Burning question

THE State Government the summer’s wet weather has meant it has been unable to meet its prescribed burn levels in the hills
Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith told 774 ABC yesterday morning (23 January) that government’s burn strategy focused on areas throughout Victoria that were most at risk of bushfire but that burning off depended on favourable weather.
Mr Smith said the government had undertaken burns in areas including Bendigo, Ballarat and Castlemaine, but so far, it had been too wet in the Yarra Ranges and Yarra Valley.
But the opposition said the government was just burning in central Victoria to meet its state-wide burn targets, and was not protecting its most vulnerable residents in areas like the Yarra Ranges.
Mr Smith said hills communities had been well consulted about the government’s plans, and other measures, including slashing, had been done.
He said it would be “irresponsible” to burn in the hills’ wetter conditions.