Submission into the Royal Commission into Natural Disasters (Bushfire) with specific reference to bushfire

AFCA addressed the issue of catastrophic bushfires from a land management perspective that included the following recommendations

Recommendation 1:  Recognise climate change as a primary driver of bushfire risk and logging native forests a major contributing factor to both climate change and bushfire risk

Recommendation 2:  The Commonwealth to develop new policies for an end to native forest logging and to the production, use and export of native forest biomass; and open negotiations with the States and Territories on implementing legislation

Recommendation 3:  Declare and publicise a National State of Emergency in relation to climate change

Recommendation 4:  The Commonwealth to negotiate with the States/Territories to repeal the Regional Forest Agreements and related State/Territory legislation and develop new programs for restoration of forest ecosystems

Recommendation 5:  Propose “Natural Solutions” as the policy base for CO2 emissions reduction measures

Recommendation 6:  In consultation with the State and Territory Governments establish a national campaign on native forest protection for addressing bushfire risk

Recommendation 7:  Propose reestablishment of export controls on all native forest wood and wood products

Recommendation 9: Negotiate with the State and Territory governments to end subsidies supporting combustion and refinement of native forest biomass for energy and other bio-products.

Recommendation 11:  Promote proforestation in both domestic and global forums

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