Goats used to successfully reduce fire risk in Wodonga

The initiative showcases an innovative, environmentally friendly approach to managing high‑risk vegetation. 

A six‑acre site on Gateway Island, managed by the Gateway Lakes User Group and the Bravehearts Dragon Boat Club, had become heavily overgrown with woody weeds, grasses and extensive blackberry thickets.  

To address the challenges, CFA's District 24 Vegetation Management team partnered with local vegetation management business EnviroGraze, which supplied a herd of 95 goats to clear the targeted area.  

CFA Vegetation Management Officer, Georgia Rose, said the project was a huge success. 

“The area was not able to be burned, there were too many complexities including putting too much smoke into the nearby community and the thickness of the vegetation which would generate too much heat in a burn,” Georgia said.  

“They (the goats) have done what we call a canopy lift which removes the ground and mid-layer fuel which means fire can’t carry through up into the canopy of the trees. 

“We have seen fantastic results.” 

Goats were identified as the most suitable option because of their ability to move across uneven ground, push through hard‑to‑reach areas and eat blackberry growth, including the dense mid‑storey layer that increases fire intensity. 

In just five weeks the goats had removed the plant material within the containment area.  

The project was supported by the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, which provided fencing panels to safely contain the goats.  

“The trial allowed fuel reduction work to progress during the Fire Danger Period while CFA volunteers were committed to other operational demands,” Georgia said.  

“The approach aligns with CFA’s commitment to flexible, innovative fuel reduction methods that meet local needs, protect the environment and reduce bushfire risk for communities. 

“It is a win for both the community and the CFA, people have come down to say hello to the goats and it really gets them engaged in the vegetation management process.”  

The timing of the project proved particularly valuable, as goat‑based fuel management can continue safely during months when planned burning is not possible.