In preparation for what is predicted to be an above-average bushfire season, Murrindindi Shire Council has started its roadside slashing program, kicking off in the Alexandra area.
Murrindindi Shire Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Committee Chair Councillor Sandice McAulay said the program was developed in consultation with the CFA and was guided by Council’s Municipal Fire Management Plan.
“Council’s slashing program usually only starts when the grass begins to cure, or dry out, as this reduces the need for further slashing to be done later in the fire season.
“Slashing work has started in the Alexandra area and should move on to the Yarck, Molesworth, Yea and Highlands roadsides from 13 November,” Cr McAulay said
“Slashing should start in the Eildon area on 20 November and should move through to Thornton, Taggerty and Buxton from the following week, starting November 27.
“We anticipate that slashing along Marysville’s roadsides will commence around December 4. Slashing work in the Strath Creek, Flowerdale and Glenburn areas commences around December 11.
“Given the slower curing rate in the Kinglake Ranges, we expect to start slashing in Kinglake, Toolangi, Kinglake West and Pheasant Creek’s around Christmas. This is likely to carry though until mid-January 2018.”
“Our officers have been working closely with neighbouring councils in the southern part of the Shire to ensure a consistent approach to fire prevention in the Kinglake Ranges area,” she said.
Cr McAulay said the slashing program’s dates may vary according to weather conditions. She added that the grass around the Shire would continue to be monitored throughout the Fire Danger Period.
“Increased rainfall late in the season can produce more growth and consequently a demand for more slashing. We will also stop any roadside slashing on days of Total Fire Ban or when the fire danger is severe and this might also affect our slashing schedule.
Council will update the slashing schedule regularly on its website at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/slashingprogram.
For more information contact Council’s Local Laws Unit on (03) 5772 0333 or go to Council’s website at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au .
Please note: VicRoads is responsible for slashing and fire prevention activities on the following roads:
- Broadford- Flowerdale Road
- Goulburn Valley Highway
- Healesville-Kinglake Road
- Kinglake-Heidelberg Road
- Maroondah Highway
- Marysville-Buxton Road
- Melba Highway
- Taggerty-Thornton Road
- Whittlesea-Kinglake Road
- Whittlesea-Yea Road
