Control burns plea 'denied'

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Readers' view of the Rockhampton fires

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Rockhampton bushfire

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Fire at Mt Archer

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MEMBER for Mirani Ted Malone claims Rockhampton National Parks staff pleaded for early controlled burns in wilderness areas around the city but were ignored.

Mr Malone, shadow emergency services spokesman, said National Parks staff told him privately their calls for early controlled “cool” burns in April this year were ignored and denied.

In parliament on Tuesday, Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Neil Roberts hit back at Mr Malone's claims saying he was “ill-informed” and speaking out for “cheap political point-scoring”.

“Fire mitigation strategies are developed every year for at-risk areas. Prescribed burns are planned and undertaken in line with weather conditions. The weather is the key,” Mr Roberts said.

“Attempting to undertake prescribed burns in unfavourable weather conditions can lead to catastrophic situations and other disasters.”

Mr Malone, who is also a rural fire officer, said the LNP would be pressing for an open inquiry into fire hazard management.