NPWS plans hazard reduction burn on Worimi Conservation Lands

National Parks and Wildlife Service is planning a hazard reduction burn at Worimi Conservation Lands north-east of Newcastle on Tuesday May 12 from around 9am.

Worimi Conservation Lands

The one-day 54-hectare Sandhills East hazard reduction burn will be on Worimi Conservation Lands, in an area south of the Nelson Bay Rd around Bobs Farm adjacent to sand hills, NPWS Director Hunter Central Coast Kylie Yeend said.

“This low-intensity mosaic burn will reduce fuel in bushland to help protect properties along Nelson Bay Road as well as the village of Anna Bay,” Ms Yeend said.

“This block is a Strategic Fire Advantage Zone, and the burn will create a fuel-reduced zone to help protect local wildlife and other conservation values of Worimi Conservation Lands, including an endangered species of orchid.”

Smoke may be visible along the peninsula including from Port Stephens and as far south as Newcastle. Anyone driving in the area is asked to exercise caution and drive to conditions.

The burn is planned to take advantage of fine weather, mild temperatures and light winds and is planned to start around 9am.

NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns in areas close to neighbours and important assets and to protect significant areas of habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of wildlife that was impacted by the summer bushfires.

Undertaking burns when conditions are right to ensure they are safe and effective is an important part of managing the potential risk of bushfire to communities and the environment before next summer.

All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to ensure the impact on the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.

Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, ‘Fires Near Me’ app, and on NPWS Alerts website.

All hazard reduction burns over 50 hectares will be assessed by the NSW RFS in conjunction with NSW Health as required to ensure smoke impacts are minimised.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.

For up to date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.

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