Palaszczuk Government launches special bushfire taskforce following Cyclone Marcia

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will lead a new taskforce to identify areas that may be at higher risk of bushfire following Cyclone Marcia, Fire Minister Jo-Ann Miller announced today. 

Visiting Rockhampton with QFES Acting Commissioner Katarina Carroll, Minister Miller said Taskforce Marcia will develop and implement a pioneering program which will help cyclone-affected communities mitigate their bushfire risk. 

“When Cyclone Marcia tore through Yeppoon, Byfield, Rockhampton and surrounds, we told locals that the Palaszczuk Government would be with them every step of the way,” Minister Miller said. 

“Now that the immediate clean-up is over, our focus is now on the heightened risk of serious bushfires in the region because of the amount of downed trees and other debris. 

“The research and results from the work of this taskforce will set a precedent for strategically managing excessive fuel loads after large-scale weather events in Queensland, such as cyclones. 

“This is an opportunity to build partnerships within our communities and foster resilience, while working towards a shared goal of creating a safer Queensland.” 

Minister Miller said QFES had enlisted the help of retired CSIRO Bushfire Fuel and Fire Behaviour Scientist Jim Gould. 

“Mr Gould has been conducting assessments of bushfire fuel loads, working with specialists in the QFES Predictive Services Unit,” Minister Miller said. 

“He will now present his findings to the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) which will work closely with agencies such as Rockhampton Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) to target areas of concern.” 

QFES Acting Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was vital the taskforce had the assistance of the region’s landholders. 

“Over coming months as the bushfire season approaches, it will be vital for residents of Cyclone Marcia affected communities to work with the agencies involved in this taskforce to safely reduce fuel loads,” Ms Carroll said. 

“We need landowners to be more aware and more proactive than they have ever been in the past, and be willing to work with their neighbours and us to ensure the community is prepared for bushfire.” 

Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said unless landholders prepared now, the risk of major fires at the height of the bushfire season would be very real. 

“We want residents to prepare now, before the bushfire season officially starts. If you leave it any longer, it will be too late,” Mr Byrne said. 

“If you’re not sure what to do or how to prepare, please reach out and seek the assistance of our local firies – they’re only too happy to help out and provide advice. 

“This Taskforce is just one way the Palaszczuk Government is ensuring locals who were affected by Cyclone Marcia are still being looked after.” 

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said residents conducting hazard reduction burns should take extra precautions. 

“It’s important for locals to remember they need to obtain a permit from their local fire authority to light a fire bigger than two metres in any direction,” Ms Lauga said. 

“If in doubt, ask for advice. It takes a few minutes to make a phone call to double check you’re doing the right thing. It could prevent a tragedy. 

“I want to thank our local firies for the long hours they’ve been putting in to keep our community safe.” 

[ENDS] 22 April 2015 

For more information, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au 

Media contact: John Gardiner (Minister Miller’s Office): 0408 623 467