Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection

Fire Ecology Education

Fire Ecology education programs designed to build practical and theoretical knowledge for landholders

Capacity building - LEP23 - 026-RLC

The issue

In New South Wales, most fire management is carried out by state-based agencies within their own jurisdictions. However, approximately 70% of NSW is managed by private landholders, and there is a noticeable gap in support and resources available to help landholders use fire as a tool for both biodiversity conservation and bushfire risk reduction. Feedback from Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare’s Eco Burn Education program revealed that the key barriers preventing landholders from undertaking prescribed burns are a lack of confidence, insufficient resources, or both.

The solution

Develop hands-on fire ecology education programs that incorporate biodiversity conservation, a First Nations perspective and bushfire preparedness.  Objectives also seek to build confidence and community connectivity. 

To expand capacity building, Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare (MC2T) developed two programs: Landscape and Fire Engagement and Burn Plans for You. These worked with landholders to identify barriers, build skills, and increase confidence in ecological burning through workshops, hands-on activities, and tailored resources. Partners included Mid Coast Council, Rural Fire Service, Landcare NSW and Western Sydney University. Participants practiced ecological fire management by writing ‘Burn Operations Maps’, visited previously prescribed burn sites and engaged in practical sessions with fire.

Programs designed and delivered by Project Officer, Olivia Eglin.

The impact

  • 309 MidCoast landholders and agency staff/volunteers attended Landscape and Fire Engagement and Burn Plans for You events
  • Plans to burn 98.99 ha created with the ‘Prescribed Burn Field Operations Map’ developed by consultant 
  • 45% of attendees surveyed reported a change in their confidence with regards to conducting prescribed burns due to the program. Residents reported they “have more confidence because (they) understand more how fire works and behaves" (2023). 66% feel confident enough to undertake a prescribed burn 
  • MidCoast residents enjoyed the workshops because of “wide range of stakeholders” (2024) and the  “insights from people with varied experience and background” (2024).
  • Additional outcomes included an updated Mid Coast Fire Ecology booklet, online learning modules, and a decision tree to help landholders navigate prescribed burn legislation and planning.



Learnings

Evaluation of both programs highlighted their success but also the ongoing need for funding to support capacity building with private landholders. Feedback from the final event, Ignite Change: Launch of Landscape and Fire Resources, reinforced the demand for more practical, hands-on training—confidence remains the biggest barrier to implementing fire management practices. The programs’ legacy lives on through a suite of resources now available on the MC2T website, which can be used by communities across NSW to deliver their own theoretical and practical fire ecology programs.



Author: Justine Thompson

Key facts

  • Hands on training with fire helps to build confidence for landholders

Project Partners