Bernard Trembath

Bushfire Specialist / Director

Bernard Trembath is a leading expert in bushfire planning and management, with extensive knowledge of Queensland’s vegetation, climate, and fire behaviour. His expertise in fire prediction and mitigation has made him a trusted authority in the industry.

As a recognized specialist, Bernard is frequently called upon as an expert witness in land court disputes and conducts forensic fire investigations for insurance companies and government agencies. He is also a sought-after commentator on bushfire conditions, planning regulations, and legislative changes in Queensland.

Before founding Queensland Bushfire Planning in 2014, Bernard served as Regional Manager of Rural Operations for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in the Brisbane Region. In this role, he was responsible for bushfire mitigation strategies, working closely with local governments and organizations to reduce bushfire impacts.

Bernard also held the position of QFES Bushfire Planning and Design Specialist, where he assessed bushfire management plans and provided expert advice to landholders, developers, certifiers, town planners, and government agencies. His deep understanding of bushfire risk assessment and planning continues to shape sustainable and practical solutions for bushfire-prone areas.

Kerrie Purcell

Managing Director

Kerrie is the Managing Director of Queensland Bushfire Planning, bringing decades of expertise in disaster management, risk assessment, and operational strategy. As the key point of contact for clients, she provides strategic oversight and ensures that all projects meet the highest standards of quality assurance, compliance, and efficiency.

With a strong background in the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Kerrie has played a pivotal role in bushfire risk assessment, geographic information systems (GIS), and volunteer management, helping shape policies that support fire brigades and emergency response teams across Queensland.

Passionate about risk management and operational excellence, Kerrie is dedicated to equipping businesses, individuals, and communities with the knowledge and strategies needed to adapt, recover, and thrive in bushfire-prone environments.