By PETER DOUGLAS
FUEL-reduction work undertaken by Belgrave South Fire Brigade has been halted as an investigation takes place into alleged environmental damage.
The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) has ordered an immediate halt to work on a site near the Belgrave-Hallam Road, while confirming to the ‘Mail’ they are working with “other organisations” on the investigation.
Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group president Darcy Duggan believes the work has “completely wiped out” a population of a highly endangered plant, the White Star Bush.
The species, also known as the Emerald Star Bush, is only found within the Dandenong Ranges and is listed as a threatened plant in Victoria.
The species is mostly located within the Emerald, Belgrave, Belgrave South and Selby areas, with populations also included at Menzies Creek and The Patch.
But with fewer than 40 known sites of the species, Mr Duggan described the situation as potentially an “unmitigated disaster”.
“It’s a very upsetting situation … this is serious stuff,” he said.
“In relation to reducing fuel loads, we have volunteers out there helping private land-owners and this is how we’re repaid.
“There are plenty of other options out there.”
Mr Duggan said he fielded a phone call from an upset resident on Friday 29 April, who claimed much of a site near Bellgrave-Hallam Road had been bulldozed.
He checked the site on Monday and said what he saw left him appalled.
The fuel-reduction project is part of the National Landcare Program, a $75,000 Federally funded program.
This program has been secured through La Trobe MP Jason Wood and is administered through the PPWCMA.
In a written response to the ‘Mail’, a PPWCMA spokesperson confirmed an investigation was taking place.
“The PPWCMA has been made aware of alleged environmental damage on a site associated with a project grant provided by the PPWCMA,” the spokesperson said.
“The PPWCMA has ordered an immediate halt on all work for the project and is working with a number of organisations to investigate the circumstances and the alleged damage.”
The spokesperson said there were high expectations in place.
“The PPWCMA prides itself on delivering high quality outcomes for the environment and places strong conditions on all grants,” the spokesperson said.
“This particular grant had various conditions placed on it with the intention of achieving biodiversity benefits.
“The PPWCMA will be dismayed should it be discovered that these conditions have been breached.
“The investigation is expected to yield further information in the near future.”
