Month: October 2025

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

I’d like to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians on the land on which this forum takes place and I pay my respects to elders past and present.

I’d also like to thank the President of University Colleges Australia, Lisa Sutherland for inviting me to speak.

I’m sorry I can’t be there in person but I’m grateful for the opportunity today to talk about the work we have to do together to make our universities and our colleges safer places to work, study and live.

Living and studying at a residential college can be a wonderful experience for so many students.

You are stewards of institutions that play a pivotal role in shaping lives.

Places where students learn, grow and make friendships that last a lifetime.

This is a formative stage in their lives, when these students are often away from home for the first time.

Making sure their experience is safe and supportive and everything they hope for and dream about when they first apply, that is a responsibility I know you all treat with the utmost seriousness and care. 

Last month we passed legislation to introduce a mandatory code to prevent and respond to sexual violence at universities.

I was pretty blunt on why we needed this.

For too long, universities had let students down.

The results of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey were pretty bracing.

You’ve heard these statistics before. Statistics that I’ll keep repeating because they’re too serious to be forgotten.

One in 20 university students reported being sexually assaulted on campus.

One in six reported being sexually harassed.

One in two reported that they felt they weren’t being heard when they made a complaint.

And residential colleges were called out.

Of those students who had experienced sexual assault, a quarter of them said the most impactful incident had been at a residential college.

I know how sickening this was for leaders of colleges.

You acknowledged this. You committed to do better. 

Since then you’ve done a lot of work individually and collectively.

I want to acknowledge that.

Many of you have brought in experts to review your cultures and advise on change.

You have implemented new and better reporting practices.

And more support for students who make reports of harassment and assault.

But there is more to do.

Students, like everyone else, have a right to feel safe in their own home.

We need to make sure there is consistency across campuses and that every student – every student – gets the support and protection they need and deserve.

That’s why the proposed Code has specific requirements to help ensure that all student accommodation is safe for students.

That’s Standard 7 of the Code, which will come into effect from January 1st next year,

It will mean colleges need to have a prevention and response plan that is regularly monitored and updated.

A plan that is developed and tailored to each college’s environment.

Colleges will need to provide students and staff with meaningful education on preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

And they will need to make sure every member of the college community has access to the best response and support possible if they do report an incident.

I know many of the measures in the code, you will already have implemented through the work you’ve already done.

And I want to thank you for the contributions you made to the consultation on the Code.

We won’t leave you on your own in this.

To help universities and colleges implement the code, I’ve set up a specialist unit in my department to provide guidance, education and advice.

The Code is the next step we have taken to make campuses safer after setting up the National Student Ombudsman earlier this year.

As you’re aware, this free and independent service is providing an avenue for students to resolve complaints with higher education providers.

All while prioritising students’ safety and confidentiality.

It’s about making sure their voices are heard.

Across this forum you will be discussing the contribution that residential colleges make to student life and success.

And I know a big part of that for you is also making sure your students’ voices are heard.

I thank you for your dedication to this work to stamp out gender-based violence on campuses.

And I wish you all the best for the rest of the Forum.

Source: New South Wales – News

In August and September 2025, there were 207 reported cases of counterfeit notes being used or presented at retail locations throughout South Australia. These figures represent only reported incidents made directly to the South Australia Police, and police believe the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting by businesses.

Acting Assistant Commissioner, John DeCandia said, offenders typically use high-denomination notes, most commonly $50 and $100 for low-value purchases, aiming to receive genuine currency as change.

“Counterfeit notes often display telltale signs such as repeat serial numbers, misspelled words, incorrect fonts, and missing security features or images. Counterfeit notes can also have a different texture and feel to a genuine note” said Acting Assistant Commissioner DeCandia.

“If you suspect a note may be counterfeit, place the note in an envelope and minimise handling of the note, then report it at their nearest police station.”

Suspected notes are forwarded by police to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for investigation. If the note is found to be counterfeit, it will not be returned; genuine notes will be returned to the owner. Reviewing CCTV footage from businesses and surrounding areas can greatly assist police in identifying suspects.

Two recent cases highlight the importance of community vigilance.

On 21 May, a business in Glenside identified a suspect using counterfeit money via CCTV and reported the incident to police. A 30-year-old man from Heathpool was arrested, after police allegedly found over 60 counterfeit $100 notes in his bedroom. He was charged with deception, theft, and unlawful possession. This matter is still before the courts; the man is currently on bail and due to next appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 25 November. (CO2500022982).

