Counting the cost of conservation...

The bushfire season is upon us. This years fires are shaping up as some of the most devestating in recent history, particularly in Tasmania and Victoria. It is undeniable that the extended drought has left bushland parched, but one of the major contributors to the severity of the fires is the massive amount of fuel for the fires to burn. State governments have failed to adequetly reduce fuel in national parks and state forests, leaving them fuel ladened and increasing the inensity of fires that engulf these areas. Despite state government inquiries clearly pointing to the need to reduce fuel, little has been done. Once again Australia faces devestating bushfires, and CFA members are forced to fight fires in conservation areas as well as trying to save homes and towns in regional areas.

Another factor to consider is the massive release of carbon and other pollution into the atmosphere. The environmental cost is particularly high - I want to see an comparison to Australia's annual carbon levels once the fire season has ended. It is particularly important given we seem to be on a path to a carbon tax - what good is reducing carbon emissions on one hand, while persuing a conservation policy that guaruntees huge carbon emissions every bushfire season on the other?

Asa Wahlquist has written on the topic in today's Australian, but overall this is an issue that the media seem to be missing. If we are so worried about carbon emissions, we should be addressing man made and natural carbon emissions, particularly bushfires.

The state and federal governments need to lead on this issue, ignoring the bleats of conservation groups and listening to the fire management experts.