On Tuesday 30 August the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) declared a Fire Danger Period resulting in new rules on the lighting of fires.

Except for a fire for cooking or warmth, Queenslanders are not able to light a fire regardless of size without a permit from midnight Sunday 4 September 2011 to midnight on Sunday 1 January 2012.
This is the second time in two years QFRS has implemented a Fire Danger Period during bushfire season as a step towards preventing a fire from escaping and potentially putting lives and property at risk.
Obtaining a permit to burn from your local fire warden is a simple process and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent escapes.  To make it easier for property owners who regularly require permits Local Fire Wardens have been given the flexibility to issue seasonal fire permits based upon local conditions.
This is not a "Fire Ban" - QFRS will continue to review the implementation of the Fire Danger Period as the season progresses.
Further information on the Fire Danger Period, local fire bans and how to obtain a permit can be found at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au 

Prepare now for storm season
Now is the time to prepare for this year's storm season.  Every year severe weather events hit South East Queensland, leaving a trail of destruction.
After what South East Queenslanders went through last summer, it's hard to believe the 2011/2012 storm season is already upon us.  But the reality is severe weather events can hit at any time, and now is the time to prepare.
By setting aside a few hours to secure loose objects in your yard, trim overhanging tree branches, preparing a storm kit, and talking to your family about what to do if severe weather hits, you have the best possible chance of staying safe this storm season.
If storms do hit, wait until danger has passed before inspecting your home for outside damage.  However, if powerlines have been damaged or brought down call ENERGEX on 13 19 62 and stay well away - they could still be live.  
For more information visit www.energex.com.au .
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Wrap Up
On September 1 2011, Premier Anna Bligh thanked all Queenslanders and Australians for their generosity on the last day of the Premier's Disaster Relief Fund.
Money from the Fund has helped more than 40,000 Queenslanders rebuild their homes and their lives. Households have received payments from $2000 up to $280 000 depending on their circumstances.
The Fund has now been fully allocated with $272.1 million or 98% of the total distributed to flood and cyclone victims.
The remainder will go to St Vincent de Paul who will continue to assist victims. St Vincent's has already received $18 million and all residual funds, including those received up to 31 December 2011 will go to St Vincent de Paul to allow them to continue to alleviate cases of hardship as a direct result of the summer disasters.
Queensland Crime Prevention Month
Now is a good time to recognise the contribution of Crime Stoppers to the community, with October being Queensland Crime Prevention Month.
Crime Stoppers Queensland has provided more than 20 years of service to the community, with thousands of offenders arrested from anonymous reports from the Queensland public. Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and not-for-profit community volunteer organisation, so it relies on people giving their time free of charge to make a difference.
I want to thank all the volunteers from Pine Rivers who help make Crime Stoppers such an important part of our local security network and encourage the Pine Rivers community to support their upcoming fundraising dinner.
The Pine Rivers Crime Stoppers Charity Dinner will be held on 5 November from 7pm to 11pm at the Ivy Room, Norths Leagues Club, 1347 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur.  Tickets are $70 each, $650 for a table of 10 or Corporate Table of 10 - $1000.  To make a booking phone the Norths Leagues Club on 3285 2733 by 20 October 2011.  Please come along to support Crime Stoppers and help reduce crime in the community.
Crime Prevention Month is an initiative of the Queensland Police Service and is a chance for everyone to participate and contribute to making our community safer.  More information about events to be run in our local area can be obtained by contacting your local police station.
Crime Prevention Month runs from 1 to 31 October, 2011.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month - I urge women to book in to have a breast scan.
This year, the BreastScreen Queensland Program celebrated 20 years of providing dedicated service and support to Queensland women.  To date, the program has performed almost three million breast screens and provided around 200,000 follow up assessment services for Queensland women.
All women are invited to take advantage of the free, world class, professional and modern services offered by BreastScreen Queensland.  I encourage women to ring 13 20 50 and make an appointment.