UQ Research Station backs Straddie firefighters

The University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station provided sanctuary for 100 Queensland Fire and Emergency Service staff during North Stradbroke Island bushfires this month.

The station provided accommodation for emergency crews and temporary parking for fire trucks in a two-week long firefighting effort.

The January fires burnt through two thirds of the Island’s natural environment and threatened homes in the Dunwich area.

UQ Moreton Bay Research Station manager Kevin Townsend said the facility was not damaged in the blaze.

“We were able to look after crews as they were rotated, arriving at both day and night,” Mr Townsend said.

“They put in an amazing effort to contain the blaze and protect remaining parts of the island.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Cleveland Area Commander Acting Inspector Douglas King said use the UQ facility during the peak tourism season was invaluable.

“Using the facilities meant we were able to conveniently access a large resting point for our personnel,” Mr King said.

“We were able to manage fatigue with a reduction in the amount of time spent travelling back and forth to the mainland.”

Despite the huge loss of vegetation and disruption to wildlife, Mr Townsend said the North Stradbroke Island community was putting the fires behind them and returning to normal business.

“It’s very unfortunate that the bushfire occurred, though it has opened new research and teaching opportunities for us to understand how ecosystems recover from such events,”  he said.

Media: UQ Moreton Bay Research Station Manager Kevin Townsend, 0438 307 309 or k.townsend@uq.edu.au. Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Cleveland Area Commander Douglas King, 0408 763 140.