Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has recorded its biggest year of planned burns to date, surpassing its annual target by more than 50 per cent.
Between the 1st of July 2024 and the 30th of June 2025, QPWS carried out 637 planned burns across 968,884 hectares of Queensland’s public protected estate. The burns aim to reduce the risk and severity of bushfires, protect communities and infrastructure, and promote healthy ecosystems across the state’s parks and forests.
The milestone comes as part of the Crisafulli Government’s More Rangers, Better Neighbours initiative, which has invested in additional fire management staff, upgraded equipment, enhanced training, and improved engagement with local communities. This includes restoring funding for 40 specialist fire rangers to strengthen bushfire preparedness and park management.
Planned burns are highly weather-dependent, requiring cooler conditions and minimal wind to create a patchwork of burnt and unburnt areas that support biodiversity and habitat conservation.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell praised the achievement.
“It is fantastic to see Rangers prepare our protected areas for the months and years ahead through the strategic use of fire,” Minister Powell said.
“What they have achieved this year is astounding – bolstered by good weather, strong investment in the QPWS fire program and an increased use of aerial burning techniques to deliver broadscale burning across multiple parts of Queensland when conditions are right.
“I want to congratulate our QPWS rangers and Fire teams for their focus, coordination, and commitment to deliver such an incredible result – protecting Queensland communities and our precious environment.”
QPWS Fire Services Director Troy Spinks said burns would continue over the coming weeks while conditions remain favourable.
“Rangers have done an exceptional job this year, but people can still expect to see smoke on the horizon as crews make the most of these cooler, milder conditions to undertake even more burns within national parks and state forests,” Mr Spinks said.
“These planned burns not only provide a picture-perfect sunset but prepare us for the upcoming bushfire season.
“We thank the community for your support and understanding over the coming weeks as we work to protect our parks and neighbours by delivering these vital planned burns.”
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