Roadside slashing begins

By Dion Teasdale
SHIRE of Yarra Ranges has commenced roadside slashing in the lead up to the fire season, with completion scheduled for the end of December.
The shire has worked with the CFA to identify high risk and strategic routes to be slashed to provide the most effective fire protection.
Weather permitting the shire will slash about 1066 kilometres of roads.
The shire’s emergency and safety planning executive officer Glenn Hunt said roadside slashing assists in containing roadside fires, managing the safety of road users during a fire and providing fire control lines.
“Some areas within the shire are among the most fire prone in the world,” Mr Hunt said.
“Through the 200506 Fire Management Program the shire aims to minimise the occurrence and adverse effect of fire on the community.
“The shire’s contractors will complete roadside slashing by the end of December, we will also conduct fuel reduction on council managed reserves and conduct private property inspections in designated areas.”
Residents who live in areas of high conservation value are asked to refrain from conducting roadside fuel reduction work themselves and to contact council for advice or if they have any concerns.
“In areas of high conservation value the shire has measures in place which responsibly manage environmentally sensitive roadside vegetation sites during fuel reduction,” Mr Hunt said.
He said that now was also a good time for residents to prepare for the fire season, but it was important residents keep in mind the shire’s planning scheme protection of vegetation.
“Residents can reduce fire risks by having a personal fire safety plan and addressing potential fire hazards,” he said.
“To increase the fire protection of their property, residents can reduce and wherever possible eliminate potential fire hazards.
“Fuel reduction can still be carried out in areas of high conservation value, but it’s important that this is done within the planning scheme guidelines.
“Broad scale clearing or slashing of some vegetation is not recommended. If in doubt, residents should contact the shire for advice,” Mr Hunt said.
If residents are unable to perform the work themselves a list of fire hazard clearance contractors operating within the shire is available from a Yarra Ranges Community Link, or by calling 1300 368 333.
The shire’s fire prevention officers conduct private property inspections and last year issued more than 1804 Fire Hazard Notices.
“The Fire Hazard Notices ask residents to address specified potential fire hazards themselves or through a contractor, within a time limit. If the work is not done, council will perform the work and bill the owner,” Mr Hunt said.
Residents can also contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 for details or visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au for information on developing a personal fire safety plan.