Comments regarding proposed prescribed burning at Julimar State Forest

Media statement

Under the terms of the South West Native Title Settlement, Yued Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions convene a Cooperative 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.

The CMC does not have the authority to direct the operational work of the Department.

Yued Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) receives funding from the Department under the Aboriginal Rangers Program, and has established a small team of rangers in January this year. YAC does not have any formal agreements for the provision of ranger services to the Department anywhere on Yued Boodja.

Yued rangers are 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.

Comments attributable to Rewi Lyall, Chief Executive Officer, Yued Aboriginal Corporation

“For generations Yued managed their Boodja using ‘cold’ fire. Cultural burning practices are an essential part of Caring for Country.

“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 hopes to hear more from DBCA about the post-burn management of feral pigs and foxes.

“We also note the presence of 6 threatened and 26 priority-listed flora species in this 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.”

Download: Yued Aboriginal Corporation media statement (PDF 402KB)