In another case on 11 September, police located a stolen black Holden sedan with two occupants in Modbury. A 29-year-old man attempted to flee but was arrested nearby. Officers allegedly found $11,950 in suspected counterfeit notes in $50 and $100 denominations on the man. He was charged with multiple offences, including illegal use of a motor vehicle, and was refused bail. The man is currently remanded in custody and due to next appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 15 October (CO2500038406). The investigation into the counterfeit currency is ongoing, and further charges may be laid.

“SAPOL reminds businesses and individuals that education and vigilance are key to reducing the impact of counterfeit currency.

“Reporting suspected counterfeit notes helps police track trends, identify suspects, and prevent further incidents. We urge you not to not to dispose of or return suspected counterfeit notes to circulation, but to report them promptly to police. Knowingly putting counterfeit notes back into circulation is an offence”

For hints and tips in identifying counterfeit money, go to https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/counterfeit-detection-guide/ and check out the Counterfeit Detection Guide. Businesses who handle cash should ensure their staff are familiar with these guides.

**no clear window**

**no serial or words as serial**

**same serials**

**words or blanked out words**

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for public assistance to locate 28-year-old Rodney Turner who absconded from police custody in Alice Springs on 20 September 2025.

Around 12:15pm on Saturday 20 September, Rodney escaped custody at the Alice Springs Hospital on Gap Road, The Gap, while there to receive treatment.

Alice Springs police continue to actively look for Rodney and he is urged to return himself into custody as soon as possible.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Labor Government is today delivering a fourth increase in award wages to the dedicated workers who provide aged care services to older Australians.

This is good for workers, good for the economy and will help with the cost of living.

Workers in aged care deliver the very best care for our loved ones, but their work has been undervalued for too long and every worker in the sector should be able to have a long, fulfilling career supported by strong and sustainable wages growth.

Today’s increase means an extra $60.20 per week for a Registered Nurse, on level 2, pay point 3 of the award, which is the most common level amongst Registered Nurses. On top of our previous increase to aged care wages, they will be more than $28,000 a year better off under the Albanese Government.

Enrolled Nurses will see a bump in their pay by $62.40 per week (for a level 2 award) and Personal Care workers will also benefit from this increase by $39.50 per week (for a level 3 award).

We’ll increase aged care wages even further next year, with the next boost coming on 1 August for registered and enrolled nurses.

In recognition of the crucial role workers and nurses play in delivering safe and quality care to our loved ones, Labor’s total investment amounts to $17.7 billion in order to support the Fair Work Commission’s case to increase award wages for 400,000 workers in the aged care sector.

Our economic plan is designed to help Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn and that’s why we are acting to boost wages and close the gender pay gap.

When we came to office annual real wages were going badly backwards, but now they have grown for seven consecutive quarters.

More information is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website: Better and fairer wages for aged care workers

Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Jim Chalmers

“Aged care workers do an incredible job and they deserve every dollar of this pay rise that we’re delivering.

“This investment recognises the big contribution that aged care workers make to our economy and community and will help to create a bigger incentive for young Australians looking for a rewarding career, to pick aged care in the future.

“Under Labor, real wages are up, inflation is down, unemployment is low, living standards are growing and people are earning more and keeping more of what they earn.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth

“The Government put gender equality at the heart of the Fair Work Act, and we now see the Gender Pay Gap is at its equal lowest level on record, and Australian women are now earning more than $250 a week more on average, than they were before we came to government.

“Reducing the gender pay gap was one of the key reasons the government funded the 15 per cent pay increase for aged care carers. The Fair Work Commission recognised the historical gender‑based undervaluation of work in aged care, leading to significant wage increases that our government funded.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae

“Aged care workers deserve better pay and more recognition for the meaningful work they do. We’re proud to be funding the largest ever increase to award wages in a work value case for people who care for our loved ones with such compassion.

“After a decade of decay under the Coalition, aged care workers were systematically underpaid and undervalued. That ended with the Albanese Labor Government – and this latest pay rise builds on our work to close the gender pay gap and get wages moving.”

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Jim Chalmers:

Today, unsurprisingly, the independent Reserve Bank left the cash rate on hold at 3.60 per cent. This is not the outcome that millions of Australian homeowners would have wanted but it’s certainly the outcome that markets and economists were expecting.

Interest rates have already come down 3 times in 6 months this year and that’s a very good thing. The 3 interest rate cuts which are already in the system are already providing very welcome relief to millions of Australians with a mortgage.

