Bushfire risk management program

Asset protection zones are designed to mitigate risks on the borders of conservation reserves. Asset protection zones are created adjacent to public or private infrastructure or assets, but not every asset that borders bushland requires an asset protection zone. These zones comprise fuel free zones and fuel reduced zones, in which understorey and ground cover vegetation is modified or reduced mechanically. Mature trees within fuel free zones are often retained as they do not need to be removed for the zone to be effective.

Manually or mechanically removing vegetation reduces fuel loads between Council-owned land and adjacent assets and infrastructure. Here are some examples of how we manage vegetation:

• proactive slashing of fuel free zones: sometimes known as firebreaks, fuel free zones are generally located adjacent to reserve boundaries and/or residential or commercial assets and can vary in width between three and 20 metres. Any large trees within the zone are slashed around and remain in place. These zones provide a buffer from radiant heat or flame contact between Council managed parks and conservation areas and property or other assets. They also provide access for crews undertaking fire management activities.

• proactive physical or mechanical removal of vegetation/fuel within fuel reduced zones: mechanical vegetation removal may also be undertaken to reduce monocultures of native plants that have grown after previous fire events.

Council manages a network of more than 160 lineal kilometres of fire access trails, also known as FATs. FATs enable vehicle access for wildfire response, inspections and conservation maintenance works. These trails are also used for recreation such as bush walking, bike riding and horse riding.

Council’s planned burn program is delivered in conjunction with the Queensland Fire Department. Together, we identify high risks areas where burning will be the most effective method for reducing fuel loads.

Planned burns – sometimes known as hazard reduction burns – are usually delivered in cooler months. Burns also serve an important ecological purpose by allowing certain plant species to regenerate and improve the overall biodiversity within an area.

To find out more, visit our planned burn program webpage. 

Council monitors and controls vegetation and weeds before and after planned burns, and also after wildfires. For planned burns, this helps ensure the burn is successful and after a wildfire, informs how we should best manage weeds and native vegetation that naturally regenerates.

These works can see removal of weeds, single native species, and debris that may reduce natural regeneration.

You may see our team members out and about at bushfire awareness sessions at Indigiscapes and other locations across the city. An important part of our role is to help our community understand the range of bushfire mitigation activities we undertake, and the role each activity plays in keeping the community safe.

Council works with the Queensland Fire Department and other agencies including Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, SEQ Water and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) to complete fire mitigation works.

Asset protection zones vary in width depending on forest and land features including slope, aspect, vegetation type and the size of the adjacent bushland. Our fire management strategies provide guidance on the width for any particular area.

Large, mature trees are often retained within asset protection zones, as they have no impact on the efficiency of the zone, and may actually help to filter wildfire embers.

No. Our fire management strategies dictate where asset protection zones are required based on forest and land features including slope, aspect, vegetation type and the size of the adjacent bushland.

We carry out planned burns on Council land only, and the interval between burns can be several years. Many bushland areas in Redland City are private, and not all Council bushland is suitable for burning for fuel reduction or ecological reasons. Some areas may only be burnt once a decade.

Fallen trees and dead logs provide valuable habitat for ground dwelling animals and do not add to fire risk in an area if they are sparse or evenly spread. If large logs catch on fire, they can burn for a long time but add no risk.

The width of asset protection zones is directed by our fire management strategies. Zones will only be widened if required for bushfire risk management purposes. 

An asset protection zone will not keep pests away from properties. Removing food sources and making your home and surrounding yard less appealing can be effective.  

Council constructs asset protection zones as guided by our fire management strategies. 

Cleared land without infrastructure does not require an asset protection zone.

Once construction has commenced on cleared land, Council can make an asset protection zone assessment.

However, any new development must incorporate all necessary bushfire set back requirements as part of the design. 

Yes, as long as you follow guidelines set out by State and local laws. Council encourages all property owners to proactively manage bushfire risks and recommends that property owners seek advice from the Queensland Fire Department or other suitably qualified bushfire professionals about the suitable location of asset protection zones. Blanket clearing is not permitted. Find out more here.

Slashing of asset protection zones is carried out regularly.

On the mainland, slashing occurs every month between August and May, except during September. On our Southern Moreton Bay Islands, asset protection zones are slashed monthly between August and May, excepting September and April.

Please keep in mind that heavy rain and long wet periods can affect accessibility for slashers and mowers, leading to delays.