Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has again called on the Minister for Environment to sort out the bureaucratic mess that is hampering management of roadside vegetation.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Ms Britnell said she has raised the issue every year since being elected, but the Minister has failed to do anything.
“The roadsides are a mess and no one knows what to do about it – you talk to VicRoads and they say it’s DELWP, talk to DELWP and they says it’s local government and local government just scratch their heads saying how is this our job,” she said.
“It needs to be sorted out once and for all and we need to have clear policies in place for the reduction of roadside vegetation, that removes invasive species, keeps native species managed and allows for preventative works to be done to reduce fire risk.
“Aside from fire risk, vegetation on the roadside creates all kinds of other hazards for road users, with overgrown branches obstructing trucks and school busses and hampering lines of site at intersections.”
Ms Britnell said there needed to be a co-ordinated approach across departments, emergency services and local governments to ensure better management.
“Recently it was Fire Action week and Victorians were being urged to clean up their properties to reduce fire risk. A very important reminder and one that everyone should take heed of – including the Andrews Labor Government,” she said.
“The Minister must take action to reduce fire risk and to improve safety for motorists.”
