Partnerships help to protect the community from fire

The Emerald branch of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Central Highlands Regional Council have completed another successful hazard reduction campaign, conducting five burns over 60 hectares of land this year.

The annual campaign, now in its fifth year, aims to reduce fuel loads and keep the community safe from bushfires.

Council’s Coordinator Disaster Management and Community Resilience Glenn Bell said strong partnerships were key to emergency preparedness and response.

‘When there’s a disaster, whether it’s fire or flood or something else, agencies across the region come together to make sure our people and our assets are protected,’ Mr Bell said.

‘Each year we assist the local firies with planned burns across the region, which lead to cooler and slower bushfires and reduce impacts on the environment.

‘We’re really proud to work alongside the Emerald crew, learn from them and get the best outcomes for our communities.’

Captain for Emerald Station Queensland Fire and Rescue Brendan Gigante said the partnership with council was ‘second to none’.

‘I would like to thank and commend Central Highlands Regional Council for the ongoing support and understanding of our community fire safety risk,’ Mr Gigante said.

‘The integration and seamless cooperation between council and our local emergency service agencies are second to none and is noticed and envied across Queensland.

‘Of great additional benefit has been the growth and seamless cooperation, knowledge and partnerships developed over the past several years of our joint initiatives. This is of immense value to us and will no doubt ultimately serve our community well in times of need.’

With bushfire season well underway, Mr Bell reminded residents there are steps everyone can take to prepare and help reduce your risk.

For more information visit council’s emergency management dashboard or the state government’s Get Ready website.