Mitigate, Prepare & Plan – Bushfire season is coming
Published on 08 June 2023
Bushfire season is approaching! The Rockhampton Region is at its highest risk from July to February.
Chair of the LDMG and Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the region is at a higher risk for the 2023-24 season in comparison to previous fire seasons.
“With the ever-changing weather conditions, we do not want you to get caught out and potentially lose belongings, property, or a life,” Mayor Williams said.
“It is important we mitigate, prepare and plan to decrease our risks of bushfires.
“Council is working with a broad range of agencies including the Department of Resources, and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to undertake bushfire mitigation steps across the region.
“They are currently undertaking planned burns in Mount Morgan to ensure higher risk properties have a reduced fire risk this includes Unallocated State Land and Council Reserves which in turn will provide strategic bushfire buffer zones from fires entering the town from large bushland areas.
“These planned burns form part of the wider region mitigation plan which as discussed and supported by local Fire Management Groups.
"I encourage residents to do their due diligence and check their bushfire risk at their property and undertake mitigation steps accordingly.
"A well-prepared home is easier to defend and reduces the risk to surrounding properties.
“An unprepared property is much harder to defend. For fire agencies an unprepared property may place firefighters at too great a risk to defend it from an approaching fire.
“With two seasons of good rain there is higher than normal levels of fuel for bush and grass.
“Remove excess or high-risk fuel loads from around your property. Remove native vegetation around homes, strategically reduce fuel across the landscape, and construct fuel breaks and fire access tracks, as part of your overall preparedness.
"Mitigating before bushfire season starts is simple and can save you in the event of a fire."
Rural Fire Service Regional Manager Central Region Chris Spencer said the prolonged period of wet conditions has created a prime environment for vegetation growth, we’re asking residents to act now during the cooler months to ensure their bushfire preparation is on track.
“Simple steps like mowing your lawn regularly, trimming overhanging branches and getting rid of flammable materials from around your home can all help to reduce your risk,” Mr Spencer said.
“Make sure you have a Bushfire Survival Plan and that everyone in the house understands what you will do should a bushfire occur. If you need to put your plan together, head to the QFES website.
“If you’re planning on conducting a burn greater than 2m in any direction, you need to obtain a Permit to Light Fire. Talk to your local Fire Warden or head to the QFES website for information.”