Monthly Archives: November 2018

North Stradbroke Island fire update as at 4.40pm Friday 30 November – Residents gather at North Stradbroke Island for community meeting


November 30, 2018

North Stradbroke Island residents have gathered at a community meeting in Dunwich this afternoon to find out the latest information about a fire burning in 18 Mile Swamp, near Blue Lake on the eastern side of the island.

More than 60 residents gathered to hear from representatives from Redland City Council, QFES, Qld Police, Traditional Owners, Qld Health and Energex.

Speakers reassured those present that all agencies were working collaboratively to control the fire and keep the community safety.

A total of 44 staff are on the island with the operation running around the clock under extremely difficult conditions.

The fire, which is in inaccessible swamp land, is expected to burn for some time.

A total of 820 hectares of land have been burnt and the fire has jumped Herring Canal. This is a priority area for firefighters, with crews located at each end of Herring Canal.

There are no immediate threats to townships but – as a precaution – Energex has brought two large and three smaller generators to North Stradbroke Island and a mobile telecommunications tower will arrive on the island tomorrow.

Water bombing and backburning are expected to continue for several days, especially with the anticipated increased temperature and winds across the weekend.

The current fire ban has been extended until 11.59pm tomorrow night (Saturday 1 December) for all of Redlands Coast, including North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

To keep safe from smoky conditions during bushfires, Queensland Health recommended residents close their doors and windows and follow the tips and advice below.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams urged community members at the meeting to stay safe, stay informed, keep an eye on your neighbours and be aware of the fire ban across Redlands Coast.

Residents at the meeting thanks all involved in the fire response for their ongoing efforts and for keeping the community informed.

Keep safe in smoke:

  • minimise your physical activity outdoors. People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, in particular, should rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke
  • when indoors, keep the windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and switch it to ‘recycle or re-circulate’
  • if your home gets too hot for comfort or is letting in a lot of smoky air, try to visit an air-conditioned community library or shopping centre (if it is safe to do so)
  • when indoors, avoid other sources of air pollution including smoke from cigarettes and woodstoves
  • if there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to ventilate your home to improve indoor air quality
  • anyone with a lung or heart condition should keep at least seven days worth of medication on hand. Those with asthma should follow their personal asthma treatment plan
  • anyone experiencing breathing problems or chest  should seek medical advice immediately
  • individuals who are particularly sensitive to smoky conditions should consider temporarily moving away from the smoke-affected area and staying with a friend or relative.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

  • Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
  • If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.
  • If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.
  • Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
  • If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
  • Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
  • Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.
  • Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.
  • Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON REDLANDS COAST:

More than 60 residents attended the community meeting at Dunwich this afternoon to find out the latest information about the fire on North Stradbroke Island.

More than 60 residents attended the community meeting at Dunwich this afternoon to find out the latest information about the fire on North Stradbroke Island.

North Stradbroke Island fire update as at 10.15am Friday 30 November – Generators, water bombing and a community meeting at NSI


November 30, 2018

While there are no immediate threats to townships, generators are being taken to North Stradbroke Island as a precaution.

Water bombing and backburning are also continuing ahead of anticipated increased temperature and winds across the weekend.

A community meeting is also planned for 3pm today at Dunwich community Hall, Ballow Street to provide the latest information to residents. Representatives from Redland City Council, QFES, Qld Police, Traditional Owners, Qld Health and Energex are attending.

A fire has been burning since Wednesday in the inaccessible 18 Mile Swamp, near Blue Lake on the eastern side of the  island. This is the same location as the December 2013/January 2014 fire that resulted in camper and resident evacuations and went on to burn more than 70 per cent of the island.

Backburning was successful overnight and the fire remains within containment lines.

Backburning has included a focus on protection of power lines as these lines connect much of the island.

Energex is bringing two generators to the island today as a precaution. They will be placed at Dunwich and Point Lookout.

Keep safe in smoke:

  • minimise your physical activity outdoors. People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, in particular, should rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke
  • when indoors, keep the windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and switch it to ‘recycle or re-circulate’
  • if your home gets too hot for comfort or is letting in a lot of smoky air, try to visit an air-conditioned community library or shopping centre (if it is safe to do so)
  • when indoors, avoid other sources of air pollution including smoke from cigarettes and woodstoves
  • if there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to ventilate your home to improve indoor air quality
  • anyone with a lung or heart condition should keep at least seven days worth of medication on hand. Those with asthma should follow their personal asthma treatment plan
  • anyone experiencing breathing problems or chest  should seek medical advice immediately
  • individuals who are particularly sensitive to smoky conditions should consider temporarily moving away from the smoke-affected area and staying with a friend or relative.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON REDLANDS COAST:

  • The new Redlands Coast emergency website: redland.qld.gov.au (also accessible via Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au)
  • Council’s social media and website
  • Local radio 612ABC and Bay FM 100.3

Smoke from Straddie fire blankets mainland Redlands Coast and Southern Islands


November 29, 2018

Heavy smoke from the fire on North Stradbroke Island is affecting the southern parts of mainland Redlands Coast as well as the city’s other islands.

