Fire prevention grass slashing returns

FIRE prevention grass slashing has commenced across the Surf Coast Shire.

The shire would usually conduct its annual roadside slashing program at the end of spring and beginning of summer as part of its fire prevention measures. However, Cr Adrian Schonfelder said above-average rainfall recorded throughout spring and summer had resulted in an abundance of grass in some areas, requiring additional slashing.

“After consultation and direction from our Community Emergency Management Team, roadside slashing will be undertaken to reduce the fuel load on roadsides across the shire,” Cr Schonfelder said.

Bushfires are one of the biggest safety hazards that Surf Coast Shire residents face.

The shire conducts fire prevention works across all council managed land, regular fire hazard inspections as well as fuel reduction programs within the community.

Council says having a well prepared and rehearsed household plan is also critical.

The grass slashing works will commence in the northern part of the shire and work from east to west to the Princes Highway.

The slashing will then continue from the Princes Highway to Cape Otway Road/Mount Duneed Road from the east to west direction, which will complete the grassland areas and finish at the perimeter of the more forested area.

Alongside the fire prevention grass slashing program, the more forested areas and coastline will be managed by a separate program.

“We thank the community for their patience as this work is undertaken and apologise for any inconvenience caused by the work,” Cr Schonfelder said.

The grass slashing works is expected to go for three to four weeks.