COMMUNITIES around the Lightning Ridge opal fields are now better protected from bushfires following the completion of more than $1.35 million in fire trail upgrades and other protection works.

A network of 34 fire trails spanning approximately 28 kilometres at Lightning Ridge has been established through upgrades to existing access tracks on a crown land reserve managed by the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve.

Another six fire trails at Grawin covering nearly seven kilometres, and 13 fire trails at Glengarry covering about 17 kilometres were also undertaken.

Work included hazard reduction burns, the removal of excess vegetation, and improving fire trails to meet Rural Fire Service standards.

Upgrades involved grading, drainage improvements to prevent erosion, and compacted gravel surfacing of some trails for year-round access.

Turning and passing bays were also installed to support firefighting efforts.

Separately, Crown Lands and the Rural Fire Service collaborated on a $34,500 project to install and fence a 110,000-litre water supply tank to support firefighting at Grawin and surrounds.

These critical upgrades undertaken by Crown Lands, with the support of the Soil Conservation Service, Rural Fire Service, Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve land manager, Walgett Shire Council, and community members will improve emergency access and help safeguard residents, businesses, and the local environment from the threat of bushfires.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the fire trail upgrades enable firefighters to do their job battling bushfires.

Crown Lands and the Rural Fire Service have collaborated on a $34,500 project to install and fence a 110,000-litre water supply tank to support firefighting at Grawin and surrounds.

“They are imperative to improving emergency access to help keep communities protected against bushfires,” Mr Kamper said.

“There are over 1180 fires trails on Crown land across New South Wales covering over 2120 kilometres and over 660 hectares of bushfire asset protection zones, with Crown Lands delivering projects each year to help guard against bushfires.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the fire trails are incredibly welcome news from the NSW Government.

“I hope this work continues throughout New South Wales. Firefighters rely on a network of roads, trails, and tracks to prevent, manage, and contain bushfires,” Mr Butler said.

“Maintaining state fire trails by removing excess fuel loads is critical to keeping firefighters safe and helping them reduce the risk and impact of fires on people, property, and the environment.

“Reducing fuel loads also significantly reduces the severity and impact of bushfires and assists emergency services in controlling and managing them,” he said.