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Prioritisation of safety needed as roadside debris now labelled as habitat by Andrews Labor government

State Labor government labels roadside debris "habitat," risking fires near private properties. MP Tim Bull criticises the decision, prioritising human safety over wildlife protection. Calls for removal.

By news@gippsland - 4th September 2023 - Back to News

Piles of debris pushed up against private property fence lines after roadside clearing has been labelled "habitat" by the State Labor government, which refuses to remove the obvious fire risk. Having campaigned for the roadside debris to be cleared, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said he was initially pleased to see work had started, but is appalled by this element of the outcome.

Roadside cleared vegetation pushed back into the bush and near properties along the Great Alpine Road

Bushfire preparation concerns

Mr Bull said, "What they have done is made the vertical fuel load a horizontal one and to state this is in line with the 'Wildlife Management Plan relating to fauna habitat protection'. We have some property owners who were hit hard by the 2019/20 fires and have now had massive piles of flammable debris pushed up against their fence line. Did this government learn nothing from the last fire event, where these roadsides acted as wicks?"

"In the Minister's response she said 'I am advised from a bushfire perspective, the primary contributors to bushfire behaviour and the main drivers of bushfire forward rates of spread and radiant heat output are fine fuels, which are fuels less than 6mm in diameter."

"At least 50% of the larger branches and logs - those greater than 10cm in diameter - at this location were required to be retained and positioned into non-impacted habitat near the clearance site. The placement of these logs and debris was done in conjunction with the zoologist onsite, is away from residential properties, and abuts the state forest," Mr Bull said.

Fire risk concerns

Mr Bull also said, "I simply make two points. The debris is in very close proximity to private freehold and the Minister seems to show no understanding that a fire in these large logs will not only increase its intensity but can burn for weeks and then be the cause of reignition in the right conditions."

"I have no doubt that in a perfect world it may be a good habitat for animals, but human life and wellbeing must be the priority in every decision and this has not occurred here.

"It should not matter what a zoologist thinks is good habitat, the bottom line is it has created a fuel load near private residences that should be removed - end of story," Mr Bull said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
  Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Applications for Baw Baw Shire Arts and Culture with grants up to $2,000 is now open until 8 February 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council is offering grants up to $2,000 for local artists and creatives, supporting community-focused arts projects, collaboration and creative development, with applications open until 8 February 2026.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• 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.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Tim Bull urges community action to prevent gender-based violence during global sixteen-day activism campaign
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges community action during the sixteen-day campaign to prevent gender-based violence, promote respect, and support safety, accountability, and cultural change across all spaces.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
  Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.
• Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
  Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating.