Sharing knowledge, ideas, issues and successes was the focus at the CFA Vegetation Management Forum, held in Lancefield recently.
Around 100 people were present for the two day forum, which included key personnel in the area of vegetation management from across the state.
Although primarily CFA staff, there were also representatives from FFMVic and DELWP, reflecting the fluid interoperability that currently exists between agencies.
Training, equipment and legislative issues were discussed at the event, as was the importance of learning and using Traditional burning practices.
A number of low intensity, Traditional burns have been held in Mansfield recently, showcasing the expanding relationship between CFA and Traditional land owners.
The forum was the first of its kind since 2016, and the first held since the implementation of the Safer Together program.
Safer Together is Victoria’s approach to reduce the risk of bushfire, combining stronger community partnerships with specialist expertise from a number of agencies.
CFA Team Leader of Vegetation Management, Owen Gooding, said the forum was a good opportunity for team members to come together.
“A lot of these guys work closely together, but don’t get to see each other face to face because they’re based in different regions,” Owen said.
“This is a good chance for those people to come together and get to know who they’re working with, especially now there’s a lot more of us from Safer Together.
“The forum was great in sharing knowledge and new ideas, and the feedback has been that it was really beneficial for everyone involved.”