We write to seek your support for the parliamentary Environment and Natural Resources Committee recommendations.

We believe that only through appropriate forest and native vegetation management, using such management tools as selective grazing, can we truly leave our public lands in a better state for future generations to enjoy.

In particular, can I draw your attention to the committee recommendation that focused on increasing the level of prescribed burning to an annual figure of 385,000 hectares as this can be undertaken with immediate effect ahead of the summer 2009-10 bushfire season.

We note the belated, vigorous discussion in the public arena on the need for increased levels of prescribed burning and further note that many environment groups state this has always been their policy.

Given this widespread public support for a reduction of combustible fuel to lessen the impact of inevitable future bushfires on the environment and the safety of the public, we call on the State Government to publicly support and implement, without equivocation, this parliamentary inquiry recommendation.

We also call for this support now, knowing the Teague Royal Commission will examine, but may not report on this issue until later in 2010.

Rural communities, bush users and emergency services workers have an expectation that government will act decisively on increased levels of prescribed burning, as recommended by the inquiry, for the autumn 2009 burning program.

The Government would enjoy the strong support of the community to an early commitment that would give comfort to people living in and near forest areas.

— MAX RHEESE,

secretary, Victorian Lands Alliance, Benalla