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Timber Harvesting To Reduce Traralgon South Fire DangerThe potential fire danger for the township of Traralgon South will be diminished once timber harvesting to the north of the township has been completed. By Latrobe City Council - 30th September 2009 - Back to News Traralgon South residents will soon see timber contractors felling trees within an existing pine regrowth plantation in preparation for the 2009/2010 bushfire season.
Latrobe City Council’s general manager Built and Natural Environment Sustainability, Peter Quigley, said that the land was being cleared in response to community concerns regarding the large stand of timber’s proximity to the township.
"The community asked council to clear this parcel of land before the next bushfire season and council has taken steps to secure funding for this activity.
"Harvesting will commence as soon as possible and residents should be aware that this activity is occurring.
"Council’s contractor will remove useable timer, with the residue heaped in windrows in preparation for burning after the 2009/2010 bushfire season.
"Once the harvesting and residue activities have been completed, it is envisaged that the area will then be sown to pasture.
"Our expectation is that this process will be finalised in June 2010. However, the major part of the works will be completed by the end of this year," Mr Quigley added.
Gunyah Ward councillor, Cr Ed Vermeulen, said that the removal of the trees is part of the Recovery Action Plan of the Traralgon South and District, Community Recovery Committee. This committee is part of the Traralgon South and District Association.
"This is an initiative which has been identified and driven by the local community.
"Council has given an undertaking to clear the plantation to provide more open space and reduce the fire risk.
"The CFA has advised that windrows, which is what remains after the timber has been harvested, present less of a fire risk to the township than the standing plantation," Cr Vermeulen explained.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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