Following concerns raised by Noosa Electorate residents regarding the lack of Fire Danger rating signs in our hinterland, Sandy has continued advocacy to rectify this. To summarise efforts so far, the initial response from the previous Government, which you can read at www.sandybolton.com/fire-danger-rating-fdr-signs-december-2023, was inadequate. While we understand that the official Bushfire Warning System includes a multilayered communications strategy including the Queensland Fire Department (QFD)’s website, social media pages and other media such as radio to distribute fire warnings, in an electorate such as Noosa with multiple hinterland communities, it is not sufficient to simply locate a fire danger rating signs in high traffic flow areas such as Tewantin or Gympie, and expect that this will relate to residents or visitors in Pomona, Cooran, Peregian and Kin Kin as examples.

As mentioned in our December 2023 Noosa 360 update, after further responses, it was confirmed that work was underway to identify additional localities where these signs can be effective, ensuring the highest overall benefit to the community.

With the installation of a new Government following the 2024 State Election, Sandy wrote to the new Minister requesting they confirm progress and they have provided the below update in italics.

The Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) is currently in the second tranche of Fire Danger Rating Sign manufacturing and rollout with a new sign proposed to be installed in Pomona.

Discussions occurred with the Southeast Coast District Bushfire Mitigation Unit to confirm the exact location of the sign with site selection criteria and local knowledge applied to achieve the highest impact and benefit for the local community.

When determining sign location, the RFSQ project team identify locations for signs which meet the following:

  • Bushfire Prone Areas or within an area where traffic is expected to interact with Bushfire Prone Area. 
  • Areas with elevated fire or fuel risk identified through Operation Sesbania, which is a program that enables the planning and operation of bushfire mitigation activities undertaken by QFD and partner agencies.
  • Areas which are within an area of road corridor that is visible, accessible, safe, maintainable, and available via consultation with Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR).

The installation of the sign in Pomona is expected to occur within the 2025 calendar year. 

We will continue to monitor this and follow up on progress. If any Noosa Electorate residents have any feedback on the above information, please email us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au to inform future advocacy.

Further information

For our previous Noosa 360 update regarding this, please visit www.sandybolton.com/fire-danger-rating-fdr-signs-december-2023.

Direct advocacy regarding this or any other matters related to the Fire Department can be directed to the Queensland Minster for Fire via lgwv@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.

A reminder expanded training resources for our rural and volunteer firefighter training, as well for non-voluntary staff have been funded following advocacy from our office and others. More information is available at www.sandybolton.com/fire-and-emergency-personnel-development-august-2023.

Information on Fire Bans and Permits are available at www.sandybolton.com/fire-bans-permits-november-2023. In addition, a Noosa 360 on our water supply can be found at www.sandybolton.com/water-supply-shortages-november-2023

Updates on many local matters are available on Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360. To receive information straight to your email inbox, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter via www.sandybolton.com/newsletters. This also ensures you receive any future Noosa related surveys or polls.