Burn-offs: no need to worry

CRANBOURNE residents should not worry about prescribed burns to be conducted at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne this autumn.
Gardens director Chris Russell said the burns were part of the gardens’ continuing commitment to reduce the risk of bushfire and conserve native plants and animals.
Mr Russell said that while it was impossible to be specific about which days were to be set aside for the burns, neighbouring residents had been given warning of the pending burns.
He said the burns would be conducted by accredited and experienced gardens’ staff with the support of the Country Fire Authority.
“All burns conducted by the gardens follow a plan in accordance with the code of practice for fire management on public land,” he said.
It is only possible to light up on low fire risk days.
“These conditions are assessed on the day of the burn, which means that the exact day of a burn cannot be determined in advance,” Mr Russell said.
The Australian Garden will be open on the days of burns, but the bushland, including the Stringybark Picnic area, will be closed.
For information contact the gardens on 5990 2200.