Special Transporter Issue 70 - Bushfires Impacting Queensland
Information from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)
DAF’s Disaster Coordination Group (DCG) has been stood up in response to the high number of bushfires burning across Queensland. This follows the State Disaster Coordination Centre’s (SDCC) decision to move to lean forward due to the intensity of the bushfires affecting Central and Southern Queensland. So far, more than 100 bushfires have impacted Queensland in the past week, with around 60 still active.
We are starting to see some impacts on agriculture and conditions are predicted to deteriorate in the coming days, with BoM forecasting high temperatures this week and limited rain for three weeks. Central and Southern Queensland are at particular risk of bushfire outbreaks with a high to extreme fire danger anticipated, especially over the next 48 hours. Fires are severe in the Western Downs, Gladstone and North Burnett regions.
The decision to move to stand up follows careful consideration of these factors and concerns for rural communities in the active bushfire areas. The DCG will be meeting with Agriculture Disaster Taskforce and Agriculture Coordination Group each day to ensure a coordinated approach with industry, other government agencies and DAF staff.
Reporting to the Director-General, the DCG comprises the DAF leadership board, executives and managers. The group provides a coordinated and consistent approach to disaster response and works to support agriculture as an essential service for Queensland. The DCG works collaboratively with DAF’s regional disaster response teams to ensure a localised approach.
