HUNDREDS of hectares of grass across the Mallee will be slashed in the coming weeks to help protect communities against grassfires heading into the warmer months.
In the coming weeks, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews will ramp up slashing activities on public land to reduce the risk of future grassfires to protect Mallee communities and the environment.
FFMVic Mallee senior officer Nathan Christian said crews would be slashing about 900 hectares across the Mallee in Sunraysia, Robinvale, Walpeup, Ouyen, Murrayville, Rainbow, Pine Plains and Nyah.
“The forecast is for higher-than-average rainfall in spring, so we have slightly delayed these works to align with the anticipated increase in growth,” Mr Christian said.
“It is important slashing happens in October-November, because if done too early, it will encourage regrowth before summer and require follow-up treatment.
“Due to Mallee townships being surrounded by continuous cropping, the majority of the risk-to-life and property in the Mallee landscape comes from grassfires.”
He said in areas where planned burning was less effective, or not suitable to deliver, FFMVic would focus on other strategies such as slashing, mowing and mulching to protect areas close to towns and communities.
Mr Christian also encouraged residents to ensure their homes and surrounds were free of flammable materials.
“Reducing bushfire risk is a shared responsibility. Fuel reduction on public land can only do so much – communities and households need to know how to be prepared and take action to reduce their bushfire risk,” he said.
“We encourage homeowners to be prepared for grass and bushfires by cutting long grass regularly, removing leaves and twigs from the yard and clearing space around their house of all flammable materials.”
FFMVic crews carry out fire preparedness work all year to reduce the risk posed by bushfires and grassfires.
