With bushfires already impacting the state, urgent action is required to address dangerous roadside vegetation in eastern Victoria.
Member for Eastern Victoria and Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath, said the State Government’s failure to address the road network’s fuel hazard is placing communities in danger.
“Locals are justifiably concerned that a single spark from a cigarette, a vehicle, or even broken glass could ignite the dry roadside vegetation,” Ms Bath said.
“After high rainfall in spring and early summer, growth has exploded, while the recent extreme heat has created a tinderbox.”
Ms Bath said city centric Labor prioritises cost-cutting over vital safety measures.
“Across eastern Victoria, roadsides are choked with long grass, fallen timber and invasive weeds – the Traralgon Maffra Road is a prime example, with overgrowth exceeding a metre in many areas.
“Besides being unsightly and a road safety issue, out of control roadside vegetation is a serious hazard that acts as a wick during fire events and compromises evacuation routes.”
Ms Bath stressed that experts have long confirmed that reducing roadside fuel loads through slashing, controlled burning and weed management significantly improves community safety.
“Private landholders are legally required to keep their properties fire safe and it’s time the Allan Government applied this standard to public land and roadsides under its management,” she said.
“Residents are deeply worried by Labor’s failure to prepare, as bushfires continue to threaten communities across Victoria.
“The Nationals call on the Allan Government to provide targeted resources to manage roadside vegetation and mitigate fire risk in Victoria.”
