Grampians drive yesterday

Coming to conclusions on the park management are a long way off at the moment but after just five hours sleeping on it I guess I would wonder if DSE management can do so.

Seeing that they like a good hot burn, why do they then go to a point quite a few kilometres North of Dunkeld to do their fire control break and do a bulldozed strip 20-30 metres wide beside the access track? Of course the back burn is beside that, much cooler and trees are recovering in that area already.

There are many roads closed as local councils don't want the responsibility of cars having trees drop on them and the main road is speed advised to 80kph in parts because of the potential falling trees. I could not say that I would go on any of the closed roads of course but know that the burn along roads like the Mafeking road to the old mining settlement was extremely hot and I can only think that the lifestyle homes Heather and I saw ther last year could not have survived. The Jimmy Creek road has locked gates off the main drag too, which of course goes down to Mafeking.

The cost of making these roas safe again will be born by local ratepayers I guess with some tokenism from the State government for its policies that supported the park burn.

I must say I have some difficulty coming to terms with it in my mind and know that the community is just not being told the truth of the issues of the policies. The people I have spoken with are very positive towards the firefighters and the way in which homes are threatened and then a helicopter load of water like heavens angel to defend you. The positive thoughts are with the DSE firefighers just as much as the CFA

Restoration of areas is hampered though by red tape. Talking to a person I have known for a long time talks of the frustration of the farmers in refencing to be told by DSE that they can clear a two metre strip for the new fence. This guy talks to and counsels lots in that area. I just saw him at the shop in Willaura. I am not sure that EO forumites are aware that seldom will you ever find machinery that would fit into such a small space to drive posts or assist in the fencing. DSE regulations on the width of bulldozer blades have hampered the fire defences just as the restoration work, though I understand now are being relaxed.

RED TAPE in the form of regulation near the Grampians National Park - yes State controlled not National just like remnant vegetation all around Victoria is all bound up in it. Knock down a tree and replace it with hundreds is what farmers are faced with all across the state. Make no mistake, I love the trees as all other farmers do, but once we have them the government instrumentalities get control of your land. RED TAPE control and threats or actual legal action.

I hope I can make it to The Stretton Group Public Forum at Morgans 401 Collins Street Melbourne Thursday 23rd of February at 5.00 pm. If any one is interested please email me MVPartners at bigond dot com and I can forward the invitation. My mobile number is with the Rig Pic and description.

It is entitled " Lock ‘em up and let ‘em burn "