Controlled Burning Reduces Risk

Mareeba Shire Council advises Mareeba residents that controlled burns will be conducted around the Mareeba township in coming weeks.

The controlled burns will be conducted at Granite Creek, Zenel Road and on the Barron River, near the end of Kearney St and Couper Street. The timing is weather dependent.

“Fuel reduction burns form a major component of Council’s fire management strategy and are programmed to occur at the most appropriate time of the year when the vegetation is in a condition to be burnt,” Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“Getting the burns done before the hot weather arrives is important to reduce risk. We encourage all landowners to begin their preparations as early as possible,” Cr Toppin said.

A number of the fuel reduction burns are carried out in collaboration with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy. “Between them, these two State Government departments have the ability to supply crew, vehicles and appliances,” Cr Toppin said.

The controlled burns will be conducted when the ground conditions are acceptable.