringthenicheswhereaircrafthaveadistinctadvantageeitherasfrontlineassetsorassupportresourcesandsimilarlyunderstandingtheirlimitations;
• Therelativecosteffectivenessofaerialassetsinarangeofrolescomparedwithotherassets–therighttoolintherightplace;
• Themosteffectivestrategiesfortheintegrationofaircraftuseinarangeofroles–bombing,intelligencegathering,mapping,transport,aerialignitionetc;
• Inwhatsituationsdoesaerialmanagementhavethegreatestnetbenefit?(i.e.whichlocations-remote/interfaceetc./fueltypes/phaseofoperation–first-attack?);
• Therelativeeffectivenessofarangeofaircraftandequipmenttypes(i.e.whichclassofaircraft/aircrafttype/suppressionequipment/suppressionmedium);
• Indicatorsandparametersinriskmodelswhichguidetheappropriateuseandlevelofinvestmentinaircraftforagivenevent;
• Themostimportantpre-conditionsforeffective/costeffectiveaircraftuse(i.e.whatelseneedstobeinplacetomakesureapositivereturnandoptimumreturnsoninvestmentareachieved?);
• Understandingthetrade-offsbetweenfireandtheecologicalimpactintheuseofretardantandsuppressantchemicals;
• Understandingtheoptimalroleanduseofunmannedaircraftforusessuchasmonitoringfirebehaviourthroughdensesmoke,lowcloudordarkness,orforaerialignitioninremoteareas;and
• Definetheroleofradarimaginginfireplanningandsuppression?
HelicopteruseinHazardreduction–CorindamACT(photo:ScotFarquhar).
16 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
DevelopingandMaintaining‘ResearchInfrastructure’
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Muchoftheinformationrequiredforinformeddecisionmakingandpolicydevelopmentisderivedfromlong-termmonitoringandresearchprograms.Thisinvolvessustainedinvestmentininfrastructuresuchasecologicalreferencesites(long-termecologicalresearchsites),longitudinalhumancommunitystudies,andresearchdata,suchasdetailedfirehistory,bothregionallyandnationally.Thisinfrastructureinvestmentalsounderpinsshorter-termprojects,andthird-partyInquiries,andenablesresearcherstomovequicklyonurgenthighpriorityprojects.Italsofacilitatestheuseofcommonunderlyingdatasetstogeneratespecificoutputsandprovidesaunifyingframeworkforcomplementarycontractoragency-basedresearch,whichisusuallyshorter-term,state/territory-basedandwhich,inmanycases,buildsonbroaderknowledgebases.
‘…establishmentandmaintenanceoflong-termfiremanagementrelatedecologicalstudysites,andlongitudinalhumancommunitystudies.’
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Theidentification,collectionandon-goingmanagementofappropriatelandscapefiredataincludingfirehistoryandintensity,carbonimpacts,ecosystemhealthandrisklevelmonitoring;and
• Monitoringoftheneedforand,asappropriate,theestablishmentandmaintenanceoflong-termfiremanagementrelatedecologicalstudysites,andlongitudinalhumancommunitystudies.
WorkplaceHealthandSafety
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Landmanagementagenciesalreadyhaveastrongfocusonsafety.Pressuresforevensaferworkingconditionswillcontinueandboththerisksandtheriskmanagementoptionsclearlyneedtobeunderstoodtoensureappropriateprotectionforpersonnel,thecommunitiestheyserve,andthewidersociety,whileatthesametimemaintainingfirst-classagencyresponseandgeneralmanagementcapability.
Manyaspectsoffiremanagementremain‘handsonsactivitiesbutwiththeincreasinguseofprescribedfireinmanyjurisdictionsandpotentiallyincreasedexposuretoextremefireevents,thereisanewimperativetolookattheworkingconditionsoffiremanagersandfirefighters.
‘…increasinguseofprescribedfireinmanyjurisdictionsandpotentiallyincreasedexposuretoextremefireevents,thereisanewimperativetolookattheworkingconditionsoffiremanagersandfirefighters.’
Akeyfocuswillremainonidentifyingalternativestoplacingpeopleinthemorehazardoussituations.Importantlyalso,istheneedtounderstandthefullimpactmodernemergencyresponsehasonotheraspectsofthelivesofresponders.
Protectiveclothingatsafetybriefing(photo:SimonButt).
