Prepare now for bushfire season

The warmer weather isn’t too far away, and Lockyer Valley Regional Council is urging all residents to act now and prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.

While bushfires can be a risk at any time of year,the risk is higher for our region from now until November, and sometimes through until March.

Although it has been a wet winter across much of the state, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan says it doesn’t take much for the ground to dry out.

“We only have to look back at our recent weather and see just how much weather patterns are changing.

“We’ve just experienced storms in July, which is incredibly rare.

“The message is don’t wait until a fire is on your front door or the hot weather hits - early preparation is key.

“It’s all about protecting lives, homes and communities.

“Do your homework now because a well-prepared home is easier to defend and reduces the risk to surrounding properties.

“Regardless of where you live, we encourage residents to prepare by clearing gutters and yards and removing overhanging branches.

“Now is also the time to ensure you have a Bushfire Survival Plan and that everyone in the house understands what to do in the event of a bushfire.

“Everyone should be familiar with the official Bushfire Warnings levels and have created a plan tailored to their situation,” she said.

Mayor Milligan said there were steps landholders could take now to ensure their fuel load was reduced.

“You can minimise fuel loading by slashing or mowing paddocks, grazing animals, creating fire breaks and clearing vegetation from around the home and other structures,” she said.

To find out more about your local risks and preparing your home, or to make a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires.

Council’s Disaster Dashboard provides up-to-date information on road closures, power outages, emergency news and has links to key sites https://disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au/.

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872 or visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au.