Landslide fears

By Tania Martin
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges fear a move to allow people to chop down trees in a bid to reduce fire risk could lead to dangerous landslips across the Dandenongs.
This follows information leaked to the media, which exposed Premier John Brumby’s plans to introduce new planning controls.
It could see Victorians in high-fire risk areas being given the green light to cut down trees and native vegetation within 10 metres of their homes.
Shire CEO Glenn Patterson said extensive tree removal in parts of the Dandenongs could lead to a number of unintended landslips.
Councillors are also furious the State Government failed to consult local government representatives.
Mr Brumby is expected to present the proposed changes to Parliament later this month.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said the proposal had ‘come out of the blue’. “It (is) frustrating we weren’t even told about this,” she said.
Cr Dunn said it was hard to say what impacts this move would have. “It would significantly impact on the environment especially in heavily vegetated areas of the Dandenongs,” Cr Dunn said. “We are interested to see the science behind whether this will, in fact, protect our community…we are yet to see this,” she said.
The news comes just days after Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group spokeswoman Jo Hirst urged the Shire of Yarra Ranges to look at the issue.
At a meeting on Tuesday 28 July, Ms Hirst put forward a proposal that mirrored the State Government’s plan. “We hope you would consider this suggestion immediately, so we, as residents, can prepare our home prior to the next fire season…We do not want to see the forest cut down and cleared by people taking safety measures into their own hands,” Ms Hirst said.
Ms Hirst yesterday said it was great to see the government moving forward in its bid to protect people against the next fire season. “It’s a great step for bushfire safety in the area,” she said.
But Ms Hirst also said there was still a lot of work to be done to iron out the details.
Monbulk MP James Merlino confirmed the State Government was looking at making some changes to the planning process around removing trees and vegetation.
But, he said, the Government needed to strike a balance between its native vegetation policy and protecting homes, families and the environment.
“It’s essential that a balance is achieved between protecting homes to the best of our abilities and not losing the reason we choose to live in the unique and beautiful Dandenong Ranges,” Mr Merlino said.
This latest move also comes as a Department of Sustainability and Environment report revealed Victoria would face a one-in-30-year fire event.