Contributor Article

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships (QPWS&P) will conduct a number of planned burns within Macalister Range National Park over the next two months which will likely prove noticeable to Douglas Shire residents at different times.

QPWS said the planned burns are part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for Northern Parks and Forests.

QPWS has advised that as a result smoke may be noticed around the Wangetti and Oak Beach areas near to the Captain Cook Highway.

The aim of these burns is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas.

This will help reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.

QPWS said smoke can decrease visibility on the roads, so it is important motorists drive safely to the conditions and residents who may be affected by smoke to take relevant precautionary measures.

QPWS said several local walking tracks in the Douglas Shire may be closed during burn operations, in particular, the Hartleys Falls walking track at Wangetti.