The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation Rangers (BACR) announced that they will be conducting prescribed burn operations between Binngih Sandblow and Orchid Beach on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) from March to August 2024, weather permitting.
These burns are a part of their annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests, including Great Sandy National Park.
As a result, smoke may be seen in the vicinity of Orchid Beach Township, Waddy Point Camping areas and beach camping zone 8 (Marloo, Ocean Lake, Duling). The QPWS and BACR advises that persons with respiratory or other health problems should seek medical advice on mitigating the effects of smoke inhalation.
The aim of the burn on K’gari is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas.
In turn, this will help to reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.
Smoke can decrease visibility on the roads, so motorists are reminded that it is important to drive safely to the conditions.
Please observe and adhere to all signage, barriers and directions from rangers and contractors, and do not enter closed areas or exclusion zones.
For more information, please call the Dundubara QPWS office on 4127 9138.