For a household with a mortgage of $700,000, the rate cuts this year means they are saving about $330 a month, or about $4,000 a year.

The progress that we’ve made together on inflation this year has already given the Reserve Bank the confidence to cut interest rates 3 times in that six‑month period.

Now we know that when interest rates are cut around the world, they’re not always cut at every meeting, or indeed every couple of meetings. So this outcome today from the independent Reserve Bank is not a surprise to markets or to economists but nor is it the outcome that millions of Australians with a mortgage would have been hoping for.

If you look at the progress that we’ve made on inflation on the most reliable measure we’ve got, both headline and underlying inflation at their lowest rates in almost 4 years and both of them back in the Reserve Bank’s target band.

Now whether it’s the more volatile monthly measure or even the quarterly measure, we do expect inflation to bounce around, but we have seen it at lows for the last 3 or 4 years when it comes to those quarterly measures and that does reflect the progress we have made on inflation.

The Reserve Bank’s statement also goes into the global economic uncertainty that we are confronting here in this country and indeed around the world. And what that global uncertainty means is that the Reserve Bank has taken this decision to stay pat for the time being in the face of that uncertainty, to see how it pans out.

We have identified as a government, as the Reserve Bank has as an independent monetary policy board, that volatility and uncertainty in the global economy does weigh heavily on our own domestic economy and on the decisions that we take as a government and as an independent Reserve Bank board.

In the face of all of this uncertainty, Australians should be proud of the progress we’ve made on the economy. We’ve been able to get inflation down while maintaining low unemployment. We’ve seen real wages and living standards grow in recent data. We’ve also been able to get the debt down substantially, deliver a couple of surpluses and a much smaller deficit, as revealed in yesterday’s Final Budget Outcome. And the Reserve Bank has also pointed out in its statement today that one of the really encouraging elements of our economy in recent months is we are seeing the private sector pick up its rightful role as the primary driver of growth in our economy.

We’ve been able to keep the economy ticking over. We’ve been able to keep unemployment low. We’ve made very substantial progress on inflation. We’ve made welcome progress as well on real wages and in the budget as well. But we know that there’s more work to do in our budget and in our economy, and that’s the government’s focus.

Now I’m conscious that the Reserve Bank Governor is up shortly, and so I’ll take a couple of questions, but be briefer than usual. Over to you.

Journalist:

Prior to today’s decision, economists had revised their rate cut prediction after the latest monthly inflation figures. Did today’s announcement confirm that inflation is driving a flat line in rates?

Chalmers:

Well, a couple of things about that. First of all, I don’t make predictions or pre‑empt decisions taken independently by the Reserve Bank. There are good reasons why Treasurers of both political persuasions don’t do that. The market expectations change from time to time.

But even before that most recent monthly inflation data, there wasn’t a real expectation of a rate cut today. Obviously, after decisions like this and people will tune into the Governor at 3:30 this afternoon, the decisions taken by the independent Reserve Bank, the statements they release, the press conference that the Governor does, all of that has implications for people’s expectations of interest rates into the future.

My job is to focus on my part of this, which is to get the budget in better nick – and we have – to get inflation down – and we’ve played a helpful role in that – keep the economy ticking over, grow real wages and on all of those fronts we’ve got more work to do, but we’ve made good progress.

Journalist:

Are you concerned that the RBA won’t cut interest rates anymore this year?

Chalmers:

Again, I don’t engage in that kind of commentary. We’ve seen interest rates cut 3 times already this year. When we came to office, interest rates were already rising. Inflation was around double what it is now, and rising fast. We’ve been able to get inflation down. We’ve seen interest rates cut multiple times as a consequence. We’ve got real wages growing. We’ve kept unemployment low. We’ve got the budget in better nick.

So all of that represents good progress, but we know that there is more work to do, people are still under pressure. They’re getting some welcome relief from those 3 rate cuts earlier this year. They’re getting relief from the government in the form of tax cuts and responsible cost‑of‑living help, but we know that there’s almost always more work to do.

Journalist:

Treasurer, could I just ask your thoughts on another matter? Just on the Seven West and Southern Cross proposed merger? What are your thoughts on it? Do you support it? Do you have any concerns at the stage?

