Dampier Peninsula Fire Working Group coordination

The Dampier Peninsula Fire Working Group (DPFWG) brings together land owners, Indigenous rangers, government agencies, regional conservation groups, NFP’s, pastoralists and other stakeholders to collaborate on fire management.

The group improves fire management on the Dampier Peninsula through coordinated training, skills-sharing, communications and prescribed burning delivery.

Large wildfires on the Dampier Peninsular were a regular annual occurrence impacting terrestrial ecosystems, biodiversity and threatening human health, safety and livelihoods; posing immense challenges for land managers.

It is understood that that:

• Wildfires in the tropical savannas are a significant contributor to global annual greenhouse gas emissions;
• Wildfires also threaten the regional tourism industry that relies on access to natural environments and outdoor activities;
• Natural hazards, such as fire and cyclones, have been identified as significant risks to people living, however preparation for bush fire is relatively new and poorly understood by many;
• Frequent wildfires also negatively affect the social, cultural and economic values of northern Western Australia;
• For Aboriginal communities, reoccurring wildfires threaten sacred sites, food and medicine plants and game species, and reduce the capacity for healthy country management; and
• High emergency response costs.

Environmental, cultural and community impacts are minimised by the DPFWG through a reduction in severe dry season wildfires by preventative and strategic fire planning, sharing knowledge and aligning resources for on-ground work, and raising awareness in the community.

The investment opportunity

Once funded, the 2022-ongoing DPFWG deliverables include:

• Annual strategic planning workshops
• Implement annual burn
• Conduct joint-burning operations
• Annual debriefing workshops
• Development of plan for the joint management of fire access roads, and
• Provide training to newly established ranger groups.

Return on investment

The aim of the program is to increase value for community and stakeholders through shared:

• Protection of threatened species, – flora and fauna
• Protection of communities from wildfire events
• Protection of Tourism and natural assets
• Reduction of carbon footprint from wildfires
• Biodiversity certificates (potential)
• ESG reporting
• Social investment in cultural development

APC are seeking investors to support the Dampier Peninsula Fire Working Group coordination. The minimum buy-in for the program is $20,000 up to $200,000 per annum until fully funded.