Locals urged to know the warning signs as bushfire season begins in Queensland

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller has today officially launched the 2015 bushfire season in Rockhampton as part of a visit to Central Queensland six months on from Cyclone Marcia.

Minister Miller joined local MPs Bill Byrne and Brittany Lauga to launch the campaign and to remind residents of the need to be extra vigilant this year due to additional fuel loads caused by the Category 5 system.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested $200,000 in this year’s bushfire season advertising campaign designed to educate Queenslanders about the three levels of bushfire warnings and what actions they should take if a bushfire impacts their property,” Minister Miller said.

“There are three official bushfire warnings – the first is Advice which means you should monitor conditions and review your bushfire survival plan.

“The next is Watch and Act which means conditions are changing and you should start taking action by following your bushfire survival plan.

“The final warning is Emergency which means you are now in danger and should immediately act on your bushfire survival plan.

“Your bushfire survival plan should canvas things such as whether you will leave or stay in the event of a bushfire. If you plan to leave early, then you must leave your home well before a bushfire threatens and travelling by road becomes dangerous.

“If you choose to stay, planning is critical – you need to know if your property is able to withstand its impact and be prepared well enough to shelter you and your family.”

Agriculture Minister and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said regions like Rockhampton as well as Western Queensland could experience a longer bushfire season this year due to drought and El Nino.

“El Nino typically results in lower than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures and this is the outlook across most areas of Queensland,” Minister Byrne said.

“These conditions could potentially lead to heightened fire weather conditions, meaning more frequent and higher than average fire danger periods. This could mean an increase in fire activity and the possibility of an extended fire season.”

Member for Keppell Brittany Lauga said QFES had been working hard in the pre-season to identify areas of heightened bushfire risk this season.

“Rockhampton, Yeppoon and surrounding areas in Central Queensland have been identified as areas with increased bushfire risk due to excessive fuel loads in the wake of TC Marcia,” Ms Lauga said.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government formed Taskforce Marcia to prepare and mitigate against the risk of increased bushfire activity in the area but we need locals to ensure they are prepared as well.

“We need everyone to support the work of QFES by conducting their own preparation activities such as cleaning up around their property, keeping gutters clear, and maintaining gardens and debris.

“A well prepared home reduces the chances of further disaster and destruction and is the best chance of survival.”

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to keeping Queenslanders in bushfire-prone areas safe.

“Our rural firies have been working hard already to ensure their communities are well-prepared for bushfires. The Government deeply appreciates their dedication and commitment to keeping people and property safe.”

For further information on how to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan and how to prepare for this year’s bushfire season, please visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] August 26

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185