Too many recent headlines say: A fierce new bushfire is burning in the XYZ National Park.  Nearby residents should prepare to evacuate." Neglected, overgrown, weed- and log-infested, un-grazed, unburnt government-protected parkland is a danger to all neighbors.  All it needs is a fire-bug, a fearful neighbour attempting a too-late back-burn, or a lightning strike, and a wildfire is inevitable, especially when the weather is hot, dry, and windy.  Wildfires will not stay in their national park. Never before in Australia's long history of black and white occupation have such large areas of bush been quarantined from annual burn-offs, cultivation, slashing, and grazing. Four policy changes are needed to fix this problem: Firstly, a reduction in the area of land locked in national parks and reserves, and an end to "protected" vegetation on private land. Secondly, repeal of the sneaky state/commonwealth conspiracy that created...(Read Full Post)