Have your say on public land fire prevention

The Department of Sustainability and Environment is asking people living around Warrandyte State Park to comment on plans to reduce the risk of bushfire this summer.

Each winter, DSE prepares fire operations plans that include fuel-reduction burning, track maintenance and fire-break slashing.

The plans are developed in consultation with stakeholders including residents, local councils, the Country Fire Authority, Parks Victoria and water authorities.

A community meeting will be held to outline the draft plans and give people the opportunity to ask questions.

Wednesday, 12 August
6-8pm
Warrandyte Community Centre (The Atrium)
168 Yarra Street, Warrandyte

The evening will be an informal ‘drop-in’ session, with a short presentation on fire management planning at 7pm.

The draft Fire Operations Plans will be on display from 1 August, and comment should be received by 28 August.

DSE fire spokesman Peter West encouraged people to attend the community meeting, visit Parks Victoria in Pound Road, Warrandyte or DSE at 30 Prospect Street Box Hill, or view the DSE web site to examine the draft plan for their area.

Mr West emphasised the meeting would focus on fire prevention works for public land.

“This meeting is being held specifically to discuss fuel-reduction burning, fire-break slashing and track maintenance in public forests and parks,” he said.

“People who wish to discuss fire preparation for private properties should contact the CFA.

“DSE’s role is to make the most of all suitable days to reduce forest fuels around towns, rural properties and water catchments.

“Most of the burns will be in autumn, when the conditions are generally more stable.”

Mr West said DSE valued and welcomed local knowledge and input into public land fire preparation.

“Planned burning is the most effective tool we have to reduce fuel loads in the bush, but should not be seen as a cure-all.

“Fuel-reduction burns don’t prevent bushfires but they do help to minimise the risk of intense bushfires and give firefighters an advantage if a fire starts.”

The draft plan can be viewed from 1 August on the DSE web site www.dse.vic.gov.au/fire (select Interactive maps then Fire Plan).

Public comments and queries should be directed to DSE’s Melanie Anderson on 9296 4554.