Echuca resident concerned about fire risk

NOVEMBER 21, 2012 4:19am

Echuca resident Geoff Hedditch has raised concerns about the dangers posed from long grass in the area.

By Trent Horneman

Echuca resident Geoff Hedditch is concerned about the fire risk along a section of Campaspe Esplanade’s walking track.

Mr Hedditch said sections of land along the walking track had dried grass up to 2.4m high.

After the area was inundated in the 2011 floods, the spot is full of growth, which has dried in recent weeks.

‘‘All it takes is a spark, from a cigarette butt and then there is a serious fire on your hands,’’ he said.

Campaspe Shire staff have slashed a section alongside the walking track, but Mr Hedditch would like to see more long grass cut.

‘‘There are sections of the walking track where the grass is growing over my head. Don’t worry about the fire risk of the Barmah Forest, this could be a bigger risk being right on the edge of a residential area,’’ he said.

Mr Hedditch said he had lodged his complaint with Campaspe Shire.

Campaspe Shire service executive manager Paul McKenzie said council was required to maintain the Campaspe Esplanade walking path and its immediate surrounds, but without encroaching on the natural bushland setting.

‘‘Natural bushland areas in Echuca such as the Scenic Drive, Victoria Park and this area are not slashed. Natural bushland is a feature of our local environment,’’ he said.