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Minister for Fire and Emergency Services The Honourable Craig Crawford
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A run of dry conditions in parts of Queensland is propelling the state to a potentially active – and early - bushfire season, prompting calls for residents to act now to be ready.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Monday) dry conditions in known bushfire hotspots across the state, have increased the threat of fires starting and spreading.
“In the south-east for example, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) crews have responded to several fast-running grass fires in recent weeks, including at Boonah, the Lockyer Valley and Beaudesert,” Mr Crawford said.
“QFES has also identified central and western parts of the Cape, as part of this season’s areas of concern.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui encouraged all members of the Cape community to work with QFES and other local agencies to identify areas of concern and remove potential threats not just those in the central and western parts of the Cape.
“All cape residents needed to do their bit for bushfire prevention including having a Bushfire Survival Plan,” Ms Lui said.
“That includes talking to your family about the Bushfire Survival Plan, mowing the grass, disposing of green waste and leaf litter, clearing gutters and removing flammable objects from your yard.
Mr Crawford said QFES’ firefighting efforts had been bolstered ahead of the 2018 season through additional resources, including new appliances.
“More than 100 new appliances have been delivered statewide to QFES – including about 60 to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) - under the Palaszczuk Government’s capital works program for 2017-18,” Mr Crawford said.
“We will continue to build on this momentum, with $44.3 million committed in our record 2018-19 QFES Budget for the replacement and delivery of another 180 new urban and rural vehicles.
“These additions to our fleet feature the latest technology and ensure our dedicated firefighters have the best equipment and vehicles to respond to bushfires and protect their communities.”
For more information on bushfire preparedness and Bushfire Survival Plans visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
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