CONTROLLED BURNS IN TANNUM SANDS REGION

A series of controlled burns on state owned land will take place in the Tannum Sands and Gladstone region next week (July 2-6), Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said today.

NRW fire crews are conducting the controlled burns around the Tannum Sands High School and Centenary Drive areas and near Marion Close in the Gladstone suburb of Sun Valley.

Mr Wallace said the crews were conducting the burns during the school holiday period to reduce the effects of smoke on students.

“The operations are part of my department’s ongoing program to protect state land from wildfires and it will be conducted with the cooperation of the region’s urban and rural fire brigades,” Mr Wallace said.

All fire hazard reduction work is dependent on weather conditions at the time.

“The fire crews will make every effort to help reduce potential smoke impacts on the community during this time,” Mr Wallace said.

Residents around the hazard reduction burn area are advised to take appropriate precautions, including:

·keeping doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes

·removing washing from clotheslines, and

·sightseers are advised to stay away from the burns for their own safety.

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’ office on 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.