A hazard-reduction burn will take place in the Arakwal National Park at Byron Bay on Tuesday as part of efforts to protect endangered heathland plants.
National Parks and Wildlife Service area manager Sue Walker said the environmental burn was part of the restoration plan for the Endangered Ecological Community Byron Bay Dwarf Graminoid Clay Heath.
‘The one hectare burn will take place in the north of Arakwal National Park next to the Milne Street entry into the park,” Ms Walker said.
‘The park contains approximately 64 percent of the Byron Bay Dwarf Graminoid Clay Heath and environmental burns help secure this important endangered ecological community.
‘The park is habitat for threatened flora and fauna including the endangered orchids Byron Bay Diuris byronensis and Pink Nodding Orchid Geodorum densiflorum and the endangered shrub Allocasuarina defungens.
‘Smoke from the burn may impact on the areas adjoining Paterson, Milne and Evans Street next to Arakwal National Park. During the burn the Milne Street track to and from the beach will be closed.
‘Where traffic control is in place during the burn motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and follow directions from fire crews.
‘People are advised that smoke from this burn may impact the local area and to close windows and remove washing.
‘People with asthma or those susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed,’ Ms Walker said.
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