The Queensland Government has renewed funding for Taskforce Marcia in Rockhampton to identify high fire risk areas caused by Tropical Cyclone Marcia in February 2015. 

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne says Marcia was an “extreme weather event” which left debris throughout the region that now poses a bushfire risk, and recalling the taskforce is necessary to ensure community safety.

“The taskforce will continue to identify high fire risk areas and implement strategies to reduce the fuel load and bushfire risk to affected areas,” Mr Byrne said.

Based on research conducted by CSIRO fire behaviour scientist Jim Gould, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is working with local councils and agencies such as Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to target areas of concern requiring hazard reduction burns.