Council has bolstered its fire mitigation capabilities and added two fit-for-purpose Landcruisers to their light attack vehicles, taking the fleet to five in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.
Mayor Clare Stewart said fire management measures were a critical part of Council’s annual disaster preparedness activities.
“I have strongly supported the need for increased mitigation and hazard reduction burns, so it’s pleasing to see the proactive measures being taken,” she said.
Council fire management staff are available to support Queensland Fire and Emergency Service in the event of a wildfire burning on Council managed land or directly threatening council land.
Fire Management officer Shaun Harris said Council has developed a fire management team to assist outside their normal work duties.
“We have 16 nationally accredited trained staff who can hit the ground running, assisting with mitigation works and can be utilised as supporting resources to QFES, if required,” Mr Harris said.
“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and local Rural Fire Brigades help us prioritise hazard reduction burns and other mitigation measures on Council owned properties.”
“This year, we’ve completed four burns on Council owned Bushland Reserves in Cooroibah, Pomona, Ringtail Creek and Weyba Downs.
“We have also assisted QPWS with a further two along the Noosa trail network,” Mr Harris said.
Cr Stewart said the extra work is encouraging news for residents, amid predictions of potentially intense fires this spring.
“We never know where and when a bushfire will start, but maintaining fuel reduction zones in high-risk areas is important along with our ongoing fire trail maintenance program,” Cr Stewart said.
Council continues its fire trail maintenance schedule of over 60 kilometres of Fire Trail networks, with increased slashing / mowing regimes during heightened fire danger months.
Cr Stewart encourages residents to do their bit around private properties in readiness for this bushfire season.
