PARKS AND WILDLIFE OFFICERS READY FOR BUSHFIRE SEASON

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) officers are constantly monitoring wildfire risk and fire danger conditions across its parks and forests.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr told State Parliament today officers were maintaining preparedness levels and emergency response plans to ensure rapid response to any wildfire outbreak.

Ms Nelson-Carr said in Queensland this calendar year, QPWS staff had responded to 131 wildfires which impacted on more than 154,095ha of its lands.

“The QPWS keeps its wildfire response procedures updated, maintaining priority fire lines and implementing planned burn programs over priority sections of the QPWS estate,” she said.

“So far this year, officers have completed more than 427,000ha of planned burns on its lands.

“Some planned burning is still continuing where conditions allow, such as in the wet tropical coast.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said officers had also undertaken maintenance work on more than 2000km of fire trails.

“With specific regard to the wet tropical forest areas after Cyclone Larry, QPWS is remaining particularly vigilant since there is still a large amount of fallen dead timber on the ground.

“There is still concern that there will be a serious fire danger in that area when dry conditions prevail, and this will be closely monitored over the next 12 to 18 months.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said she appealed to people planning to visit parks and forests to be mindful of the continuing dry conditions over much of the state despite rain in some areas.

“Campfires should never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before people leave the site.

“QPWS may limit the use of fires on its areas and may even close sites if the need arises.

“Urban and rural neighbours to parks and in fact those living near any forested areas, should heed the advice given by the various state agencies dealing with bushfires, in particular from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

“QPWS will continue to maintain high levels of preparedness in relation to fire management on its lands and is ready to respond swiftly as the need arises,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Media contact: Andie Gatti 3336 8002 or Karla Steen 3336 8004