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DSE Consults Community On Fire Plans

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is undertaking extensive consultation with the community on the preparation of its Fire Operations Plans for the next few years.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 16th August 2004 - Back to News

Drafts of the Fire Operations Plans for public land in Gippsland are now available for viewing and public comment until Friday September 10 2004.

These plans contain a schedule and maps of proposed ecological and fuel reduction burning, in accordance with the Gippsland Region Fire Protection Plan.

Regional Fire Manager David Tainsh said that the consultation process so far has involved talking to CFA brigades and local councils.

"The next step is to discuss the Plan with the wider community, particularly those people who may not be involved with their local brigades, but are interested in having a say on how burning is planned in their region," Mr Tainsh said.

"We now have so many people living in rural areas on the border of public and private land and on properties well into the bush, that we need to hear from those landholders about any concerns they may have."

"This is their opportunity to look at the draft plan as it develops and to discuss with their Fire Management Officer how it might affect them and how they can have input."

The draft plans are available for viewing at the following DSE District offices: Bairnsdale, Bendoc, Cann River, Erica, Heyfield, Noojee, Nowa Nowa, Orbost, Swifts Creek and Yarram.

All community members are invited to examine the Draft Plan and to provide the Department with comments and suggestions for consideration during the development of the Final Fire Operations Plan.

Written comment on the draft plan should be sent to the Fire Management Officer at your nearest DSE District office.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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