Council preparing for 2020 bushfire season

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) are preparing for bushfire season with the release of this year’s prescribed burns. Operation Cool Burn 2020 led by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is a significant part of bushfire mitigation planning for our Region. TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was well advanced with its planning of mitigation strategies in preparation for bushfire season. “This is the ideal time for Council and the community to prepare ahead of the 2020 bushfire season after summer rains have resulted in increased fuel loads in many parts of the region,” Mayor Antonio said. “The typical bushfire season usually runs from August to November, making it essential for our community to make early preparations. “Planning to mitigate bushfires is essential to minimise the chances of a repeat of the significant threat that our Region experienced in 2019 from the destructive bushfires around the Peachey, Crows Nest and Millmerran areas. “The Pechey-Ravensbourne fire burnt more than 20000 hectares including parts of the Region’s northern escarpment with the fire edge at times extending more than 100km. “The hazardous conditions destroyed thousands of hectares of native bushland (including native flora and fauna), fire trails, fencing and farm property infrastructure. “Implementing precautions now could help prevent the loss of property and possible injury during this year’s bushfire season. “I would encourage people to tidy their yard, clear gutters and overhanging branches and rake up twigs and dried leaves from around the house and garden.” TRC Environment and Community Portfolio Leader, Cr Tim McMahon said Council has an ongoing commitment in preparing for bushfire season. “Council involvement in mitigation activities range from development controls in our Planning Scheme, local laws, bushfire management planning, maintenance of fire hydrants and water access points and also notifying the community of fire season preparations,” Cr McMahon said. “Each year Council helps prepare high-risk areas by constructing and maintaining firebreaks and fire buffer zones. “Council maintains over 225km of fire management trails on more than 7000 hectares of bushland reserve. Each year we invest in extending and upgrading this network of fire trails. “Council also supports an annual coordinated agency operation called Operation Cool Burn, where a range of Government and Community based organisation work together to protect our community from the risk of bushfires. “Working together with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), the initiative aims to spearhead mitigation activities across the state to reduce fire risk in bushfire-prone areas ahead of the season. “Preparations are currently being made with QFES for prescribed fuel reduction burns in the coming months. “Subject to appropriate weather conditions the proposed Council prescribed burn areas this year are: Panorama Court Park - Prince Henry Heights Jubilee Park from Bridge Street to Harvey Street Redwood Park – From the lower slopes adjacent to Toowoomba Connection Road Cotswold Hills Perseverance Dam Tower Access Road to Perseverance Dam Wall Charles and Mottee Rogers Park - Highfields Cooby Dam Reserve – north-western side South Ruthven Reserve “Council is currently preparing containment lines and obtaining permits to burn. Once preparations are complete neighbours will be individually notified.” For more information on preparing for fire season go to http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/community-business/community-safety/be-prepared-for-emergencies/12156-be-prepared-for-fire-season