Burning off vs. Bushfires

I'm watching the bushfires that are destroying property around Sydney
at the moment - I can only sympathise with the unfortunate folk who
are losing life and livelihood.

On a 10 month 4WD trip around Oz - I feel I have gained some appreciation of the fire risks in Australia and the practical steps taken by locals to manage that risk.

I saw wo ends of the scale: In Northern Queensland and NT, I came across many 'patches' of land that were either burning or had been
burned over the last year or two.

In South Australia - in the more populated parts, there were signs everywhere prohibiting burning off without a license. There were blanket campfire bans for the summer period.

I felt very safe driving through the fires in the North. The fires were small and were mostly grass and a little dry scrub. Sown in the south, I felt that we were surrounded by a timebomb - waiting for one spark which would shoot through the huge amount of fuel that was lying around.

My point? Looking at the TV pictures of the Sydney fires - there seems to be alot of fuel burning and available to burn. Right next to people's houses. Why are they not taking steps to manage the risk and clear small areas periodically instead of sitting on a woodpile. There is much to be learned from the fire management practices of the north (- but probably not the freedom that they enjoy).

What are the laws in NSW to prevent them managing the bush around their property? I know I would want to be out there annually managing the bush on and around my property - burning small patches, clearing a fire zone, working with and for the local flora & fauna. I'm not proposing razing the trees - just sensible management!

I know this is a sensitive one - but would appreciate comments and discussion.

Rob