The economics of prescribed burning for shrub control in the semi-arid woodlands of north-west New South Wales.

Abstract

Costs and benefits of prescribed buming for shrub control in a representative 2000 ha paddock are estimated, based on anecdotal and survey data collected from graziers in the Western Division. For a hypothetical paddock, two bums were assumed to take place during the space of seven years. Costs include those for constructing firebreaks and controlling the fire. In particular circumstances, income from grazing may be foregone when "spelling" the paddock prior to the bum, and also after the bum until rainfall has induced the regrowth and seeding of pasture. Benefits from prescribed buming include increased livestock production, primarily through higher lamb weaning percentages and wool cuts from the self-replacing Merino flock, reduced mustering time and improved surveillance of livestock, resulting in better control of pests such as blowflies, lice, feral pigs and foxes. Capital value of the land is also improved. Cash flows over a 20 year period indicate that prescribed burning for shrub control is profitable. Despite this, users should carefully assess the maximum area that property cash flows will allow for setting aside to bum when an appropriate season allows.