Fired up already
Plans for blaze season
PLANNING for the summer fire season, which is likely to start earlier than usual, is well underway.
Activities to prepare for the season have been brought forward, with seasonal staff also rostered on earlier.
Forest Fire Management Victoria District Manager Otways David Roberts said “the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast for a longer, drier summer for Victoria extends to the Otway District, with an El Nino watch in the current outlook”.
“In response to this outlook, we have brought forward several preparedness activities, including our slashing program around the coastal communities of Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Lorne,” Mr Roberts said.
“The program creates fuel breaks, referred to as asset protection zones, between public forest and private property to provide a permanent reduced fuel area.
“This allows for greater defendable spaces for these communities in the event of a significant bushfire.”
He said Forest Fire Management Victoria’s seasonal contracted firefighters had been brought on four weeks earlier than previous years.
He said the spring planned burn program would start when conditions were suitable, “targeting smaller strategic areas near townships”.
“Our aim is to complete strategic burns around towns in the eastern and central Otways, including Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Forrest and Gellibrand,” he said.
These burns are being jointly planned and delivered with the CFA.
The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicates Victoria will have a “normal” fire season, but in East Gippsland conditions appear to be above normal. THE animals and farmers at Freshwater Creek Cottages have an extra spring in their step this month.
An influx of births has heralded the beginning of spring at the farmstay accommodation, with calves, lambs and more than 20 piglets now pattering around the Surf Coast property.
Manager Trina Bevan cuddled up to a lamb and piglet (above) from the expanding farm family, which has just welcomed its latest member, a black and white male calf born on a pile of hay in a paddock — with a bit of help from farmer Phil.
The baby animals live on the 20ha property alongside seven cottages, where guests can interact with the animals.
Details at fwcreek.com.au