What’s Happening?
Redland City Council is preparing Redlands Coast and its islands for the annual bushfire season.
Crews have been slashing council-owned land and creating fuel-free zones, also known as firebreaks. Controlled burns are also reducing fuel loads before conditions become more dangerous.
The council’s fire management team is working through a planned burn schedule across Redlands Coast and its islands. The work is being completed with the Queensland Fire Department and adjoining land management authorities.
Why It Matters
Forest litter, grass and other dry material can provide fuel for bushfires. Reducing these fuel sources can lower fire danger and improve access for emergency crews.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty also serves as Acting Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.
“The slashing and planned burns make a significant difference to the volume of forest litter,” Cr Talty said.
She cited material “such as dead branches and leaves and grasses, which act as a fuel source during bushfires”.
Cr Talty also explained how the work supports fire crews. “Not only do the burns reduce fire danger, but they make it easier to access areas to fight bushfires.”
Local Impact
Residents can reduce risk around their properties, particularly during the cooler months.
Cr Talty said this period “provides an ideal opportunity to consider being bushfire prepared”. She urged residents to protect their households and properties.
Surrounding grassland and bushland should also be checked for possible bushfire risks. Risk increases where leaves, bark, twigs and cured brown grass have accumulated.
Residents can find preparation, response and recovery information through the council’s disasters and emergencies page.
Further advice is available from the Queensland Fire Department. Residents can also register for the free Redlands Coast Alerts messaging service through the Disaster Dashboard.
By the Numbers
- A ground fuel layer about 1cm deep can carry a mild fire, showing that shallow litter still presents a risk.
- Around 6cm of ground fuel presents a significant fire risk and requires careful property maintenance.
- Low branches surrounding a home should be trimmed to at least 2m above the ground to reduce ladder fuels.
Zoom In
An effective firebreak limits the materials that could carry flames towards homes, sheds, fences or livestock. Residents can improve protection by:
- Mowing grass regularly and removing excess vegetation or wood.
- Removing ladder fuels that could allow a fire to climb.
- Clearing leaves from gutters, downpipes and roofs.
- Trimming low branches surrounding the home.
- Moving unnecessary fuel and combustible materials to a safe location.
- Avoiding material piles against homes, sheds and fences.
- Keeping combustible materials away from livestock and places of environmental or cultural significance.
Zoom Out
Bushfire risk crosses property boundaries, making cooperation between authorities and residents important.
Council crews are managing council-owned land, while fire authorities and adjoining land managers support the wider work. Households can contribute by reducing fuel around their properties.
More information about the council’s preparation work is available in Blazing a line of defence against bushfires.
What To Look For Next?
Council’s fire team will continue working through its planned burn schedule across Redlands Coast and the islands.
Meanwhile, clearing properties during the cooler months can strengthen local preparation before annual bushfire conditions intensify.
