Susie Pulis has sent through details of requirements for public submissions in response to the proposed burns on RI during 2015, and the potential for loss of biodiversity. The proposed site is on the last untouched parcels of crown forest left on the island and is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. It is a unique area on the Island and needs to be protected for the future.
 |
| Proposed burn site: the last untouched crown forest on RI |
 |
| Site burnt in 2009 and mechanically cleared since, now Bracken wasteland |
 |
| Proposed burn site on Centre Road North |
· Susie raises the following concerns:
Species of plants, huge diversity of species regenerating without fire eg. Banksia serrata. Acacia mearnsii - no flora and fauna surveys have been undertaken to establish the exent of potential loss of plantlife and micro habitat.
· No surveys have been undertaken on the effects of previous burns/ mechanical clearing on the diversity of the Island's flora and fauna and, in particular, the spread of bracken fern.
The CFA has confirmed that RI has never had a recorded wildfire
· Fuel load has been classified as 'extreme' by DEWLP but no fire risk surveys have been undertaken - walking through the proposed block, the ground is visable, damp with mosses heavily used animal tracks with low leaf litter naturally eaten and broken down.
· No Aboriginal Archaeological surveys undertaken for the Traditional Land Owners The Gunai Kurnai People.
· Koala management on the site is for capture and removal from the burn site and then return at the end of the day, exposing them to a high risk of sustaining burns.
Contact details if you wish to submit your views - due 12 March 2015:
A sensible outcome will be to pause and review of all burning and mechanical vegetation clearing:
· An independent review and survey of Raymond Island noting unique flora and fauna habitat
· Raymond Island not to be categorized based on a general modelling of other forested areas of Victoria.
· A survey of the effects of previously burnt/ mechanically cleared sites
· A fire risk / fuel load survey undertaken
· Aboriginal Archaeological surveys completed.
· Environmental protection overlays adhered to and all fire protection plans implemented in the future to accommodate the Flora and fauna without disregard.
· Habitat protected for Raymond Islands unique species.
