The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning two hazard reduction operations in Binjura Nature Reserve, to the north-west of Cooma and Hughes Creek in central Kosciuszko National Park, starting Wednesday 16 February 2022, weather permitting.
“The 55-hectare treatment at Binjura is approximately 5 kilometres to the north-west of Cooma and the 3449 hectare Hughes Creek treatment is near the north-west corner of Lake Eucumbene, to the north-westrovidence Portal and Denison,” said Ian Dicker, Southern Ranges Team Leader – Fire at NPWS.
“With the above-average rain experienced over the spring and most of summer, NPWS is looking to begin its hazard reduction program earlier than usual. Creeks and gullies are still damp and the weather forecast for later this week is favourable to get these treatments completed,” said Mr Dicker.
“These are both strategic hazard reduction operations, which will help to limit the potential spread of wildfire to surrounding private properties and to protect park assets from fire impacts,” he said.
“The operations are due to begin at midday Wednesday and residents and visitors are reminded to drive to conditions and observe any warning signs or directions from fire crews.”
“Public access to these areas and four-wheel drive trails will be closed during operations.”
“Smoke from these activities may be visible in the central and northern Monaro for a number of days.”
“We thank our neighbours for their understanding.”
“People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors.”
These treatments are some of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
This hazard reduction program is part of the NSW Government’s $76 million package over 6 years to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State’s national parks, where conditions allow.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction operations, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation
