Council committed to protecting community from fire risk

Redland City Council remains committed to protecting the community from fire risk, with work either completed or progressing well on the Fire Management Review’s 56 recommendations.

Council today noted a progress update on the recommendations from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Report of July 2017 and resolved to seek a further update in April 2019.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council had completed 49 of the 56 recommendations, with the outstanding items longer term actions.

“Council maintains its commitment to protecting our community from fire risk, and work continues on implementing the Fire Management Review’s recommendations,” Cr Williams said.

“Redlands Coast has been ravaged by bushfire in the past and we are now experiencing another fire crisis on North Stradbroke Island.

“We know only too well the devastation such events can bring to our community and we are determined to complete the actions of the fire report to protect our community.

“As we are seeing in the current fire, one of our city’s strengths is our community, including our strong volunteer base.

“Council also continues its own program of fire risk mitigation, including fuel reduction burns and maintenance such as slashing and mowing.”

Key activities and remaining actions of the works include the following:

In October 2018, Council continued the seven-day operation of Russell Island and Macleay Island waste transfer stations, resulting in fewer incidents of illegal dumping of waste. The planned fire back burning program has resulted in 17 planned burns totalling 76.5ha burned across the mainland and islands, with more continuing in the new year. The creation of access zones in the southern area of Russell Island is 80 per cent complete, with eight new trails created in October 2018 and a further 17 to be created over coming months. The widening of fire tracks and trails that border urban areas across Redlands Coast is 70 per cent complete, with work continuing. The proactive compliance program resulted in an assessment of approximately 4000 Russell Island properties, with the majority identified as compliant and continuing assessment of about 235 properties. Engaging with first responders, such as QFES, the rural fire service, SES, police and support services, such as marine operators, is part of Council operations with the testing of new warning protocols and a new, online disaster dashboard.

Looking forward, Council also resolved to gather more information on the level of fire preparedness across Redlands Coast, particularly in relation to assessing fire risks related to fuel loads, and fire management planning for mainland bushland areas, including Council managed reserves and trail parks and a general assessment of mainland Redlands Coast.