Bush fire preparedness project on Fraser Island

Bush fire preparedness and prevention on K’gari (Fraser Island) have been the focus of a Fraser Coast Regional funded project over the past two weeks.

Fraser Coast Regional Council have spent $22,600 on a Fire Management Trail upgrade at Orchid Beach with the work completed by Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) employees.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said the aim of the project was to increase separation between houses and Council managed vegetation.

“It is integral that we do everything possible to ensure we are able to protect homes during a wildfire,” he said.

“The work that has been done was on incredibly steep and difficult to access areas. This means all clearing was done by hand without the assistance of heavy machinery.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the traditional owners of K’gari on this important project.”

BAC Chairperson Veronica Bird welcomed the opportunity to partner with the Council to provide cultural guidance and support in preparation for the Orchid Beach fire break on K'gari. 

“These practices may include fire trail construction, fuel load monitoring and prescribed burns, which would also include traditional cool burns, which Butchulla Peoples refer to as 'good fire',” she said.

“The BAC takes their cultural obligations to protect K'gari very seriously and believe strategic fire management trails are an important part of any Fire Management strategy. 

“BAC have provided a team of Butchulla community rangers to participate in the Orchid Beach fire break, who have expertise and knowledge in Butchulla culture but also have a wealth of knowledge in land management practices. 

“I believe everyone who loves K'gari will want to ensure the devastation from the 2020 K'gari wildfire will never happen again and partnerships like the one between FCRC and the BAC is certainly a step in the right direction.”