Grass and trees will be trimmed and roadsides ploughed in coming weeks as VicRoads finishes its Macedon Ranges’ bushfire fuel reduction program.
North-central regional director Mal Kersting said contractors had been working south from the Mallee, targeting high-risk roadsides ahead of what’s expected to be an ‘‘above normal’’ fire season.
He said VicRoads, which manages more than 4000 kilometres of arterial roads in the north-central area, had worked with agencies including the CFA, the Department of Land, Environment, Water and Planning (DELWP) and councils to designate areas needing extra prevention works.
‘‘By slashing roadside grass, there is less likelihood of fires taking off or gaining momentum, while a wide, clear road like the Calder Freeway can provide a type of firebreak,’’ he said.
Mr Kersting said VicRoads had completed clearing works in 45 per cent of the targeted areas, including significant stretches of the Calder and Hume freeways. Work on sections of Gisborne-Kilmore Road, Heathcote-Kyneton Road and Mount Macedon Road will start this week.
Macedon Ranges council is almost six weeks into its own roadside program, having started in October, a month earlier than usual.
Council assets and operations director Dale Thornton said the initial focus was on areas in the north and east of the shire, which are known to dry out more quickly. The council is responsible for about 1700 kilometres of roads.
In the wake of the recent Lancefield bushfire, the CFA used Fire Action Week to urge people in regional areas to understand the local risks.
‘‘It’s a great time to increase your understanding of the fire risk where you live,’’ a CFA spokesman said.
‘‘Take the time to prepare your property, and talk to your family and friends about what you plan to do if a fire is nearby.’’
A report into the Lancefield fire, which began as a DELWP fuel reduction burn, is expected to be released this month.
