Industry Spotlight
Matthew Cooper, Fire Operations Officer at DBCA
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Interview: Matthew CooperJob Title: Fire Operations Officer
Company: Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Region: South West How long have you worked in the timber industry? I have worked in the timber industry for around eight years. Prior to that I studied a Forestry Undergraduate at the ANU. Tell us about your job – what is your role? I am a Fire Operations Officer with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in the Blackwood District in the South West of WA. Broadly my role encompasses all of fire management activities throughout the South West. This includes the implementation of prescribed burning programs, as well as bush fire suppression. |
Some specifics of my role for the South West however, relate to prescribed burning up against softwood plantation coupes for Forest Products Commission (FPC), to provide a buffer of protection of standing pine as well as clear-fell pine burning to rid the area of remaining pine left over post-harvest.
I also am involved within aviation branch for filling the roles of Incendiary Operations Supervisor and Air Attack Supervisor on both prescribed burn ignition and bush fire suppression platforms participating on a state roster. As an AAS we attend a fire when required, regardless of the tenure, and we will often work with a number of different agencies on any given day.
What other timber jobs have you worked at, if any?
Since commencing work in the ACT I have also worked in NSW for the Forestry Corporation as well as a number of districts for Parks and Wildlife throughout WA.
What is one thing about the timber industry that people don’t know or realise?
The sheer extent and reach of the industry, as well as how many stepping stones there are from planting to harvest and beyond. Also, how hard all aspects of the industry are constantly striving to improve and better sustainability within each step of the process.
What would you like to see change or improve for the future of the industry?
It would be really great to continue to see a swing in social licence and how people outside of the forest and forest products view the industry. I think through a better understanding of our own industry and the processes that occur, we can be great advocates for that change.
I also am involved within aviation branch for filling the roles of Incendiary Operations Supervisor and Air Attack Supervisor on both prescribed burn ignition and bush fire suppression platforms participating on a state roster. As an AAS we attend a fire when required, regardless of the tenure, and we will often work with a number of different agencies on any given day.
What other timber jobs have you worked at, if any?
Since commencing work in the ACT I have also worked in NSW for the Forestry Corporation as well as a number of districts for Parks and Wildlife throughout WA.
What is one thing about the timber industry that people don’t know or realise?
The sheer extent and reach of the industry, as well as how many stepping stones there are from planting to harvest and beyond. Also, how hard all aspects of the industry are constantly striving to improve and better sustainability within each step of the process.
What would you like to see change or improve for the future of the industry?
It would be really great to continue to see a swing in social licence and how people outside of the forest and forest products view the industry. I think through a better understanding of our own industry and the processes that occur, we can be great advocates for that change.
Matt carries out fire suppression activities throughout the South West
About Welcome Mat |
Forest Industries Federation (WA) Inc
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