By Rafiqa Fattah
THE ACT government will introduce cattle to a number of sites in Weston Creek this week, in hope that strategic grazing will reduce hazards this upcoming fire season.
This year, an estimated 7000 hectares across 76 sites, including Narrabundah Hill, the Bicentennial Horse Trail on Cooleman Ridge and Fisher Parkland are intended to be grazed.
“Grazing is a crucial, if oft forgotten, component of the ACT’s hazard reduction program,” says Neil Cooper, Manager of the Fire Management Unit.
“Bushfires will burn at a lower intensity in grazed areas and as such are much more readily controlled.”
Appropriate fencing and water availability is ensured by Territory and Municipal Services.
Mr Cooper said that cattle grazing is just one of many methods the ACT Government is using to keep the Territory safe this fire season.
“We are undertaking 5300 hectares of controlled burns, over 8000 hectares of slashing, 380 hectares of physical fuel removal and 523 kilometres of fire trail maintenance and upgrade,” he said.
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