Council’s planned burns begin in April

Sunshine Coast Council’s annual planned burn season will begin this month, with seven sites across the coast earmarked for treatment.

Landsborough, Mount Mellum, Palmview, Mountain Creek, Little Mountain, Caloundra West and Alexandra Headland will undergo planned burns before September, if conditions are suitable.

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said council’s proactive Bushfire Management Program aimed to protect our community and protect and enhance our environment.

“Planned burns help reduce the amount of forest fuel in targeted locations before the Spring bushfire season, and take place in the cooler months so the fires are less intense and more manageable compared to a potential unplanned bushfire,” Cr Peter Cox said.

“With more than 60 per cent of council’s bushland relying on fire to thrive, regenerate and maintain healthy populations, periodic fire is important to the health and survival of our forests and the animals that have adapted to live in them.

“Plants include some threatened species of eucalypts, tea-trees and wattles, and the iconic and now endangered wildflower, Christmas Bells.

“Residents near the nominated burn locations should keep an eye out for advance notice of activity in their area, keep windows and doors closed when burns are planned and ensure any respiratory medications are close to hand.”

Sunshine Coast Council Fire Management Officer Guy Morgan said a trained council team worked hard to plan and prepare for burns and monitored the weather closely waiting for the right conditions.

“Low intensity, patch mosaic burning is used to reduce the impact on native animals and achieve these desired ecological outcomes,” Mr Morgan said.

“This allows animals to escape through the unburnt edges and natural features such as gullies and generally leaves 25 to 60 percent of an area unburnt, providing animals with areas for refuge.

“We also rake around the base of significant animal habitat trees and those with important cultural values to ensure these trees are protected from the fire – some are hundreds of years old.

“Again this season, council will collaborate with other agencies such as the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.”

Residents who live near the burn location will receive a notification letter at the start of the season.

Advance notice of any upcoming burn will be placed on council’s Facebook page or search “Bushfire Management” on council’s website. Signage on the surrounding streets will be in place in the days before the burn.

All burns occur within the conditions of a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ permit to light fire.

Where a fire can’t be undertaken due to inappropriate conditions for burning, it will be rescheduled for another time.

Vegetation management, including mowing and slashing, is also part of council’s Bushfire Management Program.

Community safety

• Any threats to life and property call 000 (triple zero).
• Any residents affected by smoke are advised to close windows and doors, utilise air-conditioning and keep respiratory medication close at hand. Seek medical advice if you are susceptible to smoke impacts. 
• As a precaution, road users are advised to drive to suit conditions as there is potential for smoke to reduce visibility.