28/04/2026
We're very excited to add fire to our quiver of bush regeneration techniques!
MONDAY 4 MAY UPDATE
The ecological burn at Drover’s Rest did not proceed on Saturday 2 May due to the wet weather.
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PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL BURN AT MOUNT BARKER
Protecting, managing and maintaining biodiversity assets is a key focus area of our Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2035.
As part of our land management efforts, and following the success of our first ecological burn at Harrogate Recreational Reserve last October, we’re proposing a second one at Drover’s Rest on Saturday 2 May weather permitting.
Drover’s Rest is a Council-owned reserve located on the corner of Harper and Springs Roads at Mount Barker Springs.
Just like standard prescribed burns, ecological burns help reduce fuel loads and bushfire risk but they’re conducted at lower temperatures to deliver more environmental benefits.
The burn will be coordinated by Council and undertaken by local Country Fire Service Brigades with support from Hills Biodiversity whose volunteers have been helping restore the area’s native vegetation.
Thanks to efforts by volunteers, native vegetation in the reserve is showing strong recovery potential and it’s expected this ecological burn will encourage further regrowth of native species, enhance soil health and help control weeds.
The burn will produce smoke which may be smelt or seen from several kilometres away.
Residents near the reserve, including those living with respiratory issues, are advised to keep windows closed on the day of the burn.
We also recommend keeping washing indoors to reduce smoke exposure.
Residents living near the reserve have also been informed of the proposed burn via letter.
Learn more about ecological burns on our website at:
https://www.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/environment/bushfire-management/prescribed-ecological-burns