National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond 17
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Anunderstandingoftheimpactsofclimatechangeandprescribedburningonfirebehaviourasaguidetothelevelofriskexposurebyfirefighters;
• Thedevelopmentoffirefighterspecificriskassessmenttool(s)andmitigationstrategies;
• Theenhancementoftrainingprogramsforfirefighters,volunteersandlandownersthroughincorporationofimprovedfirebehaviourknowledgegeneratedinotherpartsoftheresearchprogram;
• ThedevelopmentoftoolstoextendWH+Sknowledgeandstrategiestoindividualprivatelandownerstoassistwiththedevelopmentofpersonalfireplans;and
• Anunderstandingofchangesthatcouldbemadeinfirefighterequipmenttoaddressmorestressfuloperatingenvironments,improvefieldcommunicationsandenhancethetransferofrelevantknowledgefromanincidentcontrolcentretofireground.
‘…achievingandmaintaininganappropriatebalancebetweenworkplacesafetyandthreatstolifeandpropertyposedbylandscapefire.’
LegislationandPolicy
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Landmanagement(andrelated)agenciesareincreasinglygrapplingwiththeimpactofthird-partyInquiriesofvarioustypes.Theseinvariablyrequireconsiderabletimeandeffortanddonotalwaysconsiderthemostproductiveuseofresources.ItisbelievedtheincreasingfrequencyofsuchInquiries,andtherelatedpersonalaccountabilityforthemanagementofinherentlyhigh-riskandoftenverydynamicsituationstheybring,maybeleadingtobehaviouralchangeandrisk-averseagencycultures,therebyreducingtheeffectivenessofsomemanagementundertakings,includingresponse.
Scientificknowledgeandcarefullyevaluatedexperienceareessentialfoundationsfortheproductionofgoodpolicyandlegislation.Fireinthelandscapeaffectsmanystakeholdersandthepolicyframeworkgoverningtheagencies’andcommunities’responsetofirewillbetestedrepeatedly,deeplyandthoroughlyinthefuture.Anyflawswillbeexposedandintheworstcases,livesmaybelostasaresult.Itiscriticaltohavethebestinformationtosupportpolicydirectioninthisfieldandthatinformationmustcomefromacarefullyconstructedandreviewedprocesstoensureitsveracity.
Agoodscientificbasisforpolicywillprovidelandmanagerswiththeconfidencetoproceedinaninherentlyhighriskenvironmentanddowhatneedstobedoneinthesafestandmosteffectiveway.
Itisalsoclearthatinmanyaspectsoftheindustry,fromland-useplanningthoughtoincidentmanagement,theroleofsupportivepolicyandlegislationiscrucial.Whatformgoodpolicyandlegislationshouldtakerequiresconstantmonitoringandinnovativethinking,backedbyrelevantresearch.
TheFFMGisSeeking
• On-goingmonitoringandanalysisofcurrentpolicysettingsandlegislation,andrelatedcommunityandagencycultures,withaviewtoachievingandmaintaininganappropriatebalancebetweenworkplacesafetyandthreatstolifeandpropertyposedbylandscapefire.
Victorianfire-fighters(photo:ParksVictoria).
18 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
ResearchImplementation
IssuesFacingtheFFMG
Inordertoreapthemaximumbenefitsfrominvestinginresearchitisimportanttoregularlyandsystematicallyreviewthepositionofagenciesinrelationtotheutilisationofthefindingsofcompletedresearch,andalsotounderstandhowindividualagenciesandthewiderindustrycanbestcapitaliseresearchoutcomes.
Thescientificstudyofmethodstopromotetheuptakeofresearchfindingscansometimesbeuseful.Researchprojectsgenerallyfocusonspecificissuesorfieldbasedexperiments,andassumethatfindingscanbegeneralisedtorolloutintostrategicand/oroperationalpractice.‘Implementationresearch’exploresthechallengesthatarefacedwhengeneralisingresearchfindingsinthe‘realworld’,forexampleinfieldssuchasfireorfloodmanagement.
Nighttimeburning(photo:SimonButt).
‘…continuedconversionofresearchoutcomestooperationallyusefultools;’
TheFFMGisSeeking
• Thecontinuedconversionofresearchoutcomesintooperationallyusefultools;
• Novelwaysofdistributingresearchoutcomesfordifferentstakeholdersincludingagencies,communities,policymakersandothers;and
• Themaintenanceofeffectiveresearchutilisationandrelatedmonitoringprogramsingeneral.
19National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond
References
Fuelreductioninwatercatchment(photo:BrianLevine).
Highfuelloads(photo:SimonButt).
Fixedwingaircraft(photo:BushfireCRC).
BERL(2009).TheEconomicCostofWildfires.NewZealandFireServiceCommissionResearchReportNumber99.37pp.
