April 17th, 2025Reminder to protect valuable paddock trees when burning stubble

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is asking all landowners to take the necessary steps to protect paddock trees when burning stubble on their properties.

Landowners have several options when it comes to managing crop stubble. If landowners are
managing particular issues in a paddock, burning may be the chosen option when fire restrictions
lift in the coming weeks.

Native trees are protected by law and there are ways to avoid damaging them.

This includes, establishing an adequate fire break around native trees and ensuring there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively with adequate water and fire
extinguishing equipment accessible.

If fire restrictions are in place a permit is required to burn grass, stubble and other vegetation on your property until the Fire Danger Period ends. Find out more at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-
restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i or register a burn by calling 1800 668
511, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Find out more about native vegetation and farming at www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-
vegetation/farming-and-native-vegetation.

Anyone wanting to report the destruction of paddock trees during stubble burning should contact
their local council.

Grampians Regional Manager Natural Environment Programs, Michelle Butler: “It is important to protect native paddock trees.

“They provide shade to stock, reduce wind impacts to crops, store carbon, and provide habitat to important pollinators and birds that feed on pests.

“We encourage landholders to be well prepared before beginning a stubble burn. Creating firebreaks around trees and having enough people, water and equipment ready to extinguish the fire will ensure you can protect your valued native trees.”