The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will conduct a planned burn within the
Hawkings Point area near Picnic Bay between Wednesday 21st July and – 23rd July 2021,
weather permitting, as part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests.
As a result, smoke may be seen in the Townsville and Magnetic Island region especially around Picnic Bay and Nelly Bay.
The following will be closed for public safety:
Picnic Bay track from main road to Butler Street.
Hawkings Point Lookout track.
All accesses to Rocky Bay including the beach.
The aim of this burn is to reduce the volume of forest fuels to protect life and property bordering on national park, and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas. This will help reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest
regeneration.
Smoke can decrease visibility on the road, so it is important that motorists drive safely to the
conditions.
People in the area with medical conditions affected by smoke are encouraged to take appropriate precautions.
For more information, please call the North Tropical Coast Marine Parks office of QPWS on 4778 5378.