BureauofRuralSciences(2009).Australia’sForestsataGlance,NationalForestInventory,CommonwealthofAustralia,Canberra.96pp.
CommonwealthofAustralia(2013).TheCriticalDecade:ExtremeWeather.DepartmentofIndustry,Innovation,ClimateChange,Science,ResearchandTertiaryEducation.April2013.64pp.
CommonwealthofAustralia(2012).NationalBushfireManagementPolicyStatementforForestsandRangelands.PublishedbytheForestFireManagementGroupfortheCouncilofAustralianGovernments.August2012.24pp.
ForestFireManagementGroup(2012).Integratingthemanagementofwildfire-relatedrisksinrurallandandforestmanagementlegislationandpolicies.Author:M.Dudfield.10pp.
Kirschbaum,M.U.F.(2000)Willchangesinsoilorganiccarbonactasapositiveornegativefeedbackonglobalwarming?Biogeochemistry,48,21–51.
Russell-Smith,J.,Yates,C.P.,Whitehead,P.J.,Smith,R.,Craig,R.,Allan,G.E.,etal(2007)Bushfires‘downunder’:patternsandimplicationsofcontemporaryAustralianlandscapeburning.InternationalJournalofWildlandFire16,361–377.
Tolhurst,K.G.(2004).ChangingourPerceptionofFireintheEnvironment.PaperpresentedtotheNationalConferenceofParliamentaryEnvironmentandPublicWorksCommittees,Lorne,Victoria.8pp.
UnitedNations(2012).ReportoftheUnitedNationsConferenceonSustainableDevelopment.RiodeJaneiro,Brazil.20–22June,2012.120pp.
UN-FAO(2006).Firemanagement:voluntaryguidelines.Principlesandstrategicactions.FireManagementWorkingPaper17.Rome.61pp.
20 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Appendix1–FFMGResearchThemes/Issues/ResearchQuestions
Research Theme Issues Research Questions
Climate Change • Theimpactofclimatechangeonbothecosystemsandthelevelofbushfirerisk;
• TheGreenhousegasconsequencesofvaryingprescribedandbushfireregimes;
• Thecomplexitiesoftherelationshipsbetweenfireregimes,carboncycling,carbonbalancesandecosystemhealth;
• Possiblechangesinthepatternofdrylightningstorms;and
• Theneedtobetterunderstandtheimpactofextremeweathereventsonthevulnerabilityofcommunities,andonfirefighterfitness/effectiveness.
• Doexistingfiredangerandriskmodelsadequatelycovertherangeofpredicted‘new’ecosystems?
• Whatimpactwillclimatechangehaveonecosystemfuelaccumulationanddynamics?
• Whatimpactwillpredictedincreased‘drylightning’stormshaveonbushfirerisk?
• HowdotheGreenhousegasemissionsfromprescribedfirescomparewiththebackgroundcarbonfluxfrom‘natural’fireregimesinprioritylandscapes?Whataretheemissiontrade-offsbetweendifferentfireregimes?
• Whateasilymeasurable(i.e.thatcanberoutinelymonitoredbylandmanagers)indicatorsofcarbonfluxcanbeincorporatedinhazardreductionfireprescriptions?
• Whatmodificationsarenecessarytoexistingfirebehaviourmodelstoaccountforclimatechange?
• Howdoespredictedclimatechangeaffectexistingfirebehaviourmodelsandfireriskanalysis?
• Howdocurrentfirefighterfatiguemanagementprocessescopewithincreasedextremeeventsandtemperatures?
• Howcanpredictedclimatechangescenariosbeincorporatedintocommunitypreparednessplanningandindividual‘Prepare,LeaveEarlyorStayandDefend’plans?
• Howwillclimatechangeaffectfireseasons(length,dryness),fireweather,drylightning(frequencyandspatialdistribution)andbushfireriskacrosstargetedregionsofAustraliaandwhatarethetimeframesinvolved?
National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond 21
Research Theme Issues Research Questions
The Identification and Maintenance of Appropriate Fire Regimes
• Aneedtobeabletobetterplanforandimplementfireregimesinthelonger-term,requiringpredictivecapacitywithknownuncertaintytounderpindecisionsinthepresent;and
• Thecurrentabsenceofcomprehensivenationaldatabasesthatcanunderpinfutureanalysisofclimatechangeimpactsonecosystems.
• Whatarethenaturalfireregimesforecosystemsofinterestandhowwilltheychange?
• Howdomanagedfireregimesneedtochangetokeeppacewithclimatechange?
• Whataretheuncertaintylevelsassociatedwithfireregimesandcanthesebereduced?
