Supporting bushfire preparedness with fire trail upgrades

Central Coast Council has completed a program of upgrades to fire trails across the region, improving access to bushland reserves and supporting community safety this summer.

Council manages 223 fire trails as part of its ongoing support for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).

These trails are a vital part of the Central Coast fire access network, which also includes other fire trails located on land owned by other authorities: NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry and NSW Crown Lands.

Upgrading and maintaining fire trails is essential for firefighting operations, hazard reduction and emergency response.

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the annual fire trail program is a key part of preparing for bushfires.

“Every minute matters when we’re trying to protect people and their homes. Improving fire trails helps emergency services get to where they need to go more quickly,” Mayor McKinna said.

“More than 187,000 people on the Central Coast live near bushland so it’s really important that everyone does their bit to stay prepared.

“I encourage everyone to make a bushfire survival plan and ensure their property is ready during bush fire season.”

Over 42,000m² of trail works and 18km of vegetation management across 18 fire trails have been completed in the past year.

Major upgrades include Marana Fire Trail at Springfield, MacMasters Ridge Fire Trail at Bensville, Edye Fire Trail at Ourimbah, the Kangy Angy Fire Trail Complex at Kangy Angy, the Brushwood Fire Trail Complex at Kincumber and Andrew’s Point Fire Trail in the Mangrove Creek Dam catchment.

The average upgrade includes:

• Vegetation clearance within a 6m wide and 4m high corridor
• Reshaping and importation of trail surface material
• Construction of passing bays and turnaround areas
• Installation of drainage features and signage

All works meet the NSW RFS Fire Trails Standards.

Residents are encouraged to plan and prepare for bushfires by:

• Understanding your risk
• Making a bushfire emergency plan
• Preparing your home
• Preparing yourself and your family
• Paying attention to fire danger ratings and alert levels
• Downloading key emergency apps

Search ‘bushfire preparedness’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au for more information.

ENDS

Image: MacMasters Ridge Fire Trail at Bensville