We are a people in love with greenery.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The fires have hit us very hard.
As a family we defended our house against the Bees Nest fire on 6 September. We saved the house but lost our famous apple and hazelnut orchards.
More fuel for a second fire is not welcome.
But I cannot get (Clarence) Council to listen.
Where can I turn?
Straight after the fire they cut down trees in danger of falling.
Three months later now, under S44 emergency state funding, fire affected councils are widening again burnt country roads.
State Forestry is being employed with a harvester and a log puller. A further ten metre wide strip of trees and sprouting tree ferns is being cleared.
Regardless of age or likelihood of falling, these trees are clear-felled and wind-rowed.
A second fire will be very hot.
It is Greater Glider habitat. They were burnt in the first fire. Their food trees shot new leaves, but were felled.
I hold (Clarence) Council's Sustainability Award for individuals.
What about the next fire?
A dog couldn't bark in those new log piles along the road.
Drought and fire are with us still. People are upset. Why clear now?
Because you can get away with it?
My children have been nominated for bravery awards after standing alone against the Bees Nest fire, its terrible wind.
They and their horses are scarred by memory and do not want a second fire. It will be hotter.
Dr. Tony Courtice
Hernani
