Farmers demand action on roadside reserve threats

Alex de Vos
Farmers have demanded authorities clear roadside reserves of vegetation and “excess fuel” to prevent deadly bushfires this summer, according to the state’s peak farming body.
Victorian Farmers Federation Bellarine Peninsula president Graeme Brown said the region was at risk from “a number” of reserves with dangerous levels of fire fuel.
Reserves around Drysdale were particular hot spots, he warned.
“There are a lot around here that are really bad and need some work,” Mr Brown said.
The call to clear roadside reserves followed Monday’s launch of Fire Action Week.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor John Mitchell urged residents to use the week as a “prompt” to prepare homes for the fire season.
He said the city would also conduct its own clean-ups on “selected” roadside reserves, starting at Breamlea.
A City spokesperson said council would remove “overhanging” vegetation across the western end of Blythe Street.
“Recent rainfall would mean more growth, resulting in a potentially greater fire risk over summer,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Our municipality is not immune from the risk of bush and grass fires and, with experts predicting another severe summer, now is the time for property owners to get to work.”
Cr Mitchell said council would establish an emergency hotline and website with information on fire prevention.
Former Surf Coast Shire councillor Nelson English said authorities must do more than just clear roadside reserves to protect the region.
The Lorne resident urged authorities to clear all trees and vegetation surrounding coastal towns.
He feared a repeat of this year’s Black Saturday tragedy without State Government expanding new laws allowing property owners to clear vegetation around homes and fences.
“Lorne will end up like Marysville,” Mr English warned. “There is nothing here to stop fire – you would need to clear (trees and vegetation) up to 200 metres around the town if you want to save Lorne against a serious bushfire.”
Mr English said allowing property owners to only clear trees within 10 metres of their houses and other types of vegetation within 30 metres was inadequate.