• Whatgeneralprinciplesandbenchmarksforfireregimesapplyacrossthelandscape–regardlessofecosystemandlocation?
• Whatindicatorsofecosystemhealthreflectappropriatefireregimes?
• Howtodealwithtrade-offsbetweencommunitysafetyandbiodiversityprotectionindesigningandimplementingfireregimes?
• Whatprescribedfireignitionpatternsshouldbeusedinprotectedareasforfuelreduction?
Risk Management • Aneedtofurtherrefinecurrentriskmanagementmodelstoprovidegreaterunderstandingandtransparencyinrelationtotheassociatedtrade-offs;
• Acurrentabsenceoftoolswhichstandardiseriskassessmentacrossdifferentvegetationtypes,managementobjectives,agenciesandcommunitiesthatwouldhelpensurethatthreatsarerecognisedandtreatedinthesameway;and
• Aneedtoexaminewhetherscenariomodelling,asatoolforuseinIncidentManagementTeamtraining,hasaroletoplay.
• Howcanexistingfiredangerandfirespreadmodelsberefinedandbetterintegratedwithriskmanagementtools?
• Whatadditionalparametersandindicatorsareneededtoimproveriskassessmentforenvironmentaloutcomes?
• Wherearetheconflictpointsforenvironmentalandcommunitysafetyriskmanagementandhowmighttheyberesolved?
• IstherearoleforscenariomodellinginIncidentManagementTeamtraining?
• WhatscienceisrequiredtounderpinanationalBushfireRiskassessmentstandardandhowwouldthisstandarddealwithlocaliseddifferencesinlandscape,vegetationandcommunityresilience?
• Whatistheeffectivenessofvariousriskmitigationstrategiesincludingcommunitypreparednessandprescribedfire?
• Howdoestheimpactofconcurrentdisastereventsaffectriskassessmentandmanagement?
• Canwedevelopmodelsandortoolsthatassistinquantifyingthecostsandbenefits(social,financialandenvironmental)ofprescribedburningacrossdifferentlandscapes?
22 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Research Theme Issues Research Questions
Water Catchment Management
• Increasingpressuretomaintainwaterqualityandquantity,atatimeofchangingfireandclimateregimes;and
• Betterwaysofincludingwateryieldandqualityparametersinfireriskmodels.
• Whatarethetrade-offsbetweenfuelreductionandwateryieldincatchmentsclosetotheurbaninterface?
• Whatistheimpactofdemographicchangeonthetrade-offsbetweenwateryield/qualityandfuelreduction?
• Whatistheimpactofclimatechangeontrade-offsbetweenwateryield/qualityandfuelreduction?
• Whatindicatorsorparametersofwateryieldandqualityarebestsuitedtoinclusioninriskassessmentandmanagementmodels?
The Role of Forests and Woodlands, and Fire Regimes in Flood Mitigation
• Theneedforabetterunderstandingoftheinfluenceoffireregimesonecosystemabilitytowithstandmoreintensestorm,windandrainfallevents.
• Whatparametersrelatingtofloodmitigationshouldbeincorporatedintoriskmodelsandplanningforfireregimes?
The Role of Indigenous People in Land Management
• Aneedtobetterunderstandthescientificbasisforindigenousculturalapproachestofiremanagement;and
• Theneedforabetterunderstandingofthedriversofindigenousparticipationinlandandfiremanagement.
• Whatarethedrivingfactorsbehindindigenousfiremanagementanddotheyhaveanidentifiablescientificbasis?
• Howcanweparameteriseindigenousculturalfactorsintofiremanagementandfirebehaviourmodels?
Maintaining a Land Management ‘Social Licence’
• Aneedtobetterunderstandcommunityattitudestofireinthelandscape,asameanstobetterunderpincommunityeducationandinformationprograms;and
• Theimportanceofmaintainingthetrustofthecommunitythroughtransparencyandaccountability.
• Whatarethelogicalandeasilyrecognisedindicatorsofsuccessinthemanagementoffiresinthelandscapeandhowshouldthesebeintegratedintriple(quadruple)bottomlinereportingtostakeholders?
• Whataretheindicatorsofcommunitysatisfactionwithfiremanagementbylandmanagersandhowarethesebestmonitored?
• Howcantheseindicatorsandfeedbackbeincorporatedintoriskmanagementandplanning?
• Whatarethemosteffectivemeansforcommunicatingkeymessagesaboutfireinthelandscapeandhowdothesechangefordifferentmessages?
• Howcanwebetterquantifytheimpactsofsmokeonhealth,communityservicesandviticultureandfurtherdeveloptoolsandmethodstoassistinminimisingandmanagingtheimpactsofsmoke?
