As bushfire risk continues to challenge rural communities across the Burnett Mary region, landholders are increasingly looking for practical, proven ways to protect their properties, livelihoods, and landscapes.
On 18 June 2026, the Burnett Mary Cool Burn Squad is hosting a hands-on workshop, “Cool Burning: Healing Country and Protecting Agricultural Land,” at Bucca, Queensland, bringing together landholders, producers, and community members interested in learning how Indigenous-led cool burning practices can support healthier and more resilient landscapes.
Protecting Productive Land Through Proactive Fire Management
The Burnett Mary Cool Burn Squad is working alongside freehold landholders to help protect 50,000 hectares of prime agricultural and grazing land from the growing threat of bushfire.
By combining local landholder knowledge, Indigenous-led cool burning practices, and contemporary fire science, the program promotes practical fire management strategies that reduce risk while supporting country, culture, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity.
Rather than waiting for high-intensity bushfires to occur, cool burning focuses on managing fuel loads in a planned, strategic way that helps create safer and more resilient landscapes.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for:
- Freehold landholders and producers managing agricultural and grazing properties throughout the Burnett Mary region.
- People wanting to learn more about fuel management, bushfire preparedness, and how cool burning can reduce wildfire impacts.
- Landholders interested in taking the next step in developing their confidence and capability to manage fire using cool burn methodologies.
Whether you’re completely new to the concept or already involved in fire management planning, the workshop offers valuable insights that can be applied to your property.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain a practical understanding of:
- What cool burning is and why it matters for country, culture, and productive farmland.
- How cool burns are planned and delivered safely, including timing, vegetation considerations, and burn methodology.
- Key landscape elements that influence fire management outcomes.
- The factors considered when planning a burn, including fire history, fuel loads, seasonal conditions, asset protection, and priority areas.
- How fire behaviour is managed during a live cool burn demonstration.
The day will provide a rare opportunity to see cool burning principles applied in a real-world setting and learn directly from experienced practitioners.
A Practical Day in the Paddock
This workshop will be hosted outdoors in a paddock environment. Participants are encouraged to wear suitable clothing, boots, and a hat, and to bring a water bottle and chair.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided, and attendance is free. Registration is essential.
Event Details
Cool Burning: Healing Country and Protecting Agricultural Land
📅 18 June 2026
🕣 8:30am – 2:00pm
📍 1997 Bucca Road, Bucca QLD 4670
This project is supported through the Queensland Government’s Natural Resource Management Expansion Program.
