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Melina Bath questioned the reliability, accuracy and credibility of the Allan government's bushfire risk managementA VAGO report found major shortcomings in Victoria's bushfire risk modelling and fuel reduction planning, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to criticise the Allan government's bushfire preparedness and management. By news@gippsland - 8th July 2026 - Back to News The Allan Labor government has been exposed for failing to address serious bushfire risks, with a new Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) report revealing significant flaws in the state’s bushfire modelling and fuel reduction planning. The VAGO report found only four of around 60 fuel types used in the Allan government’s bushfire risk modelling have been verified since 2020, and it was unable to demonstrate how strategic fuel breaks on public land are prioritised across the state. 
Melina Bath said the VAGO findings undermine confidence in the Allan government's bushfire management, citing unreliable data and inadequate fuel reduction planning Risk management questionedThe Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria and Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath said the findings raise serious questions about the reliability, accuracy and credibility of the Allan government’s bushfire risk management. "There can be no confidence that Labor’s claimed risk reductions reflect actual conditions on the ground or are adequately protecting Victorians." "Victorians can’t trust the Allan government’s bushfire management program when the state’s independent umpire found its data is incomplete, unreliable and incapable of demonstrating meaningful outcomes." "Labor is relying on untested assumptions rather than evidence-based science. The findings align with the concerns of local experts who have long warned the Allan government is failing to deliver critical bushfire mitigation works and address forest fuel loads," said Ms Bath. Bushfire preparedness criticisedMs Bath said evidence presented to the Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, of which she is a member, also reveal how poorly prepared Victoria remains ahead of each fire season. "The Allan government continues to hide behind flawed data, incomplete modelling and a fuel management program that cannot demonstrate it is reducing that state’s bushfire risk." "It is impossible to accept Labor’s claims when the VAGO report reveals the government cannot demonstrate its reducing fuel loads, lowering bushfire risk or improving community safety. Victorians must have better protection from bushfires and significant reductions in forest fuel loads - only The Nationals and Liberals can provide the fresh start our communities deserve this November," said Ms Bath. Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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