Following the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, the Healthy Country Team was created to lead the NSW Government response to recommendations 25 and 26 relating to cultural burning.

The NSW Cultural Fire Strategy was developed through an Aboriginal working group and a cross government working group.

The strategy seeks to revitalise and promote the use of cultural fire across the landscape in ways that:

  • are led by Aboriginal communities and knowledge holders
  • respect the integrity of Aboriginal communities’ knowledge and practice.

The strategy strives for recognition of cultural fire as a legitimate practice that differs from hazard reduction and as a cultural practice that impacts on the wellbeing of Aboriginal people and Country.

This strategy also supports our commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Strategy pillars

Icon representing Activation, the first pillar of the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy
Icon representing Activation, the first pillar of the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy.
Credit: Leanne Brook
Activation

Aboriginal communities will lead when and how Country is managed with cultural fire. The NSW Government will support Aboriginal communities to undertake cultural fire.

Icon representing Stronger networks, a pillar of the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy
Icon representing Stronger networks, a pillar of the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy.
Credit: Leanne Brook
Stronger networks

Aboriginal communities will expand Aboriginal-led cultural fire in New South Wales. This will create a space for a sustainable network and kinship of cultural fire expertise.

Icon representing Partnerships, a pillar of the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy
Icon representing Partnerships, a pillar of the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy.
Credit: DCCEEW
Partnerships

Government and non-government partners, including research organisations, will support Aboriginal communities to lead cultural fire and grow the sector.

Icon representing Research and data, a pillar in the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy
Icon representing Research and data, a pillar in the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy.
Credit: DCCEEW
Research and data

The NSW Government will enable continuous improvement and adaptive management of cultural fire in New South Wales. It will provide an evidence base that demonstrates the benefits of cultural fire and supports its expansion.

Icon representing Cultural monitoring, evaluation and reporting, a pillar in the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy
Icon representing Cultural monitoring, evaluation and reporting, a pillar in the NSW Cultural Fire Strategy.
Credit: DCCEEW
Cultural monitoring, evaluation and reporting

A cultural monitoring, evaluation and review framework will align with the NSW Government’s evaluation policy and guidelines.

NSW Government key actions

The key actions of the NSW Government include:

  • documenting and resolving insurance barriers
  • land management agencies updating agency policies and procedures
  • creating an environmental assessment pathway for cultural fire
  • developing staff cultural capability to act as an interface between agencies and Aboriginal communities
  • establishing a cultural fire website
  • identifying opportunities and research priorities to recognise the value of cultural fire practitioners’ expertise
  • developing cultural monitoring, evaluation, review and adaptive management processes.
A group of people at the Mawonga Cultural Burn stand in a grassy clearing at night, observing small controlled fires burning on the ground. Smoke rises from the flames, and tall trees form a dark backdrop under the night sky.A group of people stand in a grassy clearing at night, observing small controlled fires burning on the ground. Smoke rises from the flames, and tall trees form a dark backdrop under the night sky.
Mawonga Cultural Burn.
Credit: Vanessa Cavanagh/DCCEEW
Mawonga Cultural Burn
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