Koala Hospital volunteers are keeping a keen eye on the bushfire situation across the Mid-North Coast, and particularly the Lindfield Park Road blaze.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Despite the 320 hectare bushfire being considered under control, staff and volunteers plan to undertake another sweep through the burnt out areas, particularly around the perimeter of the blaze.
Assistant clinical director Scott Castle said despite the size of the fire area, there were no known wildlife deaths.
"We've had a good look at that area, including a preliminary sweep through it," he said.
"The fire is expected to flare up occasionally, so we will head back to that area next week.
"The peat is very slow burning and there are swamp areas too.
"Our volunteers have seen evidence of koalas, deer and kangaroo and other wildlife," he said.
"Thankfully we have not noted any deaths."
Mr Castle said volunteers and staff believed all animals were able to escape the blaze because it was so slow moving.
Any sweeps through the fire ground will be concentrated on the areas to the west and south-west of the airport.
The assistant clinical director was also wary of more fires flaring up.
"Now that other fires are popping up, we will also need to organise sweeps of these new fires," he added.
Mr Castle thanked volunteers who had undertaken training in order to enter fire grounds to search for wounded and dead animals.
Meanwhile Local Land Services says it is helping landholders with advice on native vegetation management and bushfires.
Port Macquarie-Hastings is one of 12 local government areas where the bush fire danger period was brought forward to August 1.
Sustainable land management officer Andrew Davidson says the potential bushfire threat means landholders should look at their options for managing native vegetation, particularly on farm.
"Local Land Services has a set of fact sheets on managing native vegetation to prepare for bushfires, during a bushfire emergency and after an emergency has passed," he said.
"Landholders wanting to prepare for bushfires have a range of options available to them, including clearing vegetation to protect rural infrastructure which does not require approval from Local Land Services because it is listed in the 'allowable activities' provisions.
"If a bushfire is underway that threatens people, animals or property, landholders can remove native vegetation if directed by the NSW Rural Fire Service for emergency firefighting or emergency hazard reduction.
"When a bushfire has passed and the clean-up is underway, landholders have options such as removing fallen timber that is on the ground and lopping parts of fire-damaged trees, whilst maintaining the integrity of the live tree."
He said at any time landholders can also consider their options for managing native vegetation for safety, productivity and the environment under the land management framework.
"Depending on the circumstances, different rules apply so come talk to us at Local Land Services and we can provide individual advice," Mr Davidson said.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