Chalmers:

Obviously I’m across the announcements made by the potential merger partners. And we monitor these kinds of developments closely, I get briefed from time to time on these kinds of proposals. But we need to recognize that the ACCC will go through a process, as will ACMA, the relevant communications authority. They will both review this proposed merger in their usual, considered way, and it’s important that I don’t pre‑empt decisions taken by those independent regulators. As I understand it, the deal would also still require shareholder approval.

And so it’s been announced. Obviously, we’ve clocked that. Obviously, we will get briefed on that from time to time. But primarily there’s a role here for 2 of our regulators, our competition regulator and our media regulator. There’s an important role for shareholders as well. And there are good reasons why I won’t pre‑empt any of those processes.

Journalist:

Also on a slightly different matter, why are the housing approval rates falling further behind? And, is the housing target unrealistic?

Chalmers:

Our housing target is ambitious, but it’s achievable. And in the last little while we have seen some welcome progress when it comes to the housing market. And even if you look at those numbers which were released today on approvals, it’s important to remember that even though building approvals fell in August, they are still up 3 per cent in through the year terms. So in through the year terms, we have seen a 3 per cent growth when it comes to approvals.

When we came to office a few years ago, the construction sector was facing very challenging conditions. Partly because interest rates were already rising, construction costs were rising sharply, dwelling investment was going backwards, and approvals were in freefall. And we’ve been able to turn those things around, but we never had the expectation that we would turn them around overnight. It’s happened over a period of time.

So if you look at the trend series for monthly building approvals, which takes out some of the volatility, building approvals are growing at 5.8 per cent now – they were going backwards by 21.7 per cent when we came to office. If you look at cost growth in construction, it grew 0.7 per cent through the year most recently – it was growing at 19.4 per cent when we came to office. If you look at dwelling commencements in the March quarter, it was up 17.3 per cent in annual terms – it was falling 28.5 per cent when we came to office. Dwelling investment growing at 4.8 per cent now – it was going backwards 5.1 per cent when we came to office. Investment in new builds rose 4.8 per cent in annual terms in the most recent data – it was falling 8.4 per cent when we came to office.

So across all of those indicators, when you take out the month to month volatility and you look at the trends over the last 3 years, we have actually made some really good progress in the housing market. But it remains the case that our target is ambitious, we know that. Everybody needs to do their bit, the Commonwealth is certainly doing our bit.

Journalist:

You said one of the challenges that you faced with that target earlier was interest rates. Now that they are starting to slow down do you anticipate that creating further challenges with that target?

Chalmers:

We’ve seen 3 interest rate cuts this year and that will obviously have an impact on building and construction. The most recent movements in interest rates, the 3 most recent movements in interest rates have all been down, and that has been helpful when it comes to construction costs and new building. But it’s not the only reason why we’ve seen that 3‑year improvement across all of that data that I mentioned a moment ago.

Our predecessors did almost nothing on housing, and as a consequence, we started way back. We’ve been able to turn around things like construction costs and approvals and new investment, all of that is welcome. But we know that we’ve still got 4 years to go in this target. It’s an ambitious target, but it’s achievable. Today’s monthly data is notoriously volatile, the through the year data paints a much more encouraging picture.

Thanks very much everyone.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Gas supply on Australia’s east coast is expected to improve in the first quarter of 2026, but the outlook still depends on how much uncontracted gas LNG producers decide to export, according to the ACCC’s latest gas inquiry report released today.

The report indicates a gas supply surplus of between 2 and 24 petajoules (PJ) is expected for the east coast, depending on what the LNG producers decide to do with their uncontracted gas.

“The Queensland LNG producers have reported a reduction in contracted LNG exports, and now expect to have 22 PJ of uncontracted gas available in the first quarter of next year,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Given ongoing concerns about sufficiency of domestic gas supply, the ACCC will be monitoring whether and how this gas is offered to domestic buyers.”

“Despite the improvement, the supply-demand outlook remains tight in the southern states,” Ms Brakey said.

“For the first time, southern gas producers are not expecting to produce surplus gas in the first quarter of the year, when demand is usually at its lowest. This may create challenges for fully replenishing southern gas storage facilities ahead of winter 2026.”

Regional supply-demand outlook for quarter 1 2026 (PJ)

Gas suppliers and users have signed more long-term supply deals so far this year, for supply in 2026 and 2027.

But the report found, despite this, the total amount of gas secured under these contracts remains below levels seen before 2022. Most of the contracts are for only one year.

