Managing Crown Land for the Community
See what we have been up to below
The recent Lightning Ridge bushfires across the Opal Fields are a stark reminder of the severe risk that is still present due to the high fuel levels across the district. Approximately 1800 hectares of bushland was engulfed at rapid rate and a number of camps were lost.
Thanks to the response of RFS the fire didn't reach Grawin Opal Fields, though this was a very real concern. Things could have been disastrous if the fires reached Grawin. Bushfires at Grawin are still going to be a very real risk this year and next, and there is a distinct lack of water points for fighting bushfires.
Lightning Ridge Opal Reserve has been advocating for over a year to Walgett Council and the Bushfire Management Committee for the Grawin bore to be extended (near the phone tower & war museum has been suggested by RFS) so that the community and RFS has access to water for firefighting and protecting life and property.
If you agree the bore should be extended as a priority issue to protect the community, please say "YES" in the comment section.
LIGHTNING RIDGE - a Rural Liaison Officer and brigade representatives will be operating a Bushfire Information Point at the Lightning Ridge IGA on Monday from 9 to 12. This is an opportunity to talk about yesterdays fire and understand what steps you can take to keep you and your family safe. The level of ground fuel around the Ridge is extremely high and this season has already shown how fast fire can grow given the conditions. We encourage everyone to take the time to consider your risks, what you will do if bushfire approaches and what you can do to prepare your property. Our Rural Liaison Officer is there to provide some advice, please make some time and get involved.
LIGHTING RIDGE FIRE UPDATE🔥🔥👩🚒🚒
Overnight a fire in the opal fields at Lightning Ridge burnt approximately 600ha. Ground crews, heavy plant and air tankers quickly moved in to get containment on the fire. The fire is being controlled and this morning has reduced fire activity with much better conditions. Crews will work through the day to extinguish the fire and there will be aircraft in the area assisting this.
We ask that the community don't attempt to access the firegrounds as we are working to extinguish the fire completely. It is not safe for you or our firefighters for you to be there.
Fire crews worked through the night to control a fast moving bushfire west of Lightning Ridge. Multiple crews, graders, and water bombers were utilized to fight the fire. A big thank you to all RFS crews, landholders, Miner's associations, and volunteers involved.
The general public is advised to avoid this area.
This is a stark reminder of the high bushfire risk that still exists across the district. Areas such as Grawin should remain vigilant and be fire ready.
The general public is advised to avoid this area.ADVICE - LIGHTNING RIDGE
There is a fast running scrub fire started to the west of the Castlereagh Highway. Firefighters are on the ground along with heavy plant attempting to gain containment of this fire. The fire is not threatening properties at this time. Stay up to date in case the situation changes. #hazardsnearme #BUSHFIRESURVIVALPLAN #besafe
Good to see some developments from Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services regarding the $2.6million funding announcement for Hudson Pear made by Agricultural Minister, Dugald Saunders.
Of the $2.6million funding, $600,000 is being made available for immediate use. This is a great start, but substantially more funding is going to be essential from the Government in order to address this environmental disaster.
Great to see this issue is finally being taken seriously and we look forward to meaningful landholder consultation, community input, and employment opportunities for local spray contractors.
Below are press releases from Castlereagh Macquarie County Council. For more information regarding this please contact the Manager of Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, Michael Urquhart on 02 6828 6100 and [email protected] or Team Leader of Invasive Species at Local Land Services, Peter Dawson on 0427 606 265 and [email protected]
Annette Turner for Barwon visited Lightning Ridge and met landholders, Damein Waterford and Gerard O'Brien, to discuss the growing issue of Hudson Pear infestations across the district.
We look forward to seeing a lot more landholder consultation and input regarding the $2.6milion announcement by Agricultural Minister, Dugald Saunders👍👍
Photos from Annette Turner for Barwon.
🔥🔥🔥Are you BUSHFIRE ready?🔥🔥🔥
We are potentially at a severe fire risk this coming season.
Camps are susceptible to fire. Ensure you are prepared.
Download and/or Update the Fires Near Me NSW App/Hazards Near Me NSW App and keep an eye on hazards as they occur‼️‼️‼️
Re-releasing 70 tubs of cochineal in a mega-jungle of Hudson Pear at Grawin. This is the same area we released on nearly two years ago and virtually all the bug has died.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER !!!
😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥
🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 🏚️
ABC Western Plains Roy Butler MP Mick Veitch MLC Chris Minns Four Corners Dugald Saunders MP Mark Coulton MP The Western Herald - Bourke Daily Liberal
When out spraying Hudson Pear, Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve contractors also spray Harrisia.
This is another nasty cactus from South America, that like Hudson Pear spreads prolifically in Western NSW. The red fruit each contains between 400-1000 small black seeds, the fruit is readily eaten and spread by birds and other mammals.
Harrisia is fast becoming a serious problem due to the wet weather. If you see this cactus please contact your local weeds officer Matt Savage on 0427 253 463.
The Opal Reserve is doing its best to spray Hudson Pear across the Reserve and is calling for free/subsidised chemical as part of the $2.6 million dollar funding announcement made in December 2022 by NSW Agricultural Minister, Dugald Saunders.
So far, the Minister has ruled out any free/subsidised chemical and this is impacting community groups like ours to control Hudson Pear across the district.