More than 1000 hectares of public land in central Victoria is about to be slashed in preparation for what experts are calling a high-risk fire season this summer.
Forest Fire Management Victoria will cut grass in many areas, including Maryborough.
Above-average rainfall in the region during 2016 has not only delayed maintenance work, but has also encouraged vegetation growth that could prove dangerous as the weather warms.
FFMV regional director Paul Bates said privately-owned land was also at risk of bushfire and implored homeowners to regularly cut grass and clear their yards of leaves.
“Reducing bushfire risk is a shared responsibility,” Mr Bates said.
“Reducing fuel loads on public land can only do so much – communities and households need to know how to be prepared and reduce their bushfire risk on their property.”
The warnings follow a similar message from the Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner, Craig Lapsley, last week.
Authorities are also reminding holidaymakers this long weekend about fire safety.
Fires should also be entirely extinguished with water, not soil, and all rubbish should be taken out of campsites, a Forest Fire Management Victoria spokesperson said.
People concerned about long grass in their neighbourhood, or who see suspicious behaviour on public land, should phone Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186.
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
