Living With the Bush

Today the Premier announced the introduction of new planning provisions for the clearing of native vegetation for bushfire protection. The Shire of Yarra Ranges is one of the municipalities affected by the proposed changes, which are yet to be enacted.

This week in State Parliament, barely a week after the Government's controversial announcement regarding the 10/30 right on vegetation removal, both houses voted to amend the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Regional Strategy Plan.

In what can only be described as a travesty of the democratic process, this item was only added to the notice paper yesterday and MPs received 150 odd pages to review and then debate today. This morning the lower house voted through the amendment followed by the upper house this afternoon.

BUSHLAND areas could be turned into “moonscapes” when homeowners get more power to clear vegetation on their properties, local mayors fear.

New rules announced by the State Government today will allow residents in bushfire-prone areas to clear vegetation around their houses and fences without a council permit. Residents will also be allowed to collect firewood from roadside areas earmarked for fuel-reduction burns. Homeowners will be allowed to undertake the following clearing measures without a permit: