Seqwater has commenced its annual program of planned burns to reduce fuel loads and fire risk across South East Queensland’s water supply catchments.

Seqwater’s Principal of Recreation and Catchment Services, Justin Lee, says the first hazard reduction burns of the season have been carried out safely near Leslie Harris Dam (Tingalpa) and on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) earlier this month, while burns near Lake Manchester and Gold Creek Dam (Brookfield) commenced this week.   

“Planned burns are an essential practice for us to help reduce fuel loads, such as grasses and dense undergrowth, and mitigate the risk of wildfires in our water supply catchments while enhancing biodiversity,” Mr Lee said. 

“Each year the burn ‘window of opportunity’ is typically during the cooler months between March and September, and we’re pleased to be on schedule this year after the wet weather delayed last year’s season.

“Before each burn there’s meticulous analysis of conditions including identifying ideal temperatures, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and humidity levels to conduct the burn under ‘cool burn’ conditions and in accordance with our Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) permit to light.

“We consider impacts to flora, fauna, and our surrounding communities, and use a range of techniques to conduct safe planned burns to maintain and improve biodiversity and ecological values for the natural environment.

“We’re always extremely mindful of the effects that smoke from planned burns may have on neighbours and visitors to nearby lakes and appreciate their understanding while we work with the relevant agencies on this safety initiative.”

Seqwater says it consults with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Rural Fire Service brigades, government agencies, traditional owners, and neighbours to safely facilitate each planned burn across the region.

More details are available from Seqwater’s website.