Castle Hill hazard reduction burn next week
Date published: 22 May 2020
Townsville City Council will conduct its first hazard reduction burn of the year on Castle Hill next week.
The controlled burns will take place on Tuesday – weather permitting – and will see some Castle Hill tracks and Castle Hill road closed to the public.
Community Safety and Environment Committee Chair, Cr Margie Ryder, said the burns will play an important role in reducing the risk of bushfires.
“Every year, Council undertakes controlled burns – in collaboration with other organisations – across the city to minimise the risk during bushfire season,” Cr Ryder said.
“We’re encouraging all residents to be aware, take care and follow all directions from Council and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
“There will be closures on Castle Hill on Tuesday while these burns are completed so we thank residents for their patience.”
QFES’ Rural Fire Service Regional Manager Tony Hazell said the burn would help reduce the potential severity of future bushfires.
“Each year, QFES works with partner agencies to prepare the community for the upcoming bushfire season through various mitigation activities, including hazard reduction burns,” Mr Hazell said.
“Residents can expect to see smoke in the Townsville area over the coming months as we assist landholders, like Townsville City Council, to safely carry out these burns.
“Bushfire preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, so I encourage all community members to ask themselves whether their property is ready for bushfire season.
“Residents can find information on how to prepare their property at ruralfire.qld.gov.au.”
The Castle Hill tracks closed will include:
- Sloane Street Track
- Erythrina Track
- West Ridge Track
- Iron Bark Track
- Green Street Track
- Triandra Track
- Dianella Track
- Castle Hill Road
The Goat Track and Cudtheringa Track will remain open to walkers.
Residents with medical conditions that may be affected by smoke from grass fires are encouraged to take precautions in case smoky conditions affect them during this time.
The controlled burns on Castle Hill are being conducted in partnership with QFES, the Department of Natural Resources and Mining, and the State Emergency Services.
