Popular walking trails and some boat ramps at Seqwater dams across South East Queensland have been closed to the public as bushfires continue across the region.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said walking trails located within catchments such as Lake Baroon, Lake Manchester and Lake Wyaralong as well as boat ramps at Hinze Dam had been temporarily closed due to fire danger conditions.

Mr Brennan said Seqwater Fire Officers had been working closely with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and other agencies to contain blazes on Seqwater-owned land and neighbouring properties.

“Our teams have been assisting with a significant amount of backburning in fire-threatened areas such as Binna Burra, Beechmont, Atkinson and Esk,” Mr Brennan said. “Seqwater crews have also been busy making sure water supply remains accessible to QFES.

“With the combination of dry and windy hot condition this week we are also monitoring areas we have recently backburned in case of flare ups.

“The safety of the community, attending fire officers and the environment is of primary importance during these bushfire events.”

In preparation for bushfire season, Mr Brennan said Seqwater Fire Officers had carried out 20 prescribed burns, 10 of which were nominated as high priority burns as part of the organisation’s Fire Management Program.

Seqwater’s final planned burn for 2019 began in May and was completed in August.  The bulk water authority worked closely with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service brigades and other agencies to facilitate and implement the burn program on Seqwater-managed land.

“Planned burns are an effective way of reducing fuel loads and mitigating bushfire risk to Seqwater-owned land and neighbouring properties,” Mr Brennan said.

“But while they help mitigate the risk and impact of any future wildfire events, they by no means completely prevent bushfires from occurring or spreading.”

With authorities warning this summer could be one of the worst bushfire seasons on record, South East Queenslanders are being urged to prepare their properties for bushfire by clearing gutters, reducing vegetation around the home and ensuring there is adequate access to the property.

It’s also important people discuss options with their family and have a Bushfire Survival Plan if a bushfire was to occur nearby.

For more information about current recreation area closures, please see the Seqwater website https://www.seqwater.com.au/recreation/recreation-and-safety-notices