CONTROLLED BURN OFF TO REDUCE FIRE HAZARD IN CAWARRAL AREA

The Bligh Government is getting on the front foot in the ongoing battle to help prevent wild fires in the Central Queensland region, Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace and Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said today.

Mr Wallace said Natural Resources and Water staff will conduct strategic controlled burns in the Cawarral area, between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, from June 25 to 27.

He said this work would help protect residents from the bushland which was right at their back doors.

Paul Hoolihan said: “This latest work will help reduce the amount of ground fuel before the arrival of the summer heat and the fire season, which starts during September.’’

“Each year, NRW staff work hard to establish fire trails which help prevent any fires getting further out of control and ultimately help protect residents in the Cawarral area.’’

These latest controlled burns will be conducted over about 50 hectares on the fringes of the Cawarral township.

Signs will be posted around the township and a letterbox drop will be conducted to inform residents of NRW’s work during this time. Smoke hazard signage will be placed on affected roads.

Mr Wallace advised residents to keep windows and doors closed during the times of burning.

During this exercise NRW staff will continue their strong working relationship alongside the Cawarral Rural Fire Brigade.

For further information about this work please contact the NRW office in Rockhampton on (07) 4938 4600.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.