K’gari rangers issue fire reminder to campers and residents in time for bushfire season

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has called for visitors to protect K’gari from bushfires after mitigation works have been conducted in anticipation for bushfire season.

Instagram post by @tonkatoys1989 of the 2020 bushfires on K’gari. Picture: Instagram

K’gari is once again in the spotlight as rangers and government departments look to protect the world's largest sand island from fire danger this coming holiday rush.

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has called for visitors’ help to protect K’gari from bushfires after mitigation works have been conducted in anticipation for bushfire season.

Recent escalation in infringement notices led to this afternoon’s announcement, with 87 handed out in the last two years alone.

With the summer holiday season about to start, residents and visitors to the island are reminded to follow K’gari’s strict campfire rules, with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers investigating another unlawful campfire.

K’gari Senior Ranger Linda Behrendorff said lighting unlawful campfires on K’gari is extremely risky behaviour and puts the island’s natural and cultural values at risk.

Aerial firefighting for a K’gari bushfire - Photo Supplied QFES

“Campfires are prohibited in K’gari’s national park except for two designated sites at Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds, and people need to stop breaking the rules,” she said.

“To mitigate the impacts of bushfire, QPWS and Butchulla rangers have been working hard by successfully treating more than 5000 hectares of the island through our planned burn program.”

The announcement comes at a time when rangers and scientists are ever-aware of the dangers that bushfires bring to the island, especially after the 2020 blaze which burned for more than six weeks.

That fire was started by an illegal campfire near Orchid Beach, which set an unwanted record after tearing through 87,000 ha of land.

“Since January 1, 2024, we have conducted 27 planned burns which includes 12 protection burns specifically to protect residential areas and park infrastructure,” Dr Behrendorff said in the statement.

“The planned burn program has created a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt country in eighteen blocks, which will help slow bushfires down and boosts and supports a healthy environment.

“We have also conducted maintenance along 320km of roads and fire breaks including around the townships of Orchid Beach, Eurong, Happy Valley and Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village.

“We’re thankful for the support we receive from our partners including the Butchulla Traditional Owners, local Rural Fire Service volunteers and other State and local Government agencies.”

“Residents can help reduce the risk of bushfire by ensuring their properties are free from fallen or trimmed branches, and campers are urged to refrain from lighting unlawful fires.

A fire burns above K'gari. PHOTO: Air K'gari (formerly Air Fraser).

“Unfortunately, a bushfire started by campers in August near the Maheno on the Eastern Beach foredunes impacted our ability to deliver three of our planned burns, which will be completed next year.

“It’s important for all visitors to understand that their actions can have long-term consequences.”

Originally published as K’gari rangers issue fire reminder to campers and residents in time for bushfire season