Damp conditions force TRC to reschedule prescribed burns

Damp conditions coupled with green-tinged vegetation have forced Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) to reschedule several prescribed burns until August, conditions permitting, especially around Toowoomba city’s eastern escarpment.

TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said recent light rain and unfavourable weather forecasts prompted Council to revise the planned prescribed burn program.

“Bushland areas on shaded southern and eastern slopes of the city’s escarpment are fairly green and wet in places,” Cr McMahon said.

“Recent light showers across the escarpment prevented Council officers from proceeding with the complete fuel reduction burn schedule.

The revised burn program will be moved to early August, provided the weather remains cool and other conditions, such as periodic frosts, remain favourable.”

Proposed August burn schedule:

Panorama Crescent Park, Prince Henry Heights: Rescheduled to week starting August 3. (Fuel reduction burn) Redwood Park to Jubilee Park: Rescheduled to week starting August 3. (Fuel reduction and ecological burn) Charles and Motee Rogers Park: A mosaic edge burn was completed on June 27. An assessment on the eastern boundary will be made later in the season. (Cool mosaic burn for environmental purposes) Cooby Dam Reserve north west side: Remains too green to burn effectively. This will be re-assessed following likely frosts. (Fuel reduction burn) Perseverance Dam, Tower access road to Perseverance Dam wall: Delayed until further notice as vegetation is very green. (Fuel reduction burn) Redwood Park, from the lower slopes next to the Toowoomba Connection Road: This area will be assessed this week. (Fuel reduction and ecological burn) South Ruthven Reserve: This area will be assessed on July 20. (Fuel reduction burn)

For more information on preparing for bushfire season go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/bushfire