By Derek Schlennstedt
The felling of three trees at Bobs Park in Menzies Creek has drawn the ire of residents as Victoria sweltered through its first total fire ban day.
Around 20 residents came together at Bobs Park on 21 November to raise their concerns with Gembrook member Brad Battin, after he raised the issue in Parliament in late October.
Speaking to the Mail, fourth generation Menzies creek resident Lynette Ehrnholm said it was a major safety concern to all residents as the trees now blocked the only access road to Bobs Park.
“I’ve seen many changes here and as a child we used to come here swimming all the time and it was all maintained and a lovely manicured park.”
“To see it like this is quite horrifying … they’ve now barricaded it with a pine tree, which is highly flammable and will dry out and become more flammable.”
“If a fire starts it means it will now be able to really take hold and it puts a lot of residents at risk, not only in Menzies creek, but if it travels towards emerald many townships could be at risk.”
In late October, the Trader reported on the felling of three trees at Bobs Park. In a statement Parks Victoria said that the trees were felled to “halt damage to park assets, rubbish dumping and anti-social behaviour”.
Further to this, Parks Victoria said that they carry out bushfire risk mitigation works at the site including weed control and strategic fuel breaks to reduce risk to communities. In the event of a fire, they stated that the trees could be “removed by a bulldozer”.
It’s understood that Parks Victoria met with Menzies Creek CFA and Cardinia Council before the trees were felled.
Despite the access concerns, District 13 Operations Manager David Renkin said the CFA were satisfied that the trees would not impede on response times.
“The local CFA brigade was consulted on the felling of trees in Bob’s Park, Menzies Creek. Ultimately the decision to fell the trees is a matter for Parks Victoria,” Mr Renkin said.
“CFA is satisfied that the trees will not impede normal response times in the area and has implemented plans to utilise aircraft and other CFA resources if required.”
With only one week until the start of summer, residents were incensed by the situation.
“We all pay taxes and rates and a part of that is maintaining Parks,” Ms Ehrnholm said.
“I think they need to get their act together and do the right thing.
“As a property owner we’re all told we have to keep our properties clean and there are consequences if we don’t, but look at this.”
Cardinia Council responded to the Mail and said in September they met with Parks Victoria, who decided to decommission the park.
“Any decisions regarding land management of the site are the responsibility of Parks Victoria.”
“In September, Cardinia Shire Council officers met with Parks Victoria and Menzies Creek CFA to raise community concerns regarding the bushfire risk at the site. Parks Victoria informed Council of its decision to decommission the park.”
“Council has encouraged Parks Victoria to engage with the local community and will continue to advocate on behalf of community regarding their concerns.”
