Backburning is thought to have been the cause of another golf club fire, this time destroying an estimated $350,000 in assets belonging to Eidsvold Golf Club and its members.
Eidsvold Golf is a small volunteer-run club with a nine-hole course, located in the Burnett region of Queensland.
Items lost to the fire include two fairway mowers and a scarifier, five golf buggies along with 25 sets of golf clubs and bags belonging to members, storage containers and a shed.
There were no injuries.
Other local clubs and businesses have rushed to Eidsvold’s aid, and the club has started a GoFundMe page as insurance is currently unresolved.
Hervey Bay Golf Club recently held a charity day, raising a generous $7,320 as well as donating equipment.
Star Hotel Eidsvold is also helping with a raffle, while Biggenden Golf Club made a generous donation directly to the GoFundMe page.
Fire services around Australia advise that backburning is made riskier by the prevailing weather conditions.
AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, recently released its bushfire outlook for Autumn 2024.
AFAC reports an increased risk of fire during autumn particularly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with temperatures generally warmer than average after a hotter summer.
Rainfall is also likely to be below median across the northern, eastern and southern states.
AFAC encourages communities and businesses to monitor local conditions. Local fire services will have a map of planned backburning areas.
While not due to backburning, Brisbane Golf Club, Eastern Golf Club in Yering and Gisborne Golf Club in Victoria also recently fell victim to fires.
Last year ClubTIC talked about businesses being bushfire ready heading into summer. AFAC recommends remaining vigilant even while heading into autumn.
While there is still a long way to reach the club’s goal, Eidsvold Golf Club’s next fundraiser day is set for 1 June.
