Noosa residents slam council claiming lack of controlled burns ahead of bushfire season

Noosa residents have slammed their local council, claiming a lack of controlled burns in recent years is to blame for the intensity and devastation of this year’s bushfires.

NOOSA residents have slammed their local council claiming the lack of controlled burning in recent years is partly to blame for the intensity of this season's bushfires.

Noosa Banks resident Charlie Green who evacuated from his home last Friday has called on Noosa Council to reconsider backburning.

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“What’s apparent is there hasn’t been any back burning over the past five years which has created this tinder box, Mr Green told The Courier-Mail.

A monstrous and devastating fire ripped through Peregian Springs, Peregian Breeze and Peregian Beach heading north towards Marcus Beach and Noosa. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

The consultant claimed more controlled burning well ahead of future bushfire seasons will promote “safer and resilient” communities.

“We have to make our community safer so people don’t suffer under these incredibly and damaging conditions. It’s lucky only one house has been lost (in our area). That’s a miracle,” he said.

“There has to be accountability for the lack of preparation. This is a wakeup call for councils everywhere to get their shop in order.”

Noosa Council Mayor Tony Wellington responded saying he could only control their own bushland reserves - not parks and wildlife land. 

“Council carries out appropriate mitigation burning throughout every year in the appropriate season on land under its control,” Mayor Wellington told The Courier-Mail.

Mayor Tony Wellington says “council carries out appropriate mitigation burning throughout every year in the appropriate season on land under its control.” Photo: Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

Jorgen Pedersen took to Facebook group Noosa Community Notice Board saying, “Isn’t it about time we stand up and force the Noosa council or NPA to get the controlled back burning started again?

“I’ve lived in Noosa since the early nineties and can never remember bush fires like this,” he said.

Many residents responded to the post which attracted more than 150 reactions in less than seven hours.

“Controlled burns not out of control infernos,” one woman said.

“Yes preventative burning. I’ve lived here 30yrs and it’s never been burnt off near me so it just a big tinder box waiting to happen,” another said.

Charlie Green said he was overcome with fear as he and his wife grabbed their belongings and ragdoll cat Cowboy before they left their home late Friday afternoon.

“It was a fear of losing our lives or losing our house. It was so visceral,” he said.

“I could see the flames about 200m away. At that point you don’t worry about anything but your loved ones and making sure their safe.

“Then as you drive out and realise you’re safe you think ‘God I hope the house survives.’”