Prices offered by gas producers for 2026 supply eased in the first half of 2025, falling by an average of 2 per cent to $13.12 per gigajoule (GJ) compared to the second half of 2024. In comparison, prices offered by gas retailers for 2026 supply averaged $14.33/GJ.

For 2027, the average price under producer contracts was $13.93/GJ, while retailer contracts averaged $14.30/GJ. Suppliers contracted a total of 18 PJ of gas for 2026 supply, and 21 PJ for 2027.

Gas policy measures have not made a material difference for local users

The report also reviewed the impact of the Gas Market Code (Gas Code), the Commonwealth Heads of Agreement with LNG exporters (HoA) and the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM), following the ACCC’s initial observations reported in June 2025.

The ACCC has found these measures may have added some gas to the local market, but, overall, they have not materially improved outcomes for gas users.

“There are limits to what the gas policy measures can achieve on their own if the underlying causes of inadequate supply and ineffective competition are not addressed,” Ms Brakey said.

“In addition, they may also be having some unintended incentive effects and causing inefficiencies in gas supply negotiations.”

The ACCC’s review has found that the 2023 reforms to the ADGSM appear to have reduced LNG producers’ incentives to make a net contribution to the domestic market.

These changed incentives appear to have had the unintended consequence of exacerbating the risk of domestic supply shortfalls.

Further, since the 2022 HoA was entered into, the volumes of gas being offered and supplied by the LNG producers to the domestic market have declined over time, while LNG export volumes have increased.

The ACCC’s submission to the Gas Market Review outlines the ACCC’s experience and observations arising from the inquiry to inform government consideration of reforms to promote longer-term gas market efficiency and measures to ensure that, in the interim, the Code, ADGSM and HoA are fit for purpose.

Background

In 2017, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry to improve transparency of the gas market in Australia and support its efficient operation, and to monitor gas supply. On 29 August 2025 a new direction was made to formally extend the inquiry to 2030 and to establish quarterly reporting.

The ACCC’s next interim report is scheduled for December 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force Search and Rescue Section safely located a 61-year-old woman who had become lost in bushland near the Nauiyu Community yesterday afternoon.

Around 12:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a call from the woman, who reported she had left a licensed premises the previous evening and began walking towards Nauiyu. She later became disoriented in bushland and ran out of drinking water.

Nauiyu police members deployed and commenced the initial search. A short time later, the Search and Rescue Section coordinated an emergency response, with a helicopter dispatched to assist.

One of the Nauiyu members remained in the search area and used the vehicle siren to alert the woman of his location. 

Around 5:00pm, she was located in bushland approximately 240 metres north of the Nauiyu access road.

The woman was conveyed to the local clinic for assessment and treated for dehydration but was otherwise in good health.

Sergeant Chris Grotherr said, “This is a great result and thankfully the woman was located safe and well.

“As the weather heats up across the Territory, it’s a timely reminder for everyone to take extra care when travelling or walking in remote areas.

“Always carry enough drinking water, plan ahead and let someone know your movements.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Families and individuals experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) in Alice Springs and Palmerston will now receive earlier, stronger and more coordinated support through the launch of the new Co-Responder Model.

The model brings together police, a child protection practitioner, victim-survivor specialist support service and specialist support service for people who use violence. By working side-by-side, the team can share information and respond together to families experiencing DFV, helping them access the right support sooner.

NT Police commenced full operations of the new program on Monday 29 September, with the Co-Responder team reviewing police data from DFV callouts to target early intervention strategies where they are needed most. Remaining support teams will be on board by 6 October.

The focus is on supporting people in the early stages of a relationship where violence may emerge, connecting them with support services such as housing, mental health, and alcohol and other drugs, and stepping in before the situation escalates.

Acting Commander Megan Blackwell of the Domestic Violence and Youth Command said trials in Alice Springs earlier this year have already shown the benefits of Police and specialist services working together.

“With the full launch of the Co-Responder Program, we expect to see a stronger, coordinated response to DFV and real improvements in community safety. It is anticipated the Co-Responder Model will expand to other regions across the Northern Territory in the future,” Commander Blackwell said.

These teams will work side by side with government and non-government partners to address the root causes of domestic violence and provide early support to individuals and families. The model will also engage people who use violence earlier through behaviour change programs, helping to break the cycle of violence.

Department of Children and Families’ Chief Executive Officer Brent Warren said domestic and family violence is recognised as a key risk factor for child abuse and neglect and often results in child protection notifications.

