Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Thursday, 6 April, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.
Posted on Thursday 6th of April, 2023,
Greater Shepparton City Council is urging farmers planning to burn-off stubble this season to take every step to protect their paddock trees and other native vegetation, on and around their properties.
When undertaking stubble burning as part of farming practices, it is vital that paddock and roadside trees are protected during the process. Paddock trees provide many benefits to agriculture, the community and the environment, including:
It is important that landholders are aware of the legal requirements and responsibilities when planning to burn stubble. Farmers should create a fire break of no less than three metres from the edge of the canopy (drip line) around each tree. Burns cannot be conducted on Total Fire Ban days.
It is illegal to remove, lop or destroy native vegetation including paddock trees and standing dead trees, therefore protecting native vegetation during a stubble burn is crucial. Landholders must:
Landholders must remember that they are responsible for any fire on their property and are liable for any damage caused by the fire and escaping embers.
There are viable alternatives to stubble burning which reduce the risk to paddock trees and native vegetation. The practice of burning crop stubble after harvest is slowly changing to reflect better soil conservation methods, with farmers cutting stubble lower and working it back in to the soil to increase valuable organic matter.
Other benefits of not burning stubble include reduced erosion and run-off after heavy rains, reduction in topsoil loss and increased soil moisture. Exceptions to this apply in areas that have excessive weeds or disease, where burning is still perceived to be the best management alternative.
Information on publications relating to alternatives to stubble burning can be found at Grains Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Victoria
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 17th of September,
Disruption an immersive art exhibition is coming to Shepparton!
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Resilience in Recovery team is proud to present ‘Disruption’ a bold, immersive art exhibition coming to Shepparton from Saturday 18 to Friday 31 October 2025. Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Greater Shepparton City Council strengthens regional advocacy during strategic visit to Parliament
Greater Shepparton City Council led a successful two-day advocacy delegation to Parliament House in Melbourne last month, where delegates met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and senior advisors to champion key priorities for the region ahead of the… Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Be the heart of your community – Join a Community Asset Committee
Greater Shepparton City Council is calling on community-minded residents to join one of the many Greater Shepparton Community Asset Committees (CAC), which play a vital role in managing and maintaining some of our region’s most important community facilities. Read more
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
School Holiday Activity - Giant Games at Shepparton Library
Giant Jamenga, Chess & Connect 4! Read more
Monday 22nd of September,
Nature Collaging
RiverConnect, OLLY (Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project) and headspace Shepparton have come together to offer young people the opportunity to connect and get creative with NATURE COLLAGING. Read more
Monday 22nd of September,
Tatura - Dunk & Skate
Council has finished building the new skate park and basketball court in Tatura. The Community Development team will run a celebration event to mark the opening of this youth spot. The event will focus… Read more
Saturday 20th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Young Picasso Art Competition- Shepparton South Rotary Club
Shepparton South Rotary Club's Young Picasso Art Competition, is an exciting new opportunity for students from primary and secondary schools in the area. Prizes awarded to winning students. Read more
Saturday 20th of September,
Nature’s Mini Canvas
Create Your Own Forest Friend! Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
CrAfter Dark at Shepparton Library - Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve
Get your creative juices flowing and join us for craft, coffee and cake! Read more
See All Events