By Derek Schlennstedt
Yarra Ranges Council is partnering with VicRoads and local community groups to remove sycamore trees from Kallista and surrounding areas.
Council will contribute $90,000 to removing the sycamore trees from Monbulk Road after receiving funding through the National Bushfire Mitigation Program.
Woody weeds and sycamore maple contribute heavily to the amount of foliage and bush in the area, and removal of these will help to reduce bushfire risk for next year.
Lyster Ward councillor, Mike Clarke, says the removal of these weed species is particularly vital as it not only reduces introduced species of weed but also mitigates bushfire risk in the Dandenongs.
“It’s fantastic on two fronts … .first, it’s weed reduction and it’s getting rid of significant woody weeds that are multiplying and spreading throughout the Dandenong Ranges rapidly – especially ones such as sycamore maple,” he said.
“It’s also part of fuel reduction, which is extremely important.”
Works to remove the large sycamore trees are planned to be delivered in April – May 2017 and traffic management will be in place.
Council has been working closely with community groups in the area and works are being supported by the Community Weed Alliance of the Dandenongs, Monbulk Landcare and Friends of Sassafras Creek.
The project has recently been working with property owners near Sassafras Creek, Perrins Creek and the Ferny Creek area, helping landowners with strategies to reduce environmental weeds – in particular woody weeds including English ivy, tree ferns and sycamore maple.
Sycamore trees are classified as weeds and, as such, residents do not require a permit or arborist inspection to remove a weed species from their land.
Council manager of Parks, Environment and Infrastructure Services, David Harper, said the works would not just reduce threats to the Dandenongs in the event of bushfire, but would enhance biodiversity.
“The Dandenong Ranges are known for their beautiful natural spaces to enjoy, whether it’s along the roads or on trails through the national park,” he said.
“Removing these sycamores will make the area safer in the event of fire, and will help our valuable community groups with their work to rid the Dandenongs of weeds.”
The removal of roadside sycamore maples will take place along the Monbulk Road, between Perrins Creek Road and Lyrebird Falls, and may result in detours due to closure of the road, during works.
