Conservation efforts may have worsened catastrophic bushfires in south-east Australia, study finds
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A study by the University of Melbourne found that attempts to limit human involvement in nature and increase conservation led to widespread bushfires.
Researchers found Victoria's Land Conservation Act neglected Aboriginal land management practices and allowed the overgrowth of vegetation that increased the risk of fire.
The act was passed in 1970 and the Land Conservation Council was established to investigate and make recommendations on the use of public land throughout the state.
The act required recommendations that consider the present and future needs of people by preserving ecologically significant areas, conserving areas of natural interest, beauty or historical interest, and other conservation efforts.
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