Council prepares for hazard reduction burns
Date published: 27 May 2025
With the region finally drying out after the record-breaking wet season, Townsville City Council will be conducting the first of its hazard reduction burns of the year later this week.
The controlled burn, on Mount Stuart will be jointly undertaken from Thursday 29 May 2025 and is expected to take two days to complete.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said Council conducted carefully planned hazard reduction burns every year to mitigate the risk of bushfires.
“With Townsville receiving record breaking rainfall throughout the wet season, it’s no surprise there is a decent build-up of vegetation around the region,” Cr Greaney said.
“It’s important our crews are able to get to these heavily vegetated areas before they dry out completely as the year progresses, making them the perfect fuel for bushfires.
“This is just the first of a number of burns Council will be undertaking in the coming months and we thank the community for their patience while they are taking place.”
Divisional Councillor Brady Ellis said the first official burn of the year would be undertaken on Mount Stuart alongside contractors to the Department of Defence.
“Council will be undertaking a burn on one side of Mt Stuart road which aims to clear around 62 hectares of vegetation, whereas Centrogen will undertake a burn at the same time on Defence land, so it’s a great opportunity to share knowledge and learn from everyone involved,” Cr Ellis said.
“The burn will take two days to complete so Mount Stuart Road will be closed from Thursday 29 May through to the Saturday.
“We encourage residents with medical conditions that may be affected by smoke from grass fires to take precautions in case smoky conditions affect them during this time.”
Council’s burn plan can be found at the link below, however dates are only indicative and are dependent on several factors such as unseasonal rain and fuel condition.
Council undertakes hazard reduction burns during the time of year when conditions favour cooler burns and the impact to the community is minimised. Traffic signage/control will be in place in areas where smoke may impact.
For more information and a list of Council’s hazard reduction burns, visit Works & Road Closures.
