Bushfire Recovery and Resilience Forum highlights importance of preparedness

After experiencing one of the most devastating bushfires our region has faced in 2019, Livingstone Shire Council is proud to host the upcoming Bushfire Recovery and Resilience Forum in conjunction with Growcom.

Taking place at Yeppoon Town Hall on Saturday 15 May, the forum will provide the community the opportunity to listen and talk to industry related experts, who will deliver valuable information and insights into Bushfire Resilience and Recovery techniques for both urban and rural residents and the Horticultural and Agricultural Industries. 

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Mayor Andy Ireland said the free forum was not only for those in land management or residents affected by the region’s bushfires but the entire Livingstone community.

“Council has been planning this event for some months now in conjunction with Growcom and we are really pleased to be able to host some fantastic speakers in their respective fields from across Queensland,” Mayor Ireland said. 

“Some of the key topics covered include Vegetation Management and Clearing, bushfire resilient building guidance for Queensland homes, and findings from the 2019 Black Summer.

“While it’s an unfortunate reality, it’s vitally important for the community to be aware of the dangers and consequences bushfires can have on our livelihoods, homes, and property and this forum is a great opportunity for residents to gain more insight and understanding into how to be better prepared for potential bushfires in the future.”

Forum guest speaker and Hort360 Facilitator with Growcom Michelle Haase, said she was looking forward to the forum and presenting on the lessons learned by horticulture growers from the catastrophic fires in 2019. 

“We’re looking to being able to establish a set of management practices which assist our industry in being prepared, resilient, and quick in the recovery of bushfire; on the back of the experiences of growers in the Livingstone Shire Council,” Michelle said. 

Forum guest speaker and Queensland Reconstruction Authority General Manager of Resilience Jimmy Scott said due to climate change, scientists are predicting longer bushfire seasons and more extreme bushfire conditions.

“With those predictions in mind, managing bushfire risk is essential for Queenslanders living in areas prone to bushfire,” Mr Scott said. 

“To assist, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority partnered with the CSIRO, and other key stakeholders including Livingstone Shire Council, to develop the Bushfire Resilient Building Guidance for Queensland Homes.

“It is based on extensive research and provides ten clear steps with innovative, practical, and affordable solutions for both new and existing homes and gardens to be more bushfire and heat resistant. 

“The publication is free for all Queenslanders and available at www.qra.qld.gov.au/resilient-homes,” he said.

Tickets are free but limited, therefore registration is essential. Doors open at 8:15am. Morning tea and lunch provided.

Topics to be covered include:

• Fire on the Farm: Consequences for orchards and the environment

• Vegetation Management and Clearing – updates on the latest Policies and Regulations 

• Findings from the 2019 Black Summer Cooperative Research Centre Research Project 

• Bushfire resilient building guidance for Queensland homes 

• Agmargins – Access to diverse cropping options in our region 

• Central Queensland Bushfire Recovery, Preparedness and Resilience in Horticulture Project - Examples in Practice 

• Local Disaster Management Group updates 

• Landholder Bushfire Management Planning 

For more information about the event, please visit 

To register, click here.