Seqwater’s annual program of planned burns for 2024 is set to commence soon, as conditions permit, ahead of bushfire season to help protect local communities, properties, and the environment.  

Planned burns are a way to reduce risk and fuel loads, such as grasses and dense undergrowth, and help to mitigate seasonal bushfire risk to the land and catchments Seqwater manages, as well as neighbouring properties.

Seqwater Executive General Manager of Operations, Fiore Zulli, said the first hazard reduction burn of the season will likely be on North Stradbroke Island, pending weather conditions.   

“We’ve had a wet start to the year, but the catchments are drying out and as the temperatures are becoming cooler, we can begin our planned burns program, which typically runs through to September,” Mr Zulli said. 

“Before we commence a planned burn, we carefully consider and analyse the weather conditions which include identifying the ideal temperature, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and humidity levels to ensure we can conduct the burn in accordance with our Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) permit.

“When conducting a planned burn, we also establish conservation protection zones, and consider the best approach to enhance the biodiversity of the area.

“Safety is our priority and we’re always extremely mindful of the impacts that smoke from planned burns may have on the community, and we thank them for their understanding while we undertake this important work.”

Seqwater is committed to proactive fire management and works closely with its neighbours, partners, government agencies, traditional owners, and key authorities to safely facilitate planned burns across the region.

Seqwater encourages the community to keep an eye on their letterboxes for more information about Seqwater’s planned burns. Dam and recreation site visitors should also check Seqwater’s Recreation and Safety notices on the Seqwater website, or download the Seqwater app, for notifications on closures and conditions.

Multiple agencies may be conducting burns at the same time, so it is important to stay up to date with planned burns in your area.