RURAL fire brigades between Mount Isa and Townsville will work with Queensland Rail to conduct hazard reduction burns along the rail corridor.
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Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey said Mount Isa, Hughenden, Charters Towers and Townsville brigades will be making large-scale burns along the corridor in August when he visited Mount Isa yesterday.
“Queensland Rail has already completed extensive work constructing graded breaks near rail infrastructure,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Our rural fire brigades can now build on this work by burning excess fuel and minimising the risk of grass fires in heavily vegetated areas.”
Mr Dempsey said rail corridors were spark risks, especially in severe fire weather conditions.
“So this work is particularly important to protect those communities that back onto rail lines and safeguard rail infrastructure,” he said.
Queensland Rail executive general manager network Tim Ripper said the opportunity to partner with RFSQ was one that helped keep regional communities connected.
“Safety is our number one priority and in the region’s visibility and access to the rail corridor for our staff and neighbours is critical,” Mr Ripper said.
“We have a scheduled program of vegetation works where we slash and mow accessible areas along the rail corridor, but find controlled burn-offs are one of the most effective ways to properly manage the fuel load in some areas.”
Mr Dempsey is scheduled to visit Cloncurry today.