Hazard reduction operations along Dubbo to Mendooran Rd

Media release: 4 May 2016

Drivers using the Dubbo to Mendooran Road are warned hazard reduction operations are planned to take place from Thursday 5 May until Thursday 19 May, which may result in smoke hazard.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Coonabarabran Area, will be conducting the hazard reduction burns in Goonoo State Conservation Area, north east of Dubbo subject to suitable weather conditions.

NPWS Acting Area Manager Melanie Bannerman said the hazard reductions will be on the eastern side of the Mendooran Road between Withers Trail and Denmire Trail, approximately 40 km from Dubbo.

"In total the hazard reduction operations are expected to take about two weeks to complete and cover 320 hectares.

"These operations are part of a complex of burns that aim to maintain a strategic firebreak running northeast to southwest along the Mendooran Road.

"Smoke may be visible from Dubbo and Mendooran and will be very visible to traffic using the Dubbo to Mendooran Road. Traffic will also be able to see active fire as the hazard reduction will be in vegetation on the eastern side of the Mendooran Road.

"For your safety please adhere to all local road closure signs and follow staff directions.

"Traffic using the Mendooran Road should reduce speed in the operational area which will have signs in place and watch for fire crews operating alongside of the road. Motorists should also be aware of smoke drift across the road and obey traffic control instructions," Ms Bannerman said.

The proposed burns are part of the NSW Government's $76 million package over six years to boost bushfire preparedness and double hazard reduction in the State's national parks, where conditions allow.

For more information on planned hazard reduction burns, visit the Rural Fire Service website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au of consult the Fires Near me app

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.

For further information please contact Coonabarabran Area on 6842 1311.

Contact: Jacki Roberts