Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project
We are coordinating the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project that aims to assist the community to become more prepared for bushfires.
The Project, which has been delivered by Council since September 2022, is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
The project includes:
- Coordinating FREE Bushfire Training Workshops in Proserpine, Cannonvale, Collinsville and Bowen
- Providing a FREE service to assist landholders to develop a Property Bushfire Plan in consultation with Council’s Bushfire Officer.
- A subsidy program of up to $2,000, with a 50:50 contribution between Council and eligible landholders to assist in the implementation of actions or purchase infrastructure identified in an endorsed Property Bushfire Plan,
- Development of Community Bushfire Plans in high risk localities, and
- The installation of priority community water tanks, firefighting hydrants and infrastructure.
We encourage you to view our Online Mapping to understand your property’s bushfire risk (select Planning Overlays -> Bushfire Hazard) and view our important links (right) to make a survival plan and learn about the importance of planned burns.
Workshops
Free bushfire management workshops upcoming include:
- Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade - 7 July
- Proserpine SES Shed - 4 August
Register to attend a workshop via the survey below or CLICK HERE. For more information, please phone Greg McCarthy on
0458 816 751.
Property Bushfire Plans
To be eligible for a free Property Bushfire Plan, premises must be affected by over 1ha of high or very high bushfire hazard. Applications to develop property bushfire plans and apply for funding close on 31 January 2025.
Community Bushfire Plans
In 2023, Council developed Community Bushfire Plans in consultation with residents and stakeholders for Binbee, Crystalbrook and Whitsunday Paradise.
Council has also finalised the Airlie Beach Community Bushfire Management Plan (2022-2032), which covers 295 hectares of land between Eshelby Road at Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket.
The plans aim to improve community awareness and identify the actions required to manage and reduce bushfire hazards and risks in these areas.
Council will be undertaking further community consultation in 2024, and community plans may also be developed for Euri Creek, Brandy Creek and Brisk Bay.
Community Water Tanks
Council has installed 10 new 26,000 litre steel water tanks into vulnerable localities for Rural Fire Brigades to use for firefighting purposes.
Register your interest!
To attend a bushfire resilience training workshop, develop a Property Bushfire Plan or apply for funding, register via the form below, phone Council’s Bushfire Officer, Greg McCarthy, on 0458 816 751 or email info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.
For more information about the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project, please contact our Natural Resource Management and Climate unit on 1300 972 753.
