Operation Cool Burn

Controlled Burn Application Form for Council-controlled Road Reserves

Uncontrolled bushfires present a very real human tragedy. The consequences of the loss of property, life and livestock associated with catastrophic bushfires are incalculable.

Operation Cool Burn is a key period when Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has a particular focus on bushfire mitigation. Most years, this period starts at the beginning of April and is normally scheduled to finish at the end of July. This period can be extended if necessary, for example if there is widespread unseasonal rainfall which impacts on planned burning.

During Operation Cool Burn, QFES supports its land management agency partners such as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Resources, HQ Plantations (Queensland’s largest plantation forest company), local governments and landholders across the State to prepare for the coming bushfire season.

Mareeba Shire Council supports Operation Cool Burn and has streamlined the process for landowners seeking to undertake a controlled burn on Council-controlled road reserves adjacent to their property. Applicants can contact Council prior to applying to confirm if the road reserve requested to be burned is under the control of Council.

The process:

Applicant requests approval from Council to burn Council-controlled area adjacent property via application form at least 10 working days prior to burning. Council will assess application and respond within 5 working days. Applicant requires separate permit to burn from QFES. If approved, applicant to notify Council 24 hours prior to burning Burn takes places as per Council’s standard conditions and QFES requirements Approved applicant completes and returns post-burn report to Council within 10 working days of burning.