Landsborough community digs deep to support fireys
By Yarin Barrett
LOCAL rural fire brigades are stepping up preparations for a dangerous bushfire season following a recent blaze that recently tore through 2300 hectares on Moreton Island, an early indicator of what could be in store on the Sunshine Coast.
The blaze, coming during a fi re ban, was believed to be caused by school holiday campers and forced the evacuation of 20 people from the island as more than 30 crews and fi ve aircraft battled the fast-moving fi re. This incident has reinforced concerns about dry conditions across the southeast.
It’s only 24 months since Landsborough was threatened by a huge fi re when a blaze tore through the region placing homes in danger and forcing many residents to evacuate.
Recently that same Landsborough community moved into action raising more than $15,000 for the Landsborough Rural Fire Brigade at the annual crab-races fundraiser hosted by the Landsborough Hotel.
Pub representative Jo Logan, and local organisers welcomed the turnout and said the funds were a great example of community support for volunteer crews.
“This was a fantastic community eff ort that’s achieved an incredible result for our local Rural Fire Brigade,” she said.
“Every dollar raised by the community to support our fi refi ghters goes straight back into the community — so everyone benefi ts.”
LRFB fi rst off icer, Rob Cullen, said the money will be put straight toward essential equipment including hose reels and fi ttings, to keep appliances operational during peak periods.
“We’ve used some of the funding to buy two new hose reels that are fi t for purpose for one of our vehicles,” he said.
Mr Cullen said volunteers were concerned some residents might become complacent aft er a wet winter, but that the recent shift to drier weather meant households needed to act now to reduce risk.
He urged people to check their bushfi re plans, know multiple escape routes and organise meeting places for family members. Mr Cullen also reminded motorists to slow down and take care around roadside crews.
“We ask people to follow the Queensland Fire Department (on Facebook) and understand and know what the fi re danger ratings mean, and what action you may need to take in relation to those,” he said.
The warnings come as both the State Government and Sunshine Coast Council launch campaigns ahead of extreme summer conditions.