Many communities across Murrindindi Shire have been impacted by the recent floods, and while many people are still in the process of cleaning up or waiting for water to recede, Murrindindi Shire Council is urging all residents to start planning for this coming fire season.
Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor John Walsh said Council understands the impacts of recent floods on communities across our Shire.
‘Our Shire and many parts of Victoria continue to receive above-average rainfall. The long-term outlook for this summer is for higher rainfall than average, with below average temperatures, suggesting a later start to the fire season and an increased risk of grassfires.
‘Right now, Council is focused on assessing flood damage, repairs to roads and infrastructure, clean-up efforts and supporting community through flood recovery. We have a long road ahead of us, and amid flood recovery, we are aware of our need to also focus on the upcoming bushfire season.
‘In preparation for the forthcoming fire season, Council will soon begin its Fire Prevention Roadside Slashing Program, starting in the north of the Shire, which dries off earlier than the southern parts. We’d like community members to start getting ready and thinking about what can be done now, to make sure we’re prepared ahead of this fire season.
‘With more rain on the way and with many parts of our Shire still saturated with water, now is a good time to service your equipment, like mowers, chainsaws, and slashers, and ensure it is ready to safely operate. In recent years, several grass fires have been started by mowers and slashers that hadn’t been maintained.
‘As part of Council’s broader fire prevention activities, Community Safety Officers will also be carrying out inspections, starting from next month, and requesting rural landowners create a 10-metre fire break around the perimeter of their property, where possible and safe to do so.
‘We will require people who own residential land or vacant house blocks, to cut the whole block and ensure the grass is kept short throughout the fire season’, Cr Walsh added.
