Bushfire Season Is Here — Plan, Prepare, Protect!

Published on 16 October 2025

As bushfire risk rises in the northern parts of the Shire around Canal Creek and Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area, Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Adam Belot is urging all rural residents to take immediate steps to prepare.

“Recent fires are a stark reminder that bushfires can strike quickly and without warning,” Mayor Belot said.

“We are calling on all property owners to act now. Prepare your land, review your bushfire survival plan, and make sure your family knows exactly what to do.

“Being ready is the single most important thing you can do to protect lives and property.”

Local farmer Eddie Cowie, whose property was severely impacted by the Cobraball bushfires, shared his experience.

“When the fire came through, it was terrifying. I lost so much, and it reminded me how fragile life and livelihoods can be,” Mr Cowie said.

“I urge everyone to take this seriously — prepare your property, have a plan, and know when to leave. It’s not just about protecting your home, it’s about protecting your family and neighbours too.”

“I can’t stress enough how much it helps to be ready before a fire even starts. Those few extra days to clear vegetation, check water supplies, or talk through your survival plan can make all the difference.”

Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Bushfire Mitigation Manager Mathew Poor said residents did not have to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfires.

“We encourage everyone to stay up to date with bushfire warnings and advice in current incidents,” he said.

“It’s a matter of just checking our website fire.qld.gov.au, where you can also find details on fire restrictions and bans.”

“One thing everyone can do is take five minutes to create their bushfire survival plan. When a bushfire does threaten homes, it’s important that you have already decided what steps to take.”

Council is encouraging rural residents to:

• Prepare your property: Remove dry vegetation and debris, maintain cleared areas around structures, and keep gutters and roof spaces clean.
• Check water and equipment: Ensure water tanks, pumps, hoses, and firefighting equipment are ready and in working order.
• Plan your survival strategy: Decide early whether you will leave or stay and defend, and ensure everyone in the household understands the plan.
• Stay informed: Regularly monitor official warnings, fire danger ratings, and local alerts.
• Follow regulations: Be aware of fire bans and restrictions, particularly during high-risk periods, and always comply with legal requirements.

“Preparedness is the key to protecting your property and your family,” Mayor Belot added.

“We encourage all residents, particularly those in rural areas, to review and update their bushfire survival plans today.”

Resources, checklists, and templates for developing a bushfire survival plan are available through Queensland Fire Department website at fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires or visit Council’s Disaster dashboard https://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/