Burn register abused, say farmers

Cranbrook Shire is considering revoking its prescribed burn register after reports of inappropriate phone calls and legal threats from grape growers in the region.

The online register was brought in this year to ease tension between grape growers and blue gum farmers during the restricted burning period.

The Council decided last Wednesday to put the decision on hold until a community meeting between all parties is held in June.

The aim of the register was to create communication between the two parties during an important period for both, as the burning off period overlaps with grape harvest.

However, local farmers say the register has been abused.

Frankland River farmer Simon Hilder, whose property was on the registered burn list, said there was not enough information provided to farmers.

“It gives an unfair advantage to people wanting to have a go,” he said

“There is no information regarding harvesting from the grape growers anywhere.”

Mr Hilder said threats had extended to the family members of some farmers.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful,” he said.

“Nothing has been resolved; common ground needs to be found otherwise things will get out of control.”

Frankland River Wine Makers and Grape Growers Association president Hunter Smith said local grape growers would be upset if the register was revoked.

“The reason for the register, agreed on by the Shire and industry, was to create a mechanism to communicate — it served its purpose,” he said.

“We’d be disappointed, we as an industry thought it worked well.”

Mr Smith said some legal letters had been sent, but denied any form of harassment towards farmers.

“A handful of reckless individuals are putting us at great risk. There have been some letters but no harassment,” he said.

Shire of Cranbrook chief executive Peter Northover admitted there had been some issues with the register.

“It worked in some instances and not in others,” he said.

“We’ve decided to put the decision on hold until industries meet in June.”