April 6, 2017
The Goodger Wetlands – already under a cloud because of the proposed Moreton Resources’ coal mine – has been included in a list of sites to be targeted during this year’s South Burnett Regional Council winter controlled burns.
Council released a list of 16 sites this week which it aims to burn between April and August.
The Goodger site was included on the list despite the fact a large wildfire swept through the area in January this year, destroying habitat and damaging infrastructure.
The wetland, adjacent to a “Land For Wildlife” area, was also on Council’s burn list last year.
Also included on the 2017 list is the Nanango Fauna Sanctuary which is described on a tourism website as “a birdwatcher’s delight with a variety of birds to be found including the yellow-faced honeyeater, Australian darter, varied sittella, Nankeen night heron, and little black and little pied cormorant”.
It was not burned last year.
Wondai Airport made the list last year, along with the Wooroolin Wetlands; both missed out this time around.
A Council spokesperson said the burns were carried out by “qualified and experienced” operators and that they played an important part in wildfire mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
2017 Prescribed Burn List
- Booie Reserve
- Blackbutt Tip Reserve
- Maidenwell Reserve
- Boardman Road Reserve
- Boondooma Dam
- Proston Town Common Reserve
- Staines Road Reserve, Benarkin
- Wondai East Reserve
- Goodger Wetland
- Nanango Tip Reserve
- Kingaroy Night Soil Depot Reserve
- Malar Reserve
- Nanango Fauna Sanctuary
- Old Esk Road Quarry Reserve
- Tingoora Reserve
- Gordonbrook Dam Reserve
Council warned residents and businesses near the burn areas to take the following precautions:
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
- Remove washing from clothes lines
- Ensure pets have a protected area
- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on
- Sightseers must keep away from the burn for their own safety
- If you have asthma or other breathing difficulties reduce outdoor activities. If shortness of breath or coughing develops, take advised medical precautions or seek medical advice.
Residents were also reminded that dumping of household waste on Council land is not permitted and fines apply.
- Related article: Arsonist Blamed For Goodger Fire
