Plan, Prepare, Protect: Bushfire Safety Starts at Home

Published on 02 October 2024

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Rockhampton Regional Council is encouraging residents to prepare their properties and families for the upcoming bushfire season.

Living in a region like ours, we know that bushfires are a real threat. It’s crucial residents take responsibility for their own preparedness.

Following a relatively wet summer and a subsequent warm and dry winter, combined with the addition of unseasonably warm temperatures of recent weeks, fires have already occurred across the state.  

Regardless of where you live, residents must take preventative measures to be prepared by clearing gutters and yards, removing overhanging branches and ensuring a bushfire survival plan is in place.

We encourage everyone to stay aware of the fire risks, follow expert advice and not leave preparations until the last minute.

Rockhampton Regional Council has been working throughout the year to prepare for severe weather events, collaborating with local community groups, schools, and organisations to enhance resilience and preparedness.

Council’s Disaster Management team has hosted and participated in over 30 community engagement sessions, workshops, and events.

From stalls at local shows to Under 8s Days at schools and workshops with emergency services and agencies, the key message driven home at each activity was preparedness and disaster awareness.

Queensland’s 2023-24 disaster season saw 13 extreme weather events affect 66 of the state’s 77 Local Government Areas. The season resulted in significant damage, with 195 properties destroyed and over 15,000 kilometres of roads impacted.

It’s not a matter of if, but when natural disasters will occur. Key actions residents should take now include:

  • Clearing leaves, grass, and other flammable materials from gutters, roofs, and around properties. 
  • Creating or updating a Bushfire Survival Plan and ensuring all family members are aware of it. 
  • Pruning low-hanging branches and removing dry vegetation around the home. 
  • Maintaining access for fire trucks by ensuring driveways are clear and wide enough. 
  • Staying informed via the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), Bureau of Meteorology websites and local radio stations.
  • Visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard for resources, up to date information and advice - https://emergency.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/
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