Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has begun its 2020 prescribed burning program, with the first burn taking place at John Trousdell Park at Cotswold Hills.
The prescribed burn is part of Operation Cool Burn that Council conducts with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) each year.
TRC Environment and Community Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said that prescribed burns are part of Council’s bushfire mitigation strategy.
“Each decision to burn is made on the day, and is dependent on prevailing weather conditions,” Cr McMahon said.
“The John Trousdell Park burn commenced on schedule, Monday 8 June and proceeded to burn gently through the day.
“Council’s bushland management team will continue to monitor the area over the coming days and may re-light some sections.
“While bushfires can be a risk at any time of year, the bushfire risk is higher for our region from the end of July to March. Early season burns help prevent loss of property and possible injury if a fire were to sweep across the area.
“The primary purpose of a prescribed burn is fuel reduction; however, there is an added benefit as the burn will also assist Council with weed management.”
Cr McMahon said Council had contacted immediate neighbours to the burn.
“Depending on the wind speed and direction, I advise all nearby residents to be aware of smoke in the area,” Cr McMahon.
“This burn will likely produce thick smoke, and as such, residents may wish to close their windows and avoid hanging washing on the line during the initial stages while the burn is completed over the coming days.
Cr McMahon said Council has an ongoing commitment in preparing for bushfire season.
“Council involvement in mitigation activities range from development controls in our Planning Scheme, local laws, bushfire management planning, maintenance of fire hydrants and water access points and also notifying the community of fire season preparations,” Cr McMahon said.
“Each year Council helps prepare high-risk areas by constructing and maintaining firebreaks and fire buffer zones.
“Council maintains over 225km of fire management trails on more than 7000 hectares of bushland reserve. Each year we invest in extending and upgrading this network of fire trails.
“Council also supports an annual coordinated agency operation called Operation Cool Burn, where a range of Government and Community based organisation work together to protect our community from the risk of bushfires.
“Working together with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), the initiative aims to spearhead mitigation activities across the state to reduce fire risk in bushfire-prone areas ahead of the season.
“Subject to appropriate weather conditions the other proposed Council prescribed burn areas this year are:
- Panorama Court Park – Prince Henry Heights
- Jubilee Park from Bridge Street to Harvey Street
- Redwood Park – From the lower slopes adjacent to Toowoomba Connection Road
- Perseverance Dam Tower Access Road to Perseverance Dam Wall
- Charles and Mottee Rogers Park – Highfields
- Cooby Dam Reserve – north-western side
- South Ruthven Reserve
“Council is currently preparing containment lines and obtaining permits to burn. Once preparations are complete neighbours will be individually notified.”
