By Rose Astley
Since the devastating bushfires that destroyed homes and thousands of hectares of bushland in Peregian and Cooroibah last year, residents in the Noosa Shire have become increasingly concerned about the neglected bushland in built-up areas.
Noosa councillor candidate David Fletcher has been actively acknowledging the fire risks in the area, and is warning State and local authorities that the time to minimise these risks is now.
“I have visited areas in and around Cooroy, Pomona, Boreen Point, Tewantin, Noosa Civic and Peregian Beach and they all have the same issues,” David said.
“The biggest thing that council need to get onto now is fuel load reduction.
“A review of risk areas in the shire is required, and corrective action needs to be taken urgently.
“It would also be helpful for people involved in bushfire preparedness and management to talk with local Indigenous leaders who could educate and assist with fuel reduction.
“I refer especially to people like RFS, QFES and council staff whose job it is to implement these procedures.
Mr Fletcher said Noosa Council must be pro-active and undertake a bushfire hazard audit of all residential areas in the shire to establish where further preventative action is required.
“Action, action, investigation and education. Ensuring that as many people in our shire know what actions are required by them and what they can expect from the services that provide assistance during times of emergency.
“We must act, and act quickly, to ensure the protection of our community and environment.
David believes that the Noosa Council has been “caught out”, saying that having a hazard plan and ensuring that it is implemented are two different things.
“Education is paramount and this is a must for the council. It is time to act, and action is what we all want to see,” David said.
“In terms of bushfire preparation, locals need more education about what to do in an emergency and where they can find information about that.
“We live at a time when there is a big onus on residents to understand these types of emergencies and the role people have in having a plan and implementing it.
