Eden researcher and author Vic Jurskis will launch his debut book at the Eden Fishermen’s Club at 6 pm on Friday October 16, no doubt throwing flames on the highly combustible debate about correct Australian land management.
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‘Firestick Ecology: fairdinkum science in plain English’ explores and promotes the traditional use of fire as a way of keeping the continent fire-proof, moving from Aboriginal practice and pre colonial history through to the mega fires of modern times.
“Ecologist lacking knowledge and experience of fire behaviour have hijacked fire management,” Mr Jurskis writes. “Disasters will continue while ever we’re doing research instead of burning.”
The Eden launch will be preceded with an official red carpet launch at Parliament House next Tuesday October 13, hosted by Connor Court Publishing and the Honourable Robert Brown, chairman of Inquiries into Land Management and leader of the Shooters and Fishers Party. Key politicians and policy makers are on the invitation list, including State Minister for the Environment Mark Speakman and State Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott.
Mr Jurskis will discuss the book, and share over 40 years experience in the use of fire in ecological land management during his long career with State Forestry and independent institutions.
“Through my career I’ve been publishing and promoting fire ecology that has been noticed internationally but been mostly ignored in Australia,” Mr Jurskis said. “This book brings all my research together. And the ones who should take most notice are the politicians and bureaucrats involved in land and fire management.”
Mr Jurskis points to early colonial times as a prime example of the benefits of fire, when Aboriginal people customarily used flames to keep the Ozzie bush under control.
“In 1792 there was a fire event with howling winds and temperatures in excess of 43 degrees centigrade, with fires burning all around Sydney,” Mr Jurskis said. “And even though the houses had thatched roofs only one house was burnt and no lives lost. But under similar weather conditions during the fire of 1994 also around Sydney we lost hundreds of houses and suffered three deaths.”
Mr Jurskis said the big difference was fuel.
“In the 1830’s Major Thomas Mitchell rode a horse through bush with Aboriginal guides setting fires as they went. The bush was open because of fire management,” Mr Jurskis said. “Today you can barely move in that area. You certainly can’t ride a horse.”
When asked if fearful about the predicted El Nino summer looming, Mr Jurskis’ answer was immediate.
“It’s not about weather or climate,” he said. “It’s the three dimensional fuel left on the ground that leads to mega fires. And there’s a dangerous build up of that fuel in the Bega Valley.”
The Eden launch of ‘Firestick Ecology’ will be conducted by Phil Collins, one of the region’s most experienced firemen.
“Phil had his baptism of fire during the devastation of 1952, when he was just 19 years old,” Mr Jurskis said. “He was later appointed fire control officer for the BVSC, and had that role for 27 years. He’s a well known and respected identity right across the southeast.”
All are welcome to the Eden booklaunch on Friday October 16.
Please RSVP Mr Jurskis on: vic.jurskis@gmail.com