By co-locating a child protection practitioner in the team, the Co-Responder Model strengthens the safety of victim-survivors and their children, while ensuring more families can stay together safely and out of the statutory child protection system.

“This program means families and individuals don’t fall through the cracks. Meeting daily and acting early, we can better protect children, provide real support for victim-survivors, and work with people who use violence to change their behaviour. Keeping families safe and strong is at the heart of what we do, and this approach gives us the tools to stop violence before it escalates,” Mr Warren said.

In Alice Springs, the Co-Responder team is working in partnership with Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA) and Tangentyere Council.

In the Northern region, services such as the Salvation Army and Catholic Care are collaborating with NT Police and program partners to support families in need.

The program is funded through the Northern Territory Government’s $36 million in additional, ongoing annual investment in DFSV.

If violence is already present, matters will continue to be investigated by Police and, where appropriate, referred to the Family Safety Framework for immediate action.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to the death of a 52-year-old woman in Casuarina on Friday 26 September 2025.

A crime scene was declared at the time of the incident and while there were no visible signs of trauma, a post-mortem examination has identified internal injuries that have yet to be explained. These injuries have lead to the classification of the case as a suspicious death, with Major Crime Detectives continuing their investigation.

Detectives are urging anyone who was in the area of Casuarina Coastal Reserve between 5pm and 11pm on Friday with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25258037.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source:

CFA’s Statewide Vegetation Management Team has been collaborating with Community-Based Bushfire Management facilitators to help keen gardeners have valuable conversations about how to enhance bushfire resilience around their homes, while also providing enjoyable landscapes and habitat for wildlife.

A number of workshops across the state educated homeowners by using CFA’s Landscaping for Bushfire document, online plant selection tool and associated example gardens. The workshops focused on plant selection, garden design, zoning of the property, defendable space, as well as property and garden maintenance.

Two examples are described below and example gardens are being developed by local governments and Landcare groups. 

The Landscaping for Bushfire tool was used in the workshops to test a range of plant specimens from local gardens for fire-wise attributes. This means touching, scrunching and smelling foliage, and sharing different opinions about the values these plants provide people. Participants also learned that while some plants may be ranked as more flammable, they can be managed through pruning or placed in safer locations further than 10 metres from the house. 

Well-placed vegetation with low flammability may help protect homes by:

• reducing the amount of radiant heat received by a house
• reducing the chance of direct flame contacting the house
• reducing wind speed around a house
• deflecting and filtering embers
• reducing flammable landscaping materials in the defendable space.

Although the workshops focused on garden design, they also included discussion about ecology and biodiversity conservation that acknowledged there can be competing interests around management for fire risk as well as conservation.

Newham Landcare group hosted a two-part Living with Fire and Biodiversity workshop. Part one explained the evidence related to house loss and fire ecology. Discussions and exchange of practical advice continued the next day at a private property at the foot of Mount Macedon. The owners shared how they consciously considered the impacts of fire while providing habitat for wildlife.

A group of people walked through the different zoning of this fire-wise property to learn how subtle modifications can make living with bushfire less scary and aesthetically beautiful. 

“Participants said they left feeling less scared of bushfires and confident they could design a garden that looks after wildlife,” event organiser Jess Szigethy-Gyula said.

“Others were keen to share this field day information with neighbours, which indicates how transformative the field day was for many.”

In Balnarring, Red Hill Garden Society hosted an interactive talk where Owen Gooding, a keen gardener and retired CFA vegetation management specialist, brought the Landscaping for Bushfire interactive tool to life. Using his extensive experience of understanding house loss following the 2009 fires, Owen provided examples of houses impacted in past bushfires by poorly-placed plants and flammable garden structures. He compared these with clever and practical solutions to create beautiful gardens in high fire risk areas.

“The Landscaping for Bushfire plant selection key is designed for users to learn more about suitable plants for landscaping, how and where to place things you love in your garden and what to avoid, without having a garden that is barren and devoid of character,” Owen said.

“More than 70 people found the presentation and discussion of plant types keenly interesting, and it showed how we can enhance our gardens,” Virginia Ross from the Red Hill South Landcare Group said.

Lessons learned from these workshops are being collated so that CFA can create an information sheet and supportive material that brigades, local government or Landcare Groups can use to facilitate sessions with their local community.

Brigades that would like to run sessions using the Landscaping for Bushfire resources can get support from the Vegetation Management team, Community-Based Bushfire Management and community engagement teams.

The Plant Selection Key is available on the CFA website.

Submitted by	News and Media