Fire fight Budget boost

By Casey Neill
THE State Budget last week delivered a mixed bag for the hills.
Bushfire preparation and tourism received a boost, but the fight against weeds was again neglected.
The Budget included just $6.4 million over four years to tackle weeds and pests throughout the state.
Yarra Ranges councillor and Eastern Victoria Greens candidate Samantha Dunn said the funding was paltry and “just window dressing”.
“This Budget has shown the Government has little understanding of the problem and no commitment to truly tackle the weed crisis,” she said.
Dandenong Ranges National Park will receive a $600,000 upgrade to its picnic areas, toilets and other visitor facilities under an $11.2 million Parks Asset and Replacement Program.
The region is also set to benefit from a $2.3 million initiative to encourage Victorians to enjoy the state’s parks and gardens.
The Belgrave to Lysterfield Trail in Belgrave Heights will receive cash under a $1.2 million plan to complete pivotal links on metropolitan trails across Melbourne.
Dandenong Ranges Tourism’s Michael Axel said these investments were needed.
“The Dandenong Ranges National Park is way up there in the list of the most popular spots for people to visit up here,” he said. “The car park overflows on weekends.”
Mr Axel also welcomed a $27 million investment over five years to encourage visitors from other Australian states to visit Melbourne.
He said a proliferation of low cost airlines, a strong Australian dollar and weaker economies in neighbouring countries were luring people overseas.
Fire preparation attracted a $136.6 million Budget boost.
The cash will aid bushfire warnings and intelligence, support local government to develop Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) and help the CFA help communities to better prepare. CFA spokeswoman Anne Sheedy said the authority was still determining the allocation of money and did not yet know what it meant for the Yarra area.
Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group (DRCBG) spokeswoman Mel Gajdek welcomed a Municipal Association of Victoria plan to allocate the NSP funds on a needs basis. “Currently Yarra Ranges Council has asked for more that $35,000 to ensure the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society grounds meets council requirements as an NSP,” she said.
“This is critical as it would be the only NSP on the highest risk ridgeline of the Dandenongs.”
“The question will inevitably be whether $500,000 is enough for the state.”
Ms Gajdek hoped the DRCBG could access some of the money for bushfire warnings should their proposal to reinstate fire station sirens gain enough support.
Did you, your community, organisation or service provider miss out in the State Budget? Call Casey Neill on 9736 1044 or alternatively send an email to casey.neill@yvnews.com.au.