Prepare for bushfire season

Published 2:24pm 28 August 2020

With spring – and bushfire season - just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to prepare.

Moreton Bay Region Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Peter Flannery says knowing your risk of bushfires, having a plan and being prepared are key to staying safe.

“The devastation of last year’s bushfire season is fresh in everyone’s minds and reminds us how important it is to plan and prepare early before it’s too late,” Mayor Flannery says.

What to expect this season

He says the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a La Niña watch, which could bring increased rainfall to the region.
“The La Niña weather pattern may bring higher than average rainfall, but the risk of bushfire will remain after the recent drought, so we are still urging residents to be prepared,” he explains.

“Council has just wrapped up its fire hazard reduction schedule for the season, which included 23 planned burns over 180ha of Council-managed bushland to help remove high-risk ground fuel across the region.”

Tips for being bushfire-ready

Mayor Flannery says residents can do their part to reduce the bushfire risk at their properties by mowing lawns regularly, trimming trees and clearing gutters.

“Council even offers free waste disposal to Moreton Bay residents at our dumps, so there’s no excuse for not doing the right thing and preparing your property,” he says.

Residents can visit Council’s website to understand their bushfire risk and sign up to MoretonAlert, Council’s free emergency alert system to stay up to date.

“It’s essential that everyone across Moreton Bay understands and updates their Bushfire Survival Plan, and please check your home and vehicle insurance policies to make sure you’re covered should the worst happen.”