Premier cleans out the gutters

By Tania Martin
Following the release of the Royal Commission, Mr Brumby said it was vital for people to start thinking about reducing fuel loads in the region.
Monbulk MP James Merlino joined the Premier in a visit to Olinda couple Michael and Christine Gass’s property.
They helped to clean out the Gasses gutters and even raked up a few leaves.
This comes as the State Government announced a week-long campaign to reduce fire fuel around the state.
Mr Brumby is calling for residents to join the ‘call of action’ in October to ward off a repeat of Black Saturday.
“This week highlights the need for householders to make their homes as safe as possible,” he said.
Mr Brumby said although it was still winter, it was time to get cracking on the clean-up now.
“We need to take action to protect lives and make the state as fire safe and ready as possible,” Mr Brumby said.
Mr Merlino said it was everyone’s responsibility to make sure people were safe this summer.
He said the October week of action was vital, especially in high fire risk areas like Olinda.
The clean-up week will be held from 11 to 18 October and will be the culmination of a number of community activities over the next month.
Mr Brumby said in the lead-up to the week there would also be a number of fire meetings for locals to attend.
“It’s critical that all Victorians, no matter where they live, are ready for the bushfire season ahead, which after 13 years of drought is shaping up to be potentially worse than the horrific season we’ve just experienced – and it is only 69 days away,” he said.