Earlier in the month, Grape growers in the Yass Valley and Canberra wine region may have been exposed to unacceptable risk as the Wee Jasper hazard reduction burn was considered during peak vintage, despite a state‑wide NSW Wine – RFS communications protocol agreed in January 2023 to minimise smoke impacts on wine grapes.
Local representatives called on the NSW Government to intervene immediately, delay the burn until after ANZAC Day (25 April), and ensure genuine, structured consultation with grape growers so they have the time and information to protect their businesses.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP put out a statement on March 12, stating, “Update: Wee Jasper Hazard Reduction Burn Cancelled.
I’m pleased to share that following strong advocacy and constructive engagement, the issue surrounding the proposed Wee Jasper hazard reduction burn has now been resolved.
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.
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 agreed to in 2021, which exists specifically to minimise smoke impacts on wine grapes through early planning and consultation.
I want to acknowledge NSW Rural Fire Service, the Canberra District Wine Industry Association and NSW Wine, who contributed their voice and expertise, and particularly the strong advocacy from Yass Valley Council Mayor Jasmin Jones.
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.
I will continue to stand up for our grape growers, winemakers and regional jobs – and to push for better planning and consultation so situations like this are handled earlier and more smoothly in the future.”
NSW Rural Fire Service had advised that current conditions were prime and modelling suggested smoke impacts would be minimal within the present operational window. While acknowledging that work, local leaders and industry representatives stress that modelling does not eliminate risk and any smoke exposure during harvest can result in total crop loss – a risk growers cannot carry after frost and hail losses this season.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said she has spoken directly to the Minister to learn from the mistakes in the Highlands and delay the burn until proper consultation can take place with the industry.
“The broader economic reality demands caution and leadership. This state is already under real economic pressure. Our winemakers must be supported,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“A short delay protects an entire vintage.”
“This is the issue, it’s about timing, governance and giving growers a fair chance to protect their livelihoods.”
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.”
The Wee Jasper burn has been discussed for approximately eight years, with the current iteration first formally tabled in March 2025. Throughout that time, the sensitivity of vineyards during vintage has been well understood. Yet growers report no formal vineyard representation on local Bush Fire Management Committees, and no locally applied, endorsed protocol guiding decisions where hazard reduction intersects with viticulture.
This is despite NSW Wine and NSW RFS having established in January 2023 a state‑wide communications protocol and shared tools – including vineyard mapping, region‑specific sensitive periods, and a framework for early planning and briefings – specifically to minimise smoke impacts on wine grapes. NSW Wine Industry Association President Mark Bourne said this situation is exactly what that agreement was designed to prevent.
“NSW Wine and NSW RFS put a communications protocol in place to minimise smoke impacts from hazard reduction on wine grapes,” 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.”
Yass Valley Council Mayor Jasmin Jones said the issue reflects a system failure – not an individual fault.
“I appreciate the significant work RFS has done to plan for safety and containment,” Cr Jones said.
“But when NPWS has another burn coming forward with even less information, and when established protocols aren’t being fully applied locally, it shows the system isn’t functioning as intended. That puts the Yass Valley and the wider Canberra region economy at risk.”
The Canberra wine region – anchored by Riesling and Shiraz – underpins exports, tourism and local jobs.
The sector is a major regional employer and economic contributor, with the broader ACT wine and tourism economy valued at around $1.7 billion annually, delivering strong flow‑on benefits to NSW. Growers warn that smoke taint means total loss, not merely reduced quality.
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