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There's merit in CFA roadside burn-off planThe Member for Eastern Victoria, Philip Davis, has urged the State Government to adopt a Gippsland CFA volunteer’s suggestion to give local fire brigades the authority to carry out pre-summer fuel reduction burns on roadsides. By Kevin Balshaw - 23rd September 2009 - Back to News The Member for Eastern Victoria, Philip Davis, has urged the State Government to adopt a Gippsland CFA volunteer’s suggestion to give local fire brigades the authority to carry out pre-summer fuel reduction burns on roadsides.
Mr Davis said the Government had left it too late to prepare high-risk fire areas, particularly Gippsland, adequately for what was expected to be another severe summer.
He said the Government had failed to scale up prescribed burning in state forests in line with the recommendation of a parliamentary inquiry’s finding last year, and had only recently acted to enable householders to remove trees and clear debris and undergrowth near their homes.
This still left in place a raft of restrictions under the state’s planning laws that prevented residents or the fire authorities from clearing a volatile build-up of fuel on roadsides.
"Representations on the problem of roadside fuel loads have been made to me by many members of the Gippsland community and organisations including the CWA," Mr Davis said.
He said there was considerable merit in the suggestion of longtime CFA volunteer, Maurie Killeen, of Valencia Creek, that fire brigades should be given power to conduct hazard reduction burns along local roads.
"Brigade members have the local knowledge to make a realistic assessment of the risk and the means to undertake burning off safely," he said.
"Some decades ago this used to be common practice, and it was an important safeguard against fires in rural areas.
"I agree entirely with Mr Killeen that preventative burning would not only provide additional protection for rural people and their properties but also help to preserve native vegetation that is destroyed in the event of a high-temperature bushfire."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: kevin.balshaw@parliament.vic.gov.au
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East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand. - 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. - Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads. - Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support. - Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors. - East Gippsland Council confirms compliance with 2025-26 rate cap, maintaining responsible financial management and community support
East Gippsland Council has confirmed compliance with the 2025–26 Victorian rate cap, keeping increases below the 3% limit to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining essential services. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - Tim Bull condemns Labor government for rejecting Jack’s Law, delaying vital reforms to prevent knife-related harm
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticises Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, a proven reform to enhance police powers, remove dangerous weapons, and improve community safety against knife-related violence. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - East Gippsland Water offers free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring essential household supply
East Gippsland Water is providing free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring safe household water for drinking, hygiene, and essential use, with collection available across multiple regional standpipe locations. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - South Gippsland Council invites artists to create site-specific sculpture on Great Southern Rail Trail, submissions open 2 February 2026
South Gippsland Shire Council invites artists or collectives to create a site-responsive sculpture on the Great Southern Rail Trail. Submissions for Expressions of Interest close 5 pm, Monday 2 February 2026. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on 50-year Fish Creek Football Netball Club lease proposal by 25 February 2026
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community submissions on a proposed 50-year lease to Fish Creek Football Netball Club for new clubrooms. Submissions close 5pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026, addressed to the CEO. - South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates the nominees and winners of 2026 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards and other updates
South Gippsland celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Meeniyan Hall, recognising outstanding citizens, youth, and community events, with winners Valerie Wilson, Erica Begg, Rhiannon Rawlins, and Loch Food and Wine Festival. - East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, highlights skatepark opening, Australia Day awards, community programs, seasonal bin changes, and upcoming events. - South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates Mayor Nathan Hersey on his reappointment as One Gippsland Chair
South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates Mayor Nathan Hersey on reappointment as One Gippsland Chair, recognising his leadership, commitment to regional collaboration, and ongoing advocacy for economy, social, and infrastructure priorities. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - South Gippsland Australia Day photography competition success and other council updates
South Gippsland updates: Australia Day photo winners announced, Summerfield Oval renamed, immunisation sessions extended, community events, workshops, youth strategy consultation, and Council job opportunities available. - East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce. - South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - Peri-urban councils warn Gippsland housing crisis threatens productivity and federal economic ambitions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns soaring prices and falling approvals are hurting productivity, urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure reforms to unlock peri-urban housing supply and ease affordability pressures. - East Gippsland Youth Art Prize 2025 celebrates creativity, talent, and next generation artists
East Gippsland’s 2025 Youth Art Prize showcased young artists aged 12–25, celebrating creativity, talent, and community engagement, with winners announced at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub in Bairnsdale. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
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