Residents fire up over long grass

By Sarah Schwager
PAKENHAM residents are concerned that overgrown grass on private properties in the region is a potential fire hazard.
Resident Tracey O’Brien said that year after year residents in the area campaigned for the grass to be mowed on a property on the corner of Murphy Road and Army Road in Pakenham.
She said that the grass was as high as her waist in many places.
“It’s a fire hazard,” she said.
Cardinia Shire local laws manager Alan Giachin said it was important for private property owners to ensure their properties were clear of potential fuel.
“Cardinia Shire council local laws officers are conducting inspections in the lead up to fire season, and will also inspect properties in the response to complaints about particular properties,” Mr Giachin said.
“We have had a complaint about this block, and our officers are just starting fire inspections for the year.
“That one is scheduled to be inspected within the next couple of days, and if it needs slashing a notice will be served giving the owner 14 days to slash, or council will do it at their expense, plus a $200 fine.”
Ms O’Brien said getting the grass mowed had become a constant hassle year after year.
She said the property was not maintained and it was only after constant lobbying by residents that the problem was solved.
“When they finally do cut the grass, they leave the high grass to within six feet of the back fences.”
Another resident, Doris Telford, said she was concerned about the long grass, which backed on to her property.
“They never cut right up to my property because of logs under the grass,” Ms Telford said.
“I had to pay someone to cut the grass down near my fence.
“I’m very concerned about it being a fire hazard,”
Ms O’Brien said there had been two fires in the last 12 months in the area.
The Country Fire Authority is urging residents to clear their properties of potential fire hazards as summer approaches.
Pakenham CFA brigade support officer Lisa Hicks said it was important to keep private properties clear of overgrown vegetation and dry grass and leaves.
“An important part of preparing you and your property for bushfire, whether you are on a small block or a few hundred acres, is managing vegetation,” Ms Hicks said.
“Mowing, raking, slashing and grazing greatly reduces the fuel around your property.”
Ms Hicks said houses in bushland setting might more likely experience high intensity forest fires while those in open country could experience lower intensity but faster moving grass fires.
All burn offs should be registered with the CFA by calling Vicfire on 9887 7766.
For further information call the municipal fire prevention officer at Cardinia Shire on 5945 4238 or the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667.