Fire is integral to many ecosystems in Western Australian rangelands. Controlled fire can reduce the risk of wild fire, benefit pasture productivity and contribute positively to biodiversity values. Uncontrolled fire is a threat to safety and the business viability of pastoral enterprises and threatens rangeland biodiversity and productivity. For any given country type interactions of fire, grazing and weather have complex effects on both land condition and animal production. It is important to acknowledge that in all landscapes there is a range of responses to fire. Different elements of biodiversity have differing sensitivities to fire. Fire use guidelines, based on a combination of experience and available research findings, are desirable but are best regarded as a starting point for managers. At the property level, an adaptive approach based on monitoring the results of documented management actions is recommended.
Further reading
- Fire management guidelines for Kimberley pastoral rangelands: best management practice guidelines (PDF, 321KB) – download from the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