A change in wind direction this afternoon has caused plumes of smoke to move across to the mainland, including to the suburbs of  Sheldon, Mount Cotton and Victoria Point, as well as across the southern islands of Russell, Karragarra, Macleay, Lamb and Coochiemudlo.

The smoke is very thick in some areas giving the impression that a fire is nearby, but with the gusty prevailing winds it is blowing over from North Stradbroke Island.

Residents who see a fire should report it to Triple Zero but please be aware that heavy smoke is drifting from North Stradbroke Island.

To protect your healthy during smoky conditions:

  • minimise your physical activity outdoors. People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, in particular, should rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke
  • when indoors, keep the windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and switch it to ‘recycle or re-circulate’
  • if your home gets too hot for comfort or is letting in a lot of smoky air, try to visit an air-conditioned community library or shopping centre (if it is safe to do so)
  • when indoors, avoid other sources of air pollution including smoke from cigarettes and woodstoves
  • if there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to ventilate your home to improve indoor air quality
  • anyone with a lung or heart condition should keep at least seven days’ worth of medication on hand. Those with asthma should follow their personal asthma treatment plan
  • anyone experiencing breathing problems or chest  should seek medical advice immediately
  • individuals who are particularly sensitive to smoky conditions should consider temporarily moving away from the smoke-affected area and staying with a friend or relative.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON REDLANDS COAST:

o The new Redlands Coast emergency website: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au (also accessible via Council’s website.

o Council’s Facebook and Twitter social media channels and Council’s website.

o Local radio 612ABC and Bay FM 100.3

North Stradbroke Island fire update as at 12.15pm Thursday 29 November 2018 – Straddie residents urged to stay alert – Dunwich township meeting 3pm tomorrow


November 29, 2018

A township meeting will be held at Dunwich at 3pm on Friday 30 November to provide an update on the fire currently burning at 18 Mile Swamp, near Blue Lake on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island.

Residents are advised to keep updated with community messaging.

The township meeting, with representatives from emergency services and Redland City Council, will be held at 3pm at Dunwich Community Hall, 6 Ballow Road, with community members invited to attend.

Backburning overnight was successful and continues today to further contain the fire on the western flank.

There are no immediate threats to townships, however there is significant smoke affecting the area,  reducing visibility and air quality.

All campers have been evacuated from Main Beach and camping bookings for that area have been suspended by Minjerribah Camping.

Main Beach has been closed south of Alfred Martin Way (the causeway) and Fisherman’s Track (a 4WD track) has also been closed.

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) rangers are continuing to patrol areas used by traditional owners in the areas under threat by the fire.

Additional resources have been deployed to North Stradbroke Island with crews from Qld Fire and Emergency Services, Redland City Council, Qld Parks and Wildlife Service and QYAC .

The POLAIR helicopter has been in use on the island to inform ground crews of the fire’s movement.

Residents are advised to keep updated with community messaging.

A fire ban has been extended across all of Redland City until 11.59pm today at this stage. People are urged to only use mowers or power tools with extreme caution and with a spotter.

Dangerous fire weather conditions remain for parts of central and southeast Queensland.

Any thunderstorms in southeast Queensland may produce dry lightning which could start more fires.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

o Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.

o If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.

o If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.

o Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.

o If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.

o Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.

o Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.

o Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.

o Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.

o Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

o Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:

o Following QFES on Facebook and Twitter

o Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station and your local commercial radio station

o Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website

FURTHER INFORMATION:

o For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website

o For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit the QLD traffic website.

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON REDLANDS COAST:

o The new Redlands Coast emergency website (also accessible via Council’s website)

o Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages and the Redland City Council website.

o Local radio 612ABC and Bay FM 100.3

 

 

Redlands Coast fire ban extended – update for 29 November


November 29, 2018

The total fire ban  for all of Redland City has been extended for a further 24 hours until 11.59pm tonight, Thursday 29 November.

All Permits to Light Fire previously issued in the local fire ban area are hereby cancelled.

NOTE: Power tools including lawn mowers and mechanical slashers may be used, however the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services encourages people to use these with extreme care and to ensure that adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire that may start.

More information on fire bans: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au

Overnight backburning at 18 Mile Swamp fire, North Stradbroke Island


November 28, 2018

Overnight backburning at 18 Mile Swamp fire, North Stradbroke Island 

A fire is burning at 18 Mile Swamp on North Stradbroke Island, near Blue Lake on the eastern side of the island.

The Redlands Local Disaster Management Group has been stood up.

Qld Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Parks and Wildlife and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) will undertake backburning this evening at the causeway down the western side of the fire to try to stop it jumping the causeway.