National Research Priorities to 2020 and Beyond 23
Research Theme Issues Research Questions
The Use of Aircraft • Withcostsrising,aneedforagreaterunderstandingoftheeffectiveness,andoftheoptimalrolesforaircraftinthemanagementoflandscapefire;
• Theneedtoconstantlyimprovetheintegrationofaircraftwithotherfiremanagementtools;and
• AneedtoexaminepossiblerolesforUAVs(drones)andradarinfirefighting/firemanagement.
• Whataretheoptimumandmosteffectiverolesfordifferentaircrafttypesinarangeoffirescenarios?
• Whatisanappropriatesetofparametersbywhichtocomparetheeffectivenessofarangeoffirefightingassets–includingaircraft?
• Whatistherelativeeffectivenessofdifferentaircraftandroleequipmentcombinationsinafirefightingsenseandinacosteffectivenesssense?Andarethesethesamething?
• Whatparametersshouldbeusedinriskmodelsanddecisionsupporttoolstoensuretheappropriateuseandlevelofinvestmentinaircraftforagivenevent?
• Developmentoftoolstoevaluatestrategiesforaircraftinvolvementinarangeofroles?
• Whatarethefuelbreakconstructionratesfordifferenttypesofgroundandaerialassetswhichcanbeusedindecisionsupportandcomparisonstudies?
• Howdowemeasuretheimpactsofretardantandsuppressantchemicalsonfiresuppressionandecosystemstodeterminethemostappropriateuse?
• WhataretherisksandadvantagesofusingUAVsand/orradarinfiremanagementroles?
Developing and Maintaining ‘Research Infrastructure’
• Acurrentabsenceofanadequatenetworkoflonger-termmonitoringandresearchprograms(suchasecologicalreferencesites,humancommunitystudies)andresearchdatabases.
• Whatarethekeyexistinglongtermresourcesavailableforfireresearchandwhatarethegapsaffectingprogress?
• Aretherekeyindicatorcommunities(andwherearethey)formappingmedium-longtermchangestocommunityattitudesandpreparednessforfireinthelandscape?
• Howcanotherresearchgroupsandcommunitiesbeincorporatedintotheoverallbushfireresearchframeworkona‘self-nominating’basis?
• Whataretheguidingprinciplestobeusedfortheestablishmentoflongtermresearchstudies?
• Whatinformationfromactualbushfireandprescribedfireeventsshouldbecapturedtocontributetothelargerdatapoolavailableforresearch?
24 National Bushfire Management Policy Statement for Forests and Rangelands
Research Theme Issues Research Questions
Workplace Health and Safety
• Continuingpressureforsaferworkingconditions;
• Thedifficultiesassociatedwithbalancingsafeworkingenvironmentswiththeneedtomaintainfirst-classagencyresponseandgeneralmanagementcapability;and
• Aneedtocontinuetoexplorealternativestoplacingpeopleinhazardoussituations.
• Whatareappropriatefatiguemanagementsystemsforfirefightersandhowshouldtheybechangedtoaccountforclimatechangeandincreasedhazardreduction?
• HowcanagencyWH+Sprinciplesandpracticesbeextendedtoindividuallandownersandpeopleinstigatingtheirownpropertyfiremanagementplans?
• Whatequipment,strategiesandpracticescanreducetheWH+Srisktofirefightersinbushfires?
Legislation and Policy
• Aneedtocontinuetoensurethatlegislationandpolicyhaveasoundscientificbasis;
• Anincreasingincidenceofthird-partyInquiries;
• Aneedtocountertendenciestowardextremeriskaversionandsubsequentpoorlandscapemanagement;and
• Thevarietyofstakeholdersinvolvedinthemanagementoflandscapefireandtheneedforamultifacetedapproachtopolicydevelopment.
• Whatarethecurrentgapsandprioritiesinresearchtounderpinpolicydevelopment?
Research Implementation
• Effectiveandtimelyconversionofresearchresultsintooperationaltoolsandknowledge;
• ‘Generalisation’ofspecificresearchoutcomes;and
• Packagingofresearchoutcomestoincreaseuptakebyarangeofstakeholderswithdifferingskillsandobjectives.
• Whatplanningandreviewprocessesareneededtoensureknowledgeisdeliveredinanappropriateandusableform?
• Whatarethebestwaysofintegratingindividualresearchprojectstodeliverbroaderandmoregeneraloperationaloutcomes?and
• Whatarethemosteffectivemodesofdeliveryofresearchoutcomestodifferentstakeholders?
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