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Morwell reserve remains closed to the public following fire

Eric Lubcke Yarra Gum Conservation Reserve, at the end of Maryvale Crescent in Morwell, has been closed to the public following the recent bushfire. Sadly, around 70% of the reserve has been burnt, however,

By Latrobe City - 20th February 2014 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council will be doing additional works to help establish and support natural regrowth in the reserve. The emergency management team have also been working with the environment team to ensure that the future plantings are planned with bushfire risk in mind.

Latrobe City Council mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said the reserve had been closed for public safety reasons.

"Once the immediate fire threat was over Latrobe City Council contractors entered the reserve to make any immediate hazards safe. This included removing fallen trees and branches from the fence lines, removing branches hanging from trees and making sure fallen trees and branches are left safely on the ground.

"The fire also damaged fences, gates, signs and pit lids and has made the soil unstable.

"In addition, SP Ausnet has marked 22 fire-damaged trees for lopping or removal along their power line in the reserve, with works likely to take place on Friday 14 February. SP Ausnet will mulch the foliage and small branches, and move any larger trunks and branches into the reserve to act as habitat. Where possible, SP Ausnet will only cut back the trees so that they are below power line height, leaving them standing to form hollows for wildlife.

"Once all potential risks have been removed the reserve can be reopened," Cr Gibson said.

"Over the next twelve months Latrobe City Council will undertake additional weed control to ensure natural regrowth has a chance to get established. Where there is limited natural regrowth it will be supplemented with revegetation planting in 2015. The emergency management team have also been working with the environment team to ensure that the future plantings are planned with bushfire risk in mind.

"We believe there will be a lot of natural regeneration of the understorey from the soil seed bank. The fire has also helped speed up the creation of some good sized tree hollows in the reserve. So whilst it is sad to see a reserve burnt to this extent there is a silver lining," Cr Gibson concluded.

Media Enquiries:

Cr Sharon Gibson, Latrobe City Mayor

Telephone: 0429 338 762

Cr Dale Harriman, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor

Telephone: 0419 399 093

Media Relations Office

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures.
• Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line.
• Martin Cameron criticises continued delay of Bank Street Traralgon traffic lights safety upgrade
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises repeated delays to Bank Street Traralgon traffic lights, highlighting safety risks for nearly 20,000 daily users and urging urgent government action.
• Corner Inlet Conservation project strengthens biodiversity and protects Ramsar wetland through targeted environmental restoration efforts
  West Gippsland CMA's Corner Inlet Connections project is protecting the Ramsar wetland through weed control, fox management, saltmarsh restoration and partnerships supporting biodiversity and threatened shorebirds
• Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
  Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
  East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces.
• Melina Bath says Labor ignores known issues, worsening bushfire risk, blocking access and harming communities
  A Gippsland Forestry Hub report criticises Allan government transport infrastructure failures, warning poor road and bridge conditions undermine bushfire preparedness, restrict access, delay firefighting response and increase risks to communities.
• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Bass Coast Shire Council endorses 2026-2030 Climate Change Action Plan, strengthening its net zero emissions commitment
  Bass Coast Council has endorsed Climate Action Priority Actions 2026–2030 following a mid-term review and community consultation, strengthening its commitment to net zero emissions, resilience and local climate leadership.
• Baw Baw Shire residents urged to be vigilant and follow safety rules despite fire restriction ease
  Despite eased restrictions, fire risk remains. Residents can conduct burn-offs under strict rules, must supervise fires, follow regulations, and stay alert as total fire ban days may still apply.
• Darren Chester secures full entitlements and support for Yarram sawmill workers after sudden job losses
  Federal MP Darren Chester confirms AKD Yarram Sawmill workers will receive full entitlements, financial, mental health support, and relocation opportunities following sudden closure, easing impact on 73 employees and their families.
• Bass Coast residents can help shape new policy guiding future naming of council-managed public places
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Place Naming Policy, outlining a transparent process for naming public places while recognising local history, Traditional Owners, cultural heritage and commemorating women.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Melina Bath said a VAGO report exposed ongoing failures in bushfire risk and fuel management
  A VAGO report has raised concerns about Victoria’s bushfire risk management, citing unreliable assessments, inconsistent fuel reduction practices, and ongoing failures to improve data accuracy and transparency under the Allan Labor government.
• Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
  Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures $500k funding for Longwarry multi-sport pavilion upgrade project construction announcement
  Baw Baw Shire secures $500,000 State funding for Longwarry Recreation Reserve multi-sport pavilion supporting football, netball, cricket and community facilities.
• Planning Amendment C133 to rezone 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra, faces Independent Panel Hearing on 4 December 2025
  Council’s Planning Amendment C133 proposes rezoning 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra. Independent Panel Hearing is Thursday, 4 December 2025, 2pm, Korumburra Community Hub; public may attend, submissions required to speak.
• Independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool awarded to ensure safe operation for community and staff
  Council has commissioned an independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to identify risks, necessary repairs, and upgrades, keeping the community informed while the pool remains closed.
• Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
  East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.