Upgrading Fire Trails Ahead of Bushfre Season

The Minns Labor Government has launched a comprehensive initiative to inspect and upgrade fre trails across New South Wales ahead of the upcoming bushfre season. These helicopter inspections will help prioritize the maintenance needed to protect lives and communities, with a focus on ensuring rapid access for frefghting crews.

The inspections began in the Sydney region and will continue across the state throughout September. Conducted by Crown Lands in partnership with the Rural Fire Service

(RFS), the initiative will cover more than 540 fre trails, spanning 2,400 kilometres of Crown land and adjoining areas.

To support these efforts, the NSW Government has allocated over $7.9 million in 2024-25 for on-ground maintenance and upgrades of strategic fre trails on Crown land. Additionally, $4.8 million has been set aside for hazard reduction activities, including controlled burns and Asset Protection Zone (APZ) maintenance, aimed at safeguarding communities from bushfres.

Helicopter inspections offer a faster and more effcient method of monitoring fre trails, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.

These aerial patrols can cover terrain that would take months to inspect by ground vehicle in just a few weeks, providing a timely and comprehensive assessment of the fre trail network.

The helicopters are equipped with cameras to record areas that require follow-up work, such as clearing fallen trees, addressing erosion, and repairing creek crossings.

Following these aerial assessments, Crown Lands works with the NSW Soil Conservation Service and the RFS to prioritize and execute the necessary maintenance.

Maintenance work may include clearing vegetation, repairing erosion, stabilizing fre trails, and improving vehicle access by constructing passing bays. In some locations, additional measures like installing signage, gates, and bollards will be implemented to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dumping.

Residents concerned about potential bushfre hazards are encouraged to contact the Rural Fire Service for assistance.

Offcial Statements

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, emphasized the importance of maintaining fre trails to protect both frefghters and communities.

He highlighted that Crown Lands manages approximately 2,400 kilometres of fre trails and 660 hectares of Asset Protection Zones to ensure adequate fre breaks between bushland and residential areas.

“Properly maintained fre trails are crucial as we head into a potentially dangerous bushfre season,” Kamper said.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, added, “These targeted efforts ensure our fre trails are ready for summer, allowing frefghting crews to access these routes quickly and effectively. This work, combined with hazard reduction activities, is key to reducing risks to residents and property.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, echoed the importance of preparation, stating,

“These inspections and subsequent maintenance work will ensure that frefghters can reach blazes quickly and effectively, giving them the best chance to protect lives and property.

It’s a vital step as we prepare for the inevitable bushfres this summer.”

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring fre trails are properly maintained to support agencies such as the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Forestry Corporation in their frefghting efforts. These efforts will help safeguard communities during the upcoming bushfre season.