The flames of protection and renewal are lighting up K’gari as the island’s annual collaborative planned burning program sparks into action.

After a soggy start to the year, including the weather impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and a bustling Easter holiday season, this year’s planned burn season is underway.

In late April, the first planned burn was carefully conducted at the Dundubara camping area. Over a two-day operation, rangers expertly applied low-intensity fire to reduce fuel loads around the popular campground, office, residences, and visitor use area within the dingo exclusion fence. The result was a safer, more resilient landscape – better prepared for bushfire season and the next phase of the annual aerial planned burning treatments assisting ecological recovery post-Duling wildfire.

From now through July, fire-trained Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and their firefighting partners will be undertaking planned burns and supporting other fire managers across key areas of the island to safeguard its unique ecosystems and protect vital infrastructure.

Fire management is a complex beast with many factors to be considered – like seasonal wildlife movements, peak visitor periods, recent and long-range weather patterns, and understanding the importance of timing and ecological balance to ensure every burn benefits the environment and the community.

Planned burns play a critical role in the long-term fire management strategy. By creating a diverse mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas, these efforts help reduce bushfire intensity, support biodiversity, and promote healthier ecosystems across the K’gari section of Great Sandy National Park.

Residents, stakeholders, and visitors to K’gari over the coming months are encouraged to stay informed, respect Ranger instructions, and look out for signage related to fire operations.

For your safety and the safety of others:

• Never enter closed areas
• Only light campfires in designated zones
• If smoke is present, stay indoors, close windows and doors, and keep respiratory medication handy.

For the latest updates, visit the QPWS Fire Management webpage or stay connected via Park Alerts and @QldParkAlerts on X (formerly Twitter).

Working together for K’gari.

Contributed by Linda Behrendorff QPWS Senior Ranger NRM K’gari