Heat on for the summer

By Tania Martin
SHIRE of Yarra Ranges residents are being warned not to be fooled by the cold weather and to start planning now for the upcoming bushfire season.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has warned residents that although winter might be wet and cold, it already looks like a hot and dry summer is on the way.
DSE has released a draft fire operations plan that addresses how to reduce the risk of bushfires in the shire.
The plans outline the areas that need fuel reduction burning, track maintenance, firebreak slashing and new firebreak construction.
Residents are now being urged to read the plans and make a submission by Friday, 7 September.
DSE fire prevention coordinator John van de Paverd said it was important for local communities to take an interest in fire management all year round.
However, he said now was the best time for people to have their say on reducing fire risks this summer.
DSE proposes to slash 188 kilometres of firebreaks in the Shire of Yarra Ranges, including the Dandenong Ranges and will continue to maintain fire access tracks to protect local communities.
Mr van de Paverd said 42 fuel reduction burns are proposed for the shire covering 7456 hectares including a 3696 hectare burn-off at the Upper Yarra Dam. “Most of these are planned to reduce the risk of wildfire around houses and towns near the boundary of public land, however, some have an ecological purpose such as weed control,” he said.
“The burns and works will generally be conducted over a six-monthly period during the milder weather conditions in spring and autumn.”
The 2007-08 fire operations plan is now on display and contains details of all the planned burn-off and maps.
Residents can view the plan online at www.dse.vic.gov.au or at one of the Parks Victoria offices in Olinda, Gembrook, Woori Yallock or Powelltown.
Anyone wanting to comment on the plans should contact John van de Paverd on 9296 4504 before Friday, 7 September.