The federal Environment Department has previously said staff were in ongoing discussion with Queensland counterparts andwould brief the UNESCO World Heritage Centre once the damage could be assessed.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Servicesdeclared the bushfire contained on December 13,two months after it was allegedly sparked by an illegal campfire in the island's north.Four people charged over the incident last week face fines of up to $22,000.

Criticism has been levelled at the state government,and agencies including the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,for a perceived delay in escalating efforts to fight the bushfires. While assisting QPWS in the weeks prior,QFES only took a lead role in late November.

An Inspector General of Emergency Managementreview of the state's preparedness and response to the fire,announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk less than one week later,has now opened for public submissions until January 22.

Now-published terms of reference state the review would also"have regard to the cultural and environmental significance of K'gari as reflected in relevant management plans,and its UNESCO World Heritage listing".

The office would work closely with QFES,the Queensland Environment Department,QPWS,Queensland Police,the Butchulla traditional owners,and local stakeholders.

Reviews of the 2018 and 2019 bushfire events,along with relevant findings and recommendations from the recent bushfire royal commission,would also be considered.

As part of the review,community and business forums will be held on the island and Hervey Bay in January.

A report will be provided to Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan by March 31.