Riordan says roadside vegetation needs slashing

DURING summer, it is a fact of life that Victorians can expect total fire ban days.

Communities across Polwarth have been raising ongoing concerns about VicRoads’ ability to maintain road side vegetation according to Polwarth MP Richard Riordan.

“Managing our roadsides should be core business for VicRoads, and a long-term sustainable management plan needs to be put in place to take the angst out of this issue for country communities,” he said.

While some local governments have been proactive in the area, they are not responsible for major roads in the region.

Regional Roads Victoria regularly inspects for hazards and undertakes repairs or maintenance in accordance with timeframes set out in the VicRoads Road Management Plan.

“Our focus is always on safety – which is why we undertake extensive preparation works before the fire season each year and continue maintenance throughout the summer,” said Regional Roads Victoria acting regional director south west Liam Butcher said.

Mr Riordan believes fire fuel management is one of the key weapons communities have in controlling fires.

“With thousands of visitors flocking to our region over January, long road side grass poses a huge fire risk as increased accidents, lost loads, cigarettes, hot bearings and exhaust systems are all so much more dangerous with long dry grass right up to the edge of the road,” he said.

Regional Roads Victoria says they have undertaken significant preparation works in the lead up to the fire season, which will continue throughout early 2019.

Crews will determine priorities for further works based on a fire plan for each region.

Grass mowing is scheduled not only to reduce the risk of fires starting or spreading from within the road reserve but also to maintain visibility to guideposts and to assist road users safely entering intersections.

Vegetation is trimmed and removed three metres from the road, where possible.

“We undertook grass cutting on the Hamilton Highway in mid-November and will be doing more over the coming weeks,” Mr Butcher said.