TRAIL BLAZER: Ranger Alex Deura checks Moona Moona fire trail, which will allow the creation of a new strategic fire advantage zone within Jervis Bay National Park. Photo: STEVE MOORE
A NEW fire trail to help firefighters protect Huskisson in the event of wildfire from the west has been constructed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
NPWS regional manager for the South Coast Diane Garrood said the new Moona Moona Fire Trail provided a 3.2km link between existing fire trails off Huskisson Road and the southern end of Currambene Street.
“The protection of life and property is the main priority of both NPWS and the Shoalhaven Bush Fire Risk Management Committee, and the new fire trail was supported by both the committee and the NPWS,” Ms Garrood said.
“If a bushfire comes into Jervis Bay National Park from private property to the west, the Moona Moona Fire Trail will give firefighters a new advantage to help them stop the fire from reaching Huskisson.
“Considering its relatively small size, Jervis Bay National Park has a significant network of identified fire trails and Asset Protection Zones, and this additional trail will further enhance bushfire protection for Huskisson.”
Ms Garrood said Moona Moona Fire Trail would allow the creation of a new strategic fire advantage zone within Jervis Bay National Park. This zone will add to existing protective measures within the park and on surrounding land tenures.
“In strategic fire advantage zones, land managers regularly conduct hazard reduction burns, and just like fire trails, these zones are determined on their strategic value,” Ms Garrood said.
“The local Bush Fire Risk Management Committee has
prepared a list of trails across the Shoalhaven that have strategic value for firefighting.
“Within the NPWS South Coast region, NPWS maintains more than 1500km of vehicle access trails, including strategic fire trails identified by the Shoalhaven Bush Fire Management Committee. It is a common error to think that all trails are fire trails, which is not the case,” Ms Garrood said.
The construction of Moona Moona Fire Trail was funded by a grant from the NSW Bushfire Mitigation Fund and by NPWS.
