FUNDING LOCAL COMMUNITIES FOR BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS
Mr Truss said the projects funded included:
• Construction of a 3 metre wide firebreak access track at Ian Scougall Park in the Cooloola Shire ($600);
• Construction of new perimeter and internal firebreaks at Rifle Range Reserve in Cooloola Shire ($1,550);
• Clearing and mulching of undergrowth of reserves and dividing tracks at Rainbow Beach ($3,040);
• Upgrading of 15km of fire trails to improve access at Cherbourg ($8,000);
• Clearing and upgrading of the Cherbourg Fire Trail ($12,000);
• Upgrading of signage of more than 200 water points where fire units can refill from natural sources through timber plantations between Maryborough and Gympie ($9,700);
• Upgrading of fire trails at Wondai ($10,000);
• Upgrading of 15 km of fire trails on Fraser Island ($12,000);
• Fire trail construction and installation of water points on hardwood plantations at Wondai, Murgon and Gympie ($6,034); and
• Construction of fire trails, access gates and signage along the fire trail at Hervey Bay ($26,950).
Mr Truss said the funding is a result of an initiative announced by the Prime Minister in 2004 which allocates money over three years to assist local communities to better prepare for bushfires.
“$15 million has been allocated towards the Bushfire Mitigation Programme with funds matched by the states and territories,” Mr Truss said.
Queensland state agencies and local government are engaged in the development of applications where matching funding is available.
“The Bushfire Mitigation Programme complements existing fire risk management activities in Queensland and works in conjunction with the state bushfire mitigation priorities and assessment procedures,” Mr Truss said.
ENDS
