Cardwell State Forest To Be Treated Ahead Of Bushfire Season

A creek running through Girringun National Park. Photo credit: Tourism and Events QLD

‍

Bushfire preparation has been underway across Queensland’s protected areas, with Cardwell State Forest among the locations included in a record year of hazard reduction burning.

‍

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers treated 981,081 hectares through 546 planned burns during 2025–26, exceeding the previous statewide record set a year earlier.

‍

Cardwell State Forest was among the locations included in the program, which aims to reduce fuel loads, improve the health of protected areas and lower bushfire risks to surrounding communities and properties.

The work comes as Queensland enters the 2026 bushfire risk period, with planned burning continuing across national parks and State forests when weather and other conditions allow.

‍

QPWS Fire Services Director Susan Scott said rangers would continue undertaking planned burns where conditions were suitable.

‍

“Every planned burn we deliver is contributing to a healthier environment and a more bushfire-resilient state, which is especially important as we enter the 2026 bushfire risk period,” Ms Scott said.

‍

Cassowary Coast residents and visitors are encouraged to remain aware of local fire conditions throughout the bushfire risk period.

Those planning trips into national parks and State forests should also check QPWS Park Alerts beforehand, particularly while planned burning continues across Queensland.

Smoke, firefighters, aircraft and machinery may be seen in the vicinity of the following areas:

• Cardwell Range section, west of Cardwell to north-west of Ingham

• Cardwell Forest Drive including, Attie Creek and Dead Horse Creek

• Microwave Hill and Stony Creek Road areas

• Along mountain ranges west of Cardwell

• Cardwell township

• Kennedy valley area

• Five Mile Creek Road

• Bruce Highway, between Sunday Creek, Fishers Creek and Blady Grass Creek

• Upper mountain ranges between Arnott Creek and Porters Creek; and between Hawkins Creek and Manor Creek including Bishop Peak and Mount Leach.

‍

Persons with respiratory or other health problems should seek medical advice on mitigating the effects of smoke inhalation.

‍