Ready to fight fires

BUSHFIRE defences will be beefed up to protect homes and livelihoods across the Southern Downs as part of a natural disaster resilience program to protect Queensland communities.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) will share in more than $192,000 with three other Queensland councils to build new fire breaks, clear fire trails and improve their management of fire hazards.
The Commonwealth and Queensland governments together contributed $120,000 towards the projects, with the remaining funding contributed by the councils involved.
Southern Downs MP Lawrence Springborg said it was just as crucial to prepare vulnerable communities for the bushfire season as it was against floods and cyclones.
“Mother Nature has pushed Queenslanders to the brink in the past few years and we are doing everything we can to not only protect them but make them stronger,” Mr Springborg said.
“This money will help councils get in early and prepare their defences to better prepare their communities for the upcoming fire season.”
Funding will go towards four projects, including $42,000 for SDRC to design and construct fire trails to provide clear access for emergency personnel.
SDRC mayor Peter Blundell welcomed the joint announcement by Mr Springborg, Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Minister for Community Recovery and Resilience David Crisafulli and said council would start work as soon as possible.
“With the current dry weather, we still have areas of dense vegetation and it is particularly important we are prepared for what could be a high-risk fire season,” Cr Blundell said.
“Council is appreciative of the funding allocation and we will put the money to good use building fire breaks, clearing trails and managing potential fire hazards.”