Qld fire danger signs yet to be replaced after overhaul
Only half of new fire danger signs planned for Queensland have been rolled out, as the state heads into a potentially catastrophic season.
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Hundreds of fire danger rating signs have been removed across Queensland, with the majority not replaced as the state heads into a potentially dire bushfire season.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services confirmed about 300 fire warning signs – which relied on manual operation – had been removed, of which just 64 had since been replaced.
The Australasian Fire Authorities Council decided a year ago to nationalise the fire rating model, with the older signs – with the now-outdated rating system – flagged to be replaced with new solar-powered digital signs.
QFES said it had identified 130 locations for the new signs – fewer than half of what there had been previously – with 64 installed to date, and a further 66 to be installed.
“The installation of roadside signage requires detailed planning, including risk assessments, to ensure the safety of road users, as well as consultation with other state government departments and local government,” a QFES spokesman said.
“These new signs are remotely updated daily, and as conditions change, and can be switched off if there is no fire danger rating in the area.”
LNP Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said locals in his Gold Coast hinterland electorate were upset the signs had been removed and not replaced.
“Many people in my community rely on these signs and are rightly angry their safety isn’t a priority for this tired Labor government,” he said.
“Because they are so consumed with themselves they are failing to deliver things like fire warning signs for my community.
“It’s a sign of how the chaos and crisis of the Labor government is putting the lives of Queenslanders at risk.”
QFES said locations for the new signs had been assigned to high-traffic areas, with site selection criteria and local knowledge applied to achieve the highest impact and benefit for Queensland communities.
“In the Gold Coast hinterland area, new digital signs have been installed in Tamborine and Canungra and another sign will be installed in Advancetown,” a spokesman said.
“QFES is continuing to work with stakeholders and communities to identify more locations for future sign installation.”
Arrangements had also been struck with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to use its network of digital road signage leading up to and during periods of significant fire weather and activity to display critical information and warnings.
“Fire danger rating signs are one part of a multi-layered communications strategy used to inform Queensland communities of bushfire threats,” QFES said.
“During periods of heightened fire danger, QFES issues key safety and preparation information via social media, its website and key community safety partners, including the media.
“During bushfires, the community is advised to tune into these official QFES channels to remain informed about current bushfire warnings.
“Queenslanders can check the FDR for their area at any time on the QFES or Bureau of Meteorology websites.”
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