For a couple of years now we have had extensive consultation with NPWS on the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) – i.e. a fire fuel reduced area – around the Lodge. 

The agreed plan of management that includes clearing patches of heath around the gas tank and adjacent area.  However, we are also actively removing weeds in the area, especially on the side of the Lodge facing the relatively undisturbed native flora of the valley.

 Cleared areas are covered with straw to help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds then planted with native grasses and flowering ground-covers, supplied by NPWS.  The guards around the flowering plants help to prevent damage caused by feral animals, especially deer.

 Poa grass (a native grass) is planted to suppress weeds then surrounded by straw once the ground has been weeded.  Maintenance of the cleared areas is very important to prevent weed incursion while keeping the non-native grasses down is important since it actually presents the greatest fire risk.