Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 3 March, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Protecting paddock trees during stubble burns

In Summary

Council reminds farmers and landholders to protect paddock trees during stubble burns and comply with legal requirements.
Paddock trees provide vital benefits including livestock shelter, improved productivity and habitat for native wildlife and pollinators.
Precautionary measures include creating firebreaks, following Council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and CFA regulations, and registering burns with Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority.
Landholders are responsible for fire management on their property and must ensure burns are properly controlled to prevent damage.

Paddock trees play a crucial role in the agricultural landscape, providing livestock with shelter from extreme temperatures, improving productivity, and supporting biodiversity. These trees also serve as vital habitat for native birds, bats, and pollinators, which contribute to pest control and crop production.

Council’s Manager Environment, Sharon Terry, urged landholders to take necessary precautions when planning and conducting stubble burns.

“It is illegal to remove, lop or destroy native vegetation, including paddock trees and standing dead trees without a planning permit” she said.

“These iconic trees are vital to a healthy environment, and their protection during stubble burns is essential.”

To minimise the risk to paddock trees, landholders should:

Establish a firebreak of at least three metres from the drip line of each tree.
Adhere to all Council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and CFA regulations.
Avoid conducting burns on Total Fire Ban days.
Check the weather forecast for the burn day and subsequent days.
Notify neighbours before conducting a burn.
Register all planned burns with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) at vic.gov.au.

Landholders are responsible for any fire on their property and are liable for any damage caused by escaping embers. It is strongly recommended that they remain on-site until the fire is fully extinguished and ensure an adequate water supply is available.

For more information on managing stubble burns and protecting paddock trees, visit Agriculture Victoria or Sustainable Farms.

For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au