Additional fire appliances are being sent to the island.

Currently the fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction.

As the fire is in inaccessible swamp, it is expected to burn for an extended period of time.

Most campers at Main Beach have self-evacuated at the request of Minjerribah Camping.

No life or property is under threat at present.

The fire is believed to have been caused by a dry lightning strike this afternoon during the storm event.

People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

  • Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
  • If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.
  • If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.
  • Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
  • If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
  • Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
  • Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.
  • Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.
  • Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes

Stay up-to-date:

Wednesday November 28 3.44pm

STAY INFORMED: North Stradbroke Island bushfire as at 3.25pm Wed 28 Nov

Bushfire warning level: ADVICE

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire on North Stradbroke Island.

You need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes.

Currently as at 3.25pm Wednesday 28 November, there is a bushfire in the vicinity of Eighteen Mile Swamp, south of Alfred Martin Way, near Main Beach.

People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.

Properties are not under direct threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.
• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.
• Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
• Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.
• Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.
• Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES)
• Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map

FURTHER INFORMATION:
• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

The next update will be provided when the situation changes.

Total Fire Ban and heat stress alert in place for Redlands Coast


November 28, 2018

Redlands Coast residents are being warned to take care in the heat and abide by a fire ban that is now in place.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that Redlands Coast, as part of the southeast coast region of Queensland, had been assessed as amongst the highest risk in the state, with a severe fire risk, due to hot and windy conditions.

“There is a ban on any open fires and existing fire permits are revoked until the current fire ban notice is formally revoked,” Cr Williams said.

“We know that the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, North Stradbroke Island and mainland areas such as Mt Cotton, Southern Redland Bay, Sheldon and Birkdale are higher risk areas.

“All residents should have their household evacuation plan and kits ready and be prepared around their properties by ensuring rubbish from around the house and gutters is cleared away.

“Residents are asked to only use power tools such as mowers and slashers with extreme care as they can cause sparks and they should be ready to extinguish any sparks that may start.

“Our Local Disaster Management Group has moved into “Lean Forward” mode to prepare for any future events.

“Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or dangerous activity and keep an eye out for neighbours who may be unwell, elderly or housebound.

Cr Williams said heat stress could occur in the current hot conditions and that residents needed to avoid the heat and stay well hydrated.

The best advice:

  • Stay connected – check in on frail neighbours, friends and family
  • Stay hydrated and nourished – drink plenty of water
  • Stay cool and out of hot closed spaces
  • Stay out of the sun especially between  the hottest part of the day from 10am – 3pm
  • Keep your pets cool also

Stay up-to-date:

  • The new Redlands Coast emergency website: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au – also accessible via Council’s website.
  • Council’s social media and website
  • Local radio 612ABC and Bay FM 100.3

Council refuses to make SMBI residents keep paying for free inter-island travel


November 26, 2018

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said an announcement by the State Government that they would fund inter-island travel on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) was a win for the community.

“Minister for Transport Mark Bailey and Kim Richards have been trying to get Council to continue making residents pay through the SMBI Translink levy to cover the free inter-island costs but Council refused,” Cr Williams said.

“Residents have been paying $950,000 a year to have Translink services on the SMBIs and the agreement always was for this levy to conclude at the end of this year, so there was no way I was going to let them continue slugging residents.

“Now the State Government has come out saying they have had to save the day because Council weren’t prepared to cover the costs.  This ignores the fact that the costs were paid by SMBI residents so the Minister and Ms Richards are effectively saying residents should keep paying the $950,000 a year.

“The Deputy Premier wrote to Council in November 2015 stating ‘no financial contribution for the funding of the SMBI ferry services is required from RCC beyond December 2018.’  This was a legal agreement and residents met their obligations.”

Cr Williams said the SMBI Translink levy was never designed to cover the costs of free inter-island transport as claimed by Ms Richards and Minister Bailey in today’s announcement.

“The State Government has been collecting $950,000 from residents for something that by their own admission costs $400,000 so where has the other $550,000 a year gone?

“The first suggestion I heard that the levy was paying for free inter-island travel was when Minister Bailey and Member for Redlands Kim Richards met with me and requested that residents continue to pay the levy.

“Residents have paid enough for something that is freely available to other residents in South East Queensland, why should they have to pay more?”

Cr Williams said the announcement by the State Government claiming they had ‘intervened’ to save free inter-island ferry travel because “Council weren’t prepared to cover these costs”, was misleading and insulting to residents.

“What an insult to SMBI residents to ask them to continue paying and then pretend to be the saviour.   They are Robin Hood in reverse, they have been taking money from the residents who need it most and where has it gone?

“If the State Government had just announced they were covering the cost of the free inter island travel I would be the first to congratulate them, but to try and score cheap political points by spreading mistruths is underhanded and insulting to the residents who have been paying it.”