Netherdale back-burns delayed by six weeks as Mackay braces for fire season

Despite unseasonal rain the Mackay-Whitsundays fire season is fast approaching with the Rural Fire Service preparing for last minute back-burns as the state government ramps up funding and support.

Rural Fire brigades will be receiving more funding and equipment ahead of bushfire season. Photo: Fergus Gregg.

Despite unseasonal rains, the fire season is fast approaching with rural firies scrambling to catch up on back-burning.

Rural Fire Service chief Ben Millington said conditions were similar to last year, which led to more than 7,500 bush and grass fires across Queensland.

“We’ve seen a lot of rain over the last 48 to 72 hours and while that has been welcomed by some and it has unfortunately affected some of our harvesting operations,” Mr Millington said.

“That bush will dry.”

The Fire station in Beaconsfield is the headquarters for QFD in the Greater Whitsundays. Photo: Fergus Gregg.

Rural Fire Service Mackay Area director Andrew Houley said that the recent downpours have delayed their back burning operations in some areas.

“We try to do the Netherdale range burn before the Finch Hatton show,” Mr Houley said.

“We’re about four to six weeks late.”

Working with the Mackay regional council and national parks the Rural Fire Service have done strategic burns across the region including at Dingo Beach and Gloucester.

“Once we stop getting the cool nights and heavy dues, that’s the trigger for us to start to (back burn) on a smaller scale,” he said.

“Everything’s in place we’ve just gotta wait for it to dry out.”

Rural Fire Brigades are receiving substantial support ahead of fire season with 144 new positions opening in recruitment, training and other support roles, as well as another 285 fire trucks being delivered to rural brigades over the next three years.

“We have record funding,” Mr Millington said.

“The crews are very much preparing for the season ahead, undertaking training and those critical hazard reduction works to protect communities.”

Rural Fire Brigade members will also benefit from legal and liability protections, allowing volunteer first officers to investigate extinguished fires for the first time.

Mr Millington emphasised the need for families to create bushfire survival plans, while also clearing out their gutters, removing combustible items from backyards and ensuring a sufficient water supply is present.

“Fires can happen anywhere, anytime, and it’s really important that people prepare and start thinking about the season ahead now,” he said.