Rural
12 March, 2026
Hazard reduction burn cancelled because of grape harvest fears
A hazard reduction burn planned for the Wee Jasper area tomorrow (Friday) has been cancelled because of fears it would impact on this year’s grape harvest.
A hazard reduction burn planned for the Wee Jasper area tomorrow (Friday) has been cancelled because of fears it would impact on this year’s grape harvest.
RFS advised via Facebook just after 5pm on Tuesday that the 120-hectare Nottingham Hazard Reduction Burn would take place tomorrow pending favourable weather conditions.
“The Nottingham Hazard Reduction aims to reduce fuel loads to help protect nearby forestry plantations and contribute to the broader protection of communities within the Australian Capital Territory,” RFS said.
“Firefighters will be supported by aircraft and Remote Area Firefighting Teams (RAFT) to ensure the burn is carried out safely and progresses slowly within established containment lines.”
The announcement prompted an angry response from grape growers and local politicians who said the burn would place this year’s vintage at risk.
Industry representatives said smoke exposure during harvest could result in total crop loss and asked for the burn to be delayed until after ANZAC Day (April 25).
Member for Wendy Tuckerman advised earlier this afternoon that the planned burn had been cancelled following “strong advocacy and constructive engagement”.
“Over the past 24 hours, grape growers in the Yass Valley and Canberra wine region raised serious concerns about a hazard reduction burn being considered for tomorrow - during peak vintage - a time when any smoke exposure can result in total crop loss, particularly after a season already impacted by frost and hail,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“I raised these concerns directly with the Minister and relevant agencies, calling for a pause so that the situation could be properly assessed, industry protocols applied and growers given a genuine opportunity to protect their businesses.
“Importantly, this advocacy was grounded in best practice, including the NSW Wine/RFS communications protocol, which exists specifically to minimise smoke impacts on wine grapes through early planning and consultation,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
She acknowledged NSW Rural Fire Service, the Canberra District Wine Industry Association and NSW Wine for contributing their “voice and expertise” and Yass Valley mayor Jasmin Jones for her “strong advocacy”.
“While hazard reduction remains critical for community safety, this process has reinforced the importance of timing, coordination, and listening to those directly affected by government activities.”
Earlier today (Thursday), Canberra District Wine Industry Association (CDWIA) President Fergus McGhie said a practical delay would substantially reduce risk for growers across the region.
“If we can wait until ANZAC Day, it would save a lot of pain for the industry,” Mr McGhie said. “That short window lets growers get fruit off the vine and removes the single biggest risk we face during harvest.
“We’re not asking to stop hazard reduction - we’re asking for timing and consultation.”
NSW Wine Industry Association President Mark Bourne said this situation is exactly what that communications protocol was designed to prevent.
“NSW Wine and NSW RFS put a communications protocol in place to minimise smoke impacts from hazard reduction on winegrapes,” Mr Bourne said.
“Its success relies on early planning and strong local communication.
“Where those steps are not fully applied, growers are left exposed at the most critical time of the year.”
The protocol states that firefighting authorities and the wine industry will communicate in an “open and timely manner” to ensure that any concerns can be addressed as early as possible.
The Canberra wine region - anchored by Riesling and Shiraz – is a major regional employer and economic contributor, with the broader ACT wine and tourism economy valued at around $1.7 billion annually.
Mrs Tuckerman said the Nottingham burn had been discussed for at least eight years and the sensitivity of vineyards during vintage was “well understood”.
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