Controlled burns to start on Castle Hill
Date published: 2 December 2016
Controlled burning will commence on Castle Hill next week to maintain established fire breaks.
The program is scheduled to start in the West End area above Green Street from around 3pm on Tuesday (December 6), and continue around the hill for approximately three weeks, weather permitting.
Strips of around 30 metres will be burnt at any one time.
Community Health and Environment Committee chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said the annual burns were important to protect residents and property around the hill.
“People using the hill should take care and follow any directions from staff during the controlled burns,” Cr Greaney said.
“There may be temporary closures of the tracks for safety reasons. Controllers will be stationed at tracks to inform people of any delay and Castle Hill Road is expected to remain open.”
Residents will be notified by letter drop of planned burns in their area about 24 hours in advance.
Cr Kurt Rehbein, a member of the Council’s Community Health and Environment Committee and a fire fighter said the burns would provide a protective buffer for residential areas.
“With the lack of rain over the wet season, we are likely to experience a high risk fire season over the coming months so now is the time to take action,” Cr Rehbein said.
Cr Rehbein said residents should report any suspicious activity or fires late at night immediately.
The annual program is undertaken in favourable weather conditions and conducted in accordance with the Castle Hill Management Plan.
Experienced Townsville City Council officers will carry out the work in conjunction with the Queensland Fire Service.
