80 people fight 300,000 hectare fire in Carnarvon Gorge area

Dozens of fire crews continue to work to bring a wild bushfire under control, with 300,000 hectares of land already ravaged in the Carnarvon Gorge area.

About 80 people, including rural firefighters, are continuing to battle a wild blaze at Carnarvon Gorge and the surrounding south of Emerald that has already burnt 300,00 hectares of land.

Up to 70 properties have been affected by fire and it is understood a grazier was forced to use up to 50 trucks to move 4000 head of cattle off their land.

However Central Highlands Regional Council Local Disaster Co-ordinator Glenn Bell said they were not aware of any structural damage from the blaze, which has consumed a land size of about 560 football fields.

Carnarvon Gorge, Buckland, Consuelo, Rewan, Carnarvon National Park, Springsure and the surrounding areas are currently on a stay informed Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warning.

There are multiple blazes in the Carnarvon National Park and Bandana State Forest which are likely to burn for several weeks. ‎

Mr Bell said council had been providing water for bomber planes at the Rolleston base where they are located.

He said council had been informed by emergency services they would need to provide water for the planes for at least two more weeks.

Mr Bell said council knew between 50 and 70 properties had been affected by fire, but they were not sure the extent of damage they had suffered.

He said there would likely be a significant stock displacement, fence damage and a “bountiful amount of feed that’s all gone now”.

Managing director of Bunderra Cattle Company, Duane Pickersgill, said the fire had come into five of their properties as staff battled the blaze for weeks.

“It’s been in an area that’s very difficult to get machinery into, but as it’s come out the guys have fought it on the lower country and they’ve been very successful in backburning off of that,” he said.

“The last report has indicated there’s been three-quarters of a million acres that’s been burnt and we’re approximately a third of that area.

“We predominantly have breeders, but we also fatten and background across that, it’s a pivotal part of our business and those cattle are now going to be impacted by the fires.”

Managing director of Bunderra Cattle Company, Duane Pickersgill.

On Friday, November 3, the State Government announced five road trains of fodder were being sent to fire affected areas, with producer encouraged to fill out a disaster impact survey so need can be assessed.

Two road trains are expected to arrive in the Carnarvon Gorge area on Friday night, while the other three will arrive in the Burnett region from interstate on the weekend.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the State Government was “moving quickly” to ensure producers had what they needed, when they needed it.

“Producers who have been affected by the bushfires are strongly encouraged to fill out a Disaster Impact Survey so their need can be properly assessed and prioritised,” he said.

“So far, we have had more than 60 businesses complete the survey, and the number continues to grow.

“I understand that while other areas, such as Tara on the Western Downs and Miriam Vale near Gladstone, have been heavily affected by the bushfires, Local Disaster Management Group feedback is that those areas have enough fodder supplies for the time being.

“And I want to assure producers that extra road trains will be sought as required.”

Central Highlands Regional Council Local Disaster Co-ordinator Glenn Bell and Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) will be providing advice to landholders on recovery options tailored to their individual circumstances.

DAF will continue to carefully monitor the situation.

Primary producers can also access disaster assistance loans up to $250,000 and freight assistance up to $5000.

Mr Bell encouraged landholders to contact DAF.