Bumper year for Brisbane burn-offs

Brisbane City Council has disproved claims greenies are responsible for a lack of controlled burns, achieving one of its biggest hazard reduction programs on record.

A firefighter patrols a controlled fire. Brisbane City Council carried out twice as much hazard reduction burning last year than in many recent years. Picture: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft

Calm winter conditions last year allowed Brisbane City Council to significantly increase its annual hazard reduction program.

There were 10 burns in 2019-2020, covering 206ha or more than twice the area that was able to be safely burned in the two previous financial years. This included two at Mt Coot-tha.

But burns listed on Council’s 2019 schedule for parts of Raven Street, Milne Hill and John Goss reserves on Brisbane’s northside did not occur.

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The council said only one but at Chermside Hills reserve took place, in July.

Council would not say why the burns did not go ahead in the other locations.

But it said burns at Raven St and John Goss reserves were done in 2018 and more were planned for Raven St, John Goss and Milne Hills reserves this year.

Council has to seek permission from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service before carrying out a burn, which can only be done when wind strength and reaction, temperature, humidity, moisture levels and the Fire Danger Index are suitable.

Council has about 100 staff trained to assist QFES.

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A Council spokeswoman said it also took into account the need to control weeds and maintenance of health ecosystems.

“In addition to planned burns, Council also maintains fire management trails, completes vegetation work and continually monitors fuel hazard to reduce bushfire risk to homes,’’ she said.

“But it is important to be prepared and have a plan in the event Brisbane is confronted by bushfires and this is something Council takes very seriously.

“We need to be mindful that planned burns do not provide 100 per cent protection from fire risk and we encourage residents next to bushland or living in rural areas to have a bushfire survival plan.

“Residents are encouraged to check and remove leaf litter from their property, keep trees trimmed and prepare an emergency kit with household items, insurance documents, emergency phone numbers and any necessary items for children and pets.

If anyone spots a fire or sees any suspicious behaviour they should call 000 and report it immediately.

BURNS COMPLETED IN 2019-20 (to date)

· Mt Coot-tha Forest – 2 burns

· Toohey Forest

· Primley Street Park

· Sgt Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve

· Kuraby Bushlands

· Parkinson Bushland

· Chermside Hills

· Brisbane Koala Bushlands – 2 burns