Forest burn a concern for Yued Aboriginal Corporation
A proposed massive burn covering 7.528 hectares in the Julimar State Forest in WA has concerns that could threaten the forest with Indigenous corporations calling for better co-operation with the States Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
“For generations Yued managed their Boodja using ‘cold’ fire. Cultural burning practices are an essential part of Caring for Country,” Yued Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Rewi Lyall told First Nations News.
‘Julimar State Forest has high cultural heritage and conservation values. These cultural heritage places include tributaries and at least one natural spring. Water places hold particular significance for Yued. Some are registered sites.
‘Yued Aboriginal Corporation is working with DBCA to consider potential further surveys of sensitive country in the proposed burn area.
“We are particularly concerned to protect scar trees and artefacts, as well as potential karrak (Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo) nesting trees, and to minimise the potential impact on the web of
life in this country.
Yued is also concerned with the post-burn management of feral pigs and foxes and have noted the presence of six threatened and 26 priority-listed flora species in the forest.
‘We urge the State government to make additional resources and administrative arrangements available for the delivery of fire management services by Noongar rangers that will assist to mitigate potential risks to Noongar cultural heritage and the environment,” Mr Lyall said.
Certification needed
Mr Lyall said Yued rangers were interested in fire management training but have not yet been able to obtain the necessary certification.
This certification is necessary before YAC can ensure adequate insurances are in place to undertake fire management services.
Under the terms of the South West Native Title Settlement, Yued Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions should convene a Co-operative Management Committee (CMC) to advise the Department regarding the policy settings that apply to the conservation estate in Yued Boodja (the Yued Agreement Area).
Yued Boodja includes the northern part of Julimar State Forest, with the more substantial portion of the area falling in the Whadjuk Agreement Area.
