K’GARI (formerly Fraser Island) has stepped up its efforts to safeguard the island from the looming threat of bushfires, with months of strategic mitigation work carried out in preparation for this year’s bushfire season.
A collaborative initiative between the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Butchulla rangers, the Rural Fire Service, and Fraser Coast Regional Council has resulted in the successful treatment of over 5,000 hectares through a planned burn program.
The program, which has been underway since January 2024, has seen 27 burns conducted, including 12 protection burns aimed at safeguarding residential areas and critical park infrastructure.
K’gari’s Senior Ranger, Linda Behrendorff, emphasised the importance of these efforts, highlighting that the planned burns have created a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas across 18 blocks of land.
This strategy is designed to slow the spread of bushfires and promote a healthy environment.
In addition to the burns, QPWS and Butchulla rangers have also completed maintenance along 320 kilometers of roads and fire breaks, particularly around key areas such as Orchid Beach, Eurong, Happy Valley, and Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village.
As the summer holiday season is here, authorities are urging both residents and visitors to exercise caution, particularly when it comes to campfires.
Recent reports have raised concerns about unlawful campfires, with QPWS rangers investigating an incident in November near Eli Camping Zone.
The campfire had not been properly extinguished, with smouldering ashes still present upon discovery.
Dr. Behrendorff stressed that campfires are prohibited in K’gari’s national park except for two designated sites, Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds.
Over the past two years, QPWS has issued 87 penalty infringement notices to those found violating the rules.
The rangers’ efforts to mitigate bushfire risk are critical, but Dr. Behrendorff warned that the current high-risk period requires continued vigilance.
She encouraged residents to clear their properties of fallen branches and urged campers to follow strict fire regulations.
“A recent bushfire caused by campers near Maheno on Eastern Beach disrupted our planned burns,” Behrendorff said.
“It’s vital for everyone to recognise the long-term consequences of their actions.”
With bushfire season in full swing, K’gari remains a focal point for both conservation and fire risk management.
The island’s success in managing these risks hinges on continued collaboration and responsible behaviour from all visitors and residents.
