Rapid response reduces post-Debbie CQ bushfire threat

A series of coordinated efforts across Central Queensland is helping to contain an increased bushfire threat in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said today (Wednesday).

Mr Crawford, who received an update on the region’s bushfire prevention campaign while visiting Rockhampton, said Cyclone Debbie’s devastation increased the potential “fuel load’’ across the region.

“Cyclone Debbie and subsequent rainfall and flooding accelerated grass growth and spread debris throughout Rockhampton, leaving many areas prone to bushfires after waters receded,” Mr Crawford said.

“Firefighters acted swiftly, launching a comprehensive campaign involving multiple agencies, large-scale operations and community education initiatives to mitigate this threat.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the campaign was reducing potentially serious bushfires from breaking out and spreading.

“Flooding from Tropical Cyclone Debbie continues to influence the bushfire situation in Rockhampton, and this coordinated campaign is going a long way towards helping keep communities safe,” Mr O’Rourke said.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said it was vital for authorities to continue working together to combat the bushfire threat.

“Last year, we all saw the terrible devastation and heartache caused by Tropical Cyclone Debbie and its flooding aftermath,” Mrs Lauga said.

“Ten months on, firefighters across Central Queensland continue to face a substantial bushfire response task – and it’s crucial our highly skilled fire and emergency services teams respond quickly and effectively.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the campaign also involved aerial surveys along coastal and inland areas of Central Queensland between Bowen and Mackay.

“This work is helping QFES identify at-risk locations and develop plans to address any concerns,” Mrs Gilbert said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the coordinated effort would continue throughout 2018.

“We are working closely with the community, local and state government agencies to complete bushfire prevention activities,” Ms Carroll said.

“To date, more than 300 hazard reduction burns have been carried out in the Rockhampton and Yeppoon areas alone since Tropical Cyclone Debbie struck, including in at-risk locations such as Mt Morgan, Gracemere, Bondoola and Cawarral.

“This total represents an increase of about ten per cent on the same period for the previous year.

“These types of activities will continue in the year ahead to build upon the good work completed so far to reduce the bushfire risk.”

Mr Crawford stressed:

• Bushfire prevention is a community effort, so firefighters need residents to look at what they can do to help.
• Conducting property burns, mowing the lawn and clearing dead leaves from the gutter all reduce the risk of a bushfire starting and spreading.
• Property owners should maintain access routes into and from their properties, not only for their own safety but to provide sufficient clearance for firefighting trucks to reach their assets and help during a bushfire.
• It is important residents obtain a permit before lighting a fire on their property larger than two metres in any direction.
• A permit will detail when a burn can take place to ensure it is conducted in the right conditions. Permit holders must notify their neighbours, Fire Communication Centre and local rural fire brigade before lighting a fire.

ENDS

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