Early planning, collaboration and partnerships are key to effective fire management
Early planning and collaboration are essential for effective fire management — that was the key message from Andrew Houley of Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), the lead presenter at our Burning for Outcomes workshop.
The full-day event covered a wide range of topics, including:
- using fire strategically for grazing, weed control and conservation;
- the roles and responsibilities of graziers and RFS during bushfire emergencies;
- cultural fire as a tool for ecological, cultural, and production outcomes; and
- bushfire mitigation efforts by the RFSQ Tropical Coast District team.
A highlight was the hands-on fire demonstration in the paddock, where participants learnt about low-intensity burning techniques such as strip, spot and back burning in real time.
A big thank you to grazier Shane Watts of Sonoma Station, Collinsville, for generously hosting the on-ground demo, and to NQ Dry Tropics Cultural Fire Officer Trinity Georgetown for sharing insights into Cultural fire practices and the knowledge held by Traditional Owners.
The workshop brought together graziers and representatives from RFSQ, Burdekin Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Manager Group (TOMG), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), Department of Natural Resources, Whitsunday Regional Council, BHP, Bravus, Agforce and more — highlighting how strong local networks are the foundation of effective, long-term bushfire preparedness across the Bowen Broken Bogie (BBB) catchment.
Where to get information about fires
Rural Fire Service Queensland provides a wide range of information and resources to help you plan for, prevent, and manage fires.
This includes details on how to apply for permits to light fires in Queensland, and the responsibilities and legal obligations of permit holders.
Click on the images to download information PDFs.
Applying for a permit
Lighting fires in Queensland
Obligations of permit holders
Landholder responsibilities and obligations
This workshop was hosted by the Landholders Driving Change (LDC2) project, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.
