Surf Coast Shire Council's annual winter fuel reduction program has commenced, with the focus this year on Lorne. The program aims to reduce fuel loads on public and private properties ahead of the fire season, with Council officers and residents working together in a targeted area.
Surf Coast Shire is one of the highest fire risk areas in Victoria and Lorne is a high priority area for fuel reduction.
Each year a different area is targeted, and the program complements fire break and fuel reduction burns undertaken by Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria. The fuel reduction program has run since 2009 managing fuel loads across Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Moggs Creek during that time.
Council has contacted residents within the program area in Lorne outlining the program with advice on managing vegetation around homes and buildings.
Council Community Fire Safety and Environment Officers will be in Lorne removing vegetation from public land, including road reserves and roadsides. They are available to provide advice on fire prevention, identify how vegetation can be managed to reduce fire risk while maintaining environmental values and answer any questions about the program.
"Reducing the bushfire risk in the Surf Coast Shire is everyone's responsibility, and it is never too soon to start preparations. Summer will be here before we know it", says Cr Gary Allen.
"We all remember Christmas Day 2015 and how our neighbours in Wye River were impacted so significantly. And of course the terrible tragedy of Ash Wednesday".
"Other towns can also start preparations now. Don't forget your FOGO (green-lidded) bin is collected weekly and green waste can be disposed of at the Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea Transfer stations", he said.
General guidelines for removing vegetation include:
- Always consider safety first.
- Trim vegetation to create a clearance zone from buildings of two metres.
