General News
22 November, 2023
Slashing overgrowth a “matter of urgency”
OVERGROWN vegetation on roadsides and public land must be addressed as a matter of urgency as the bushfire season approaches, according to a south west MP. Deputy leader of the Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has raised concerns the...
OVERGROWN vegetation on roadsides and public land must be addressed as a matter of urgency as the bushfire season approaches, according to a south west MP.
Deputy leader of the Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has raised concerns the Victorian Government’s fuel reduction program had become a “monumental failure,” with regional Victoria being left to face a long, hot, dry summer with significant vegetation growth and fuel loads on roadsides and public lands right across the state.
She said her office had received a number of complaints from residents calling for extensive slashing of roadsides and public areas prior to summer.
“Many of our country towns and farming districts are bordered by massive areas of public land which are poorly managed by the Labor Government,” Ms Kealy said.
“There is extensive vegetation growth on roadsides right across the region with out-of-control and highly flammable long grass, dead wood and weed species.
“It is well known that unkept roadsides act as a wick during bushfire events, with experts confirming that community safety is significantly improved when roadside fuel loads are reduced through slashing, burning, and weed management.”
Ms Kealy said local councils did not have the funding required to keep roadsides continually slashed, and called on the Victorian Government to prioritise the work to keep communities safe during fire season.
“Fuel load reduction on our roadsides must be prioritised and the Labor Government must immediately commit to an intensive slashing and vegetation removal program across regional Victoria given the forecast weather pattern for this summer,” she said.
“The overriding priority of the state government must be the protection of human life and many regional Victorians are justifiably concerned about Labor’s woeful preparation.
“Fuel reduction saves lives, and we need to do everything possible to mitigate the risk of catastrophic fires impacting our local communities.”
Ms Kealy urged all residents to have a fire plan prepared and in place and be ready for what is predicted to be an early start to the fire season.
“Communities should keep up to date with local Fire Danger Ratings through the VicEmergency app and website, and by listening to their local media,” she said.