Collaborative fire management is important to ensure planned burn program objectives are met for the island.

The K’gari 2025 collaborative fire management program commenced with productive meetings and planning leading to the successful completion of thirteen QPWS & BAC-approved proposals incorporating 25 burn treatment areas within the limited weather window presented this season.

Small-block asset protection burns, bushfire mitigation burns, stage-burning larger land management (conservation) burns, and preparation for Butchulla cultural burns were all undertaken between April and August 2025.

On-ground fire application, to break up broader bushfire-affected landscape, continued, supported by strategic aerial incendiary for selected large-landscape management areas north of Dundubara and southern K’gari south of Dilli Village.

Collaborative works, such as assisting Butchulla, DoR and FCRC to treat ALA and USL protection areas, have provided further protection to the islands’ residential areas.

Fire preparation is also an important part of any burn program and is essential to preserve life, property, habitat trees, infrastructure and assets (including cultural assets).

Targeted planned burning is a key management tool conducted seasonally that aims to reduce fuel loads to mitigate the risk of severe bushfire, protect life, infrastructure and residential areas. It is also important to achieve fire schedules that are appropriate for the ecosystems being managed and conserved.  This can only be achieved on K’gari through collaboration.

We have now entered the Bushfire Season, with preparation works undertaken to mitigate risk. This has included strategic fireline maintenance in accordance with the fireline strategy and recommendations,  removing vegetation from fences and other infrastructure, and maintaining and auditing of equipment.

Fire on K’gari is everyone’s business. Thank you to all stakeholders and other fire practitioners who contributed to making this season effective.

Article contributed by Linda Behrendorff, QPWS K’gari NRM – Fire Enhancement Team