Forest Fire Management Victoria is restarting works to remove roadside debris from the Dandenong Ranges National Park caused by storms across the state in June and October 2021. Source: Timberbiz
These works are a continuation of roadside recovery works that were paused over winter last year due to wet conditions at the site.
This work will reduce bushfire risk caused by fallen and hazardous trees from the storms and enable safe and rapid response to future bushfires in the forest.
Due to the scale of the operation, forest contractors, including VicForests, have been engaged to assist FFMVic in the recovery efforts.
Works along Board Track will start when conditions allow and are expected to be completed within the coming weeks. Board Track as well as roads 15, 16 and 17 closed to the public whist works continue.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tamara Beckett said assessments showed soil conditions along roadsides have now dried out enough after winter to allow works to restart.
Heavy vehicles and machinery will be active in the area over the coming weeks as debris is removed from roads, tracks and road reserves within the forest.
“The key objective of this work is to reduce bushfire risk caused by fallen and hazardous trees from the storms and to enable safe and rapid response to future bushfires in the forest,” DCFO Beckett said.
“FFMVic will maintain oversight of all works to ensure environmental, biodiversity and cultural values are managed during debris management operations.
“As fallen trees can also provide valuable habitat for wildlife, some will be left in place where appropriate. For all other debris, the best end use will be considered – this may include using it for domestic firewood collection, commercial firewood and timber products.
“Road users should also be mindful that there will be more trucks using roads in and around the National Park while works are taking place and are encouraged to keep an eye out for them if driving in the area.”
Public safety is our number one priority while these critical recovery works are being conducted.
Due to the extent of the damage along Board Track and roads 15, 16 and 17 will be closed for public access whilst these works are being carried out. Traffic management will ensure everyone’s safety while the works are carried out.
