Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) with support from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have secured two funding grants under the jointly funded Commonwealth – Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The funding received under Round One of the Queensland Bushfires Category C Flexible Funding Grants will go towards fire trails at Millmerran West that received $35,000 and Crows Nest that received $7,750.
TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said the funding proposal was a joint initiative of Council and QFES.
“The projects will be completed in time for the 2021 bushfire season and will form part of our Region’s bushfire mitigation strategy,” Mayor Antonio said.
“As part of the application process Council and QFES committed in-kind support of $37,000 for the various services including such things as community consultation, legal services and project management.
“The joint estimated in-kind contribution is estimated at $7,000 for Crows Nest and $30,000 for Millmerran West.
“The funds will be invested in strategically located fire trails in the region and will traverse both private and public land.
“It means that there will need to be a consultation process with affected landowners before construction begins.
‘We will commence consultation shortly and aim for the fire trails to be in place for the 2021 bushfire season.”
QFES Area Director – Darling Downs, Acting Inspector, John Welke said the fire trail options were identified through bushfire risk mapping and field assessments.
“The new fire trails are strategically located in areas prone to bushfire and with a high community impact,” Acting Inspector Welke said.
“Safeguarding residents from bushfire risk is one of the highest priorities of both QFES and Council.
The strong connection and partnership between Council and the QFES will ensure the consistency and validity of the information conveyed to the community.
“Enabling residents to better prepare their properties through physical improvements and modifications ahead of bushfire season underpins the survivability pre and during a bushfire event.
Mayor Antonio said Council has an ongoing commitment in preparing for bushfire season.
“We work in partnership with QFES as well as a range of government and community-based organisations to protect our community from the risk of bushfires,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Planning to mitigate bushfires is essential to minimise the chances of a repeat of the significant threat that our Region experienced in 2019 from the destructive bushfires around the Peachey, Crows Nest and Millmerran areas.”
