Heat raised over bushfire grass cutting

A MONBULK businessman has hit out at the Shire of Yarra Ranges after receiving a letter requesting he mow his lawns.
Martin Hastings of Nonak Holdings received a letter from the shire’s assistant municipal fire prevention officer asking him to cut the grass on his block of land in Main Street, Monbulk.
He said this was somewhat perplexing as the grass was cut regularly but that it had not been done for several weeks because of the weather conditions.
“A quick inspection confirmed that most of this recent growth was nothing more than dandelion stems and flowers that had sprouted up over that brief period – hardly a great fire hazard,” Mr Hastings said.
However, shire manager of community relations James Martin said the shire had sent out 1700 letters prior to the start of the bushfire season.
Mr Martin said most of the letters relate to vacant blocks and follow inspections throughout the entire shire.
“Even though many properties are green at the moment, given the recent rain, the vegetation will grow quickly and it will only take a few days of hot conditions before that growth dries off and becomes a potential fire hazard,” he said.
However, Mr Hastings has questioned why the council doesn’t spend more time looking in its own back yard.
He said the Monbollock Reserve in Main Street had grass on it which could not be seen through the dry shrubs.
“This in an environmentally friendly park that no self-respecting shopping centre should be without, but God help you if you let your dandelions run rampant,” he said.
However, Mr Martin said the council’s emergency management department works closely with the local Country Fire Authority brigades on identifying fire hazards on council land including roadside reserves.
He said no concerns had been expressed over the Monbollock Reserve.
Mr Martin said both the Friends of Monbollock Reserve group and a shire contractor also regularly maintained the reserve.