SYKES WELCOMES MINOR FIRE WORKS AT PARADISE POINT

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has welcomed Goulburn Murray Water’s (GMW) decision to conduct fire prevention slashing at Paradise Point, Lake Eildon.

Dr Sykes said following an inspection by GMW last Friday, preparations are underway to have an area of the dry lake bed slashed.

“Because of the lack of water in the lake during the past seven years, there has been considerable growth of vegetation and noxious weeds which pose a fire hazard,” Dr Sykes said.

“I am pleased with Goulburn Murray Water’s response to my office’s approaches and those of the community in agreeing to conduct slashing in some of the worst affected areas.

“This is an encouraging indication of GMW’s greater interest in the wellbeing of adjoining landowners, the community and lake users.”

Dr Sykes said while the works would reduce the immediate fire risk, there was an urgent need for a co-ordinated fire management plan to be established through consultation with Mansfield Shire, Goulburn Murray Water, CFA and residents.

“There are significant fire management issues in relation to dense vegetation near properties which front the boundary of the lake which require further investigation,” he said.

“With the lake not expected to be full in the near future, it is in the residents’ best interests that they participate in the development of a fire management plan and play their role in safeguarding the community.”

Dr Sykes said he would make contact with the key stakeholders in the new year to discuss the development of the plan.

“Fire suppression is all about communities working proactively with authorities to reduce the potential for fire and I urge residents to do everything they can, even at this late stage, to better prepare their homes for fire,” Dr Sykes said.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989