Northwest communities around the Lightning Ridge opal fields are now better protected from bushfires following the NSW Government’s completion of more than $1.35 million in fire trail upgrades and other protection works.
At Lightning Ridge, a network of 34 fire trails spanning approximately 28 kilometres has been established through upgrades to existing access tracks on a Crown land reserve managed by the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve.
A further six fire trails at Grawin covering about 6.7 kilometres, and 13 fire trails at Glengarry covering about 17 kilometres upgrades were also undertaken.
“These critical fire trail upgrades enable firefighters to do their job battling bushfires,” said Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“They are imperative to improving emergency access to help keep communities protected against bushfires.
“There are over 1,180 fires trails on Crown land across NSW covering over 2,120 kilometres and over 660 hectares of bushfire asset protection zones, with Crown Lands delivering projects each year to help guard against bushfires.”
Work included hazard reduction burns, the removal of excess vegetation, and improving fire trails to meet Rural Fire Service standards. Upgrades involved grading, drainage improvements to prevent erosion, and compacted gravel surfacing of some trails for year-round access. Turning and passing bays were also installed to support firefighting efforts.
Separately, Crown Lands and the Rural Fire Service collaborated on a $34,500 project to install and fence a 110,000-litre water supply tank to support firefighting at Grawin and surrounds.
The critical upgrades undertaken by Crown Lands, with the support of Walgett Shire Council, the Soil Conservation Service, Rural Fire Service, Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve land manager, and community members will improve emergency access and help safeguard residents, businesses, and the local environment from the threat of bushfires.
