2016-02-09
MS DUNN — To ask the Special Minister of State (for the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water): In relation to the clearing of several hundred trees which took place along Bull Creek Road, many of which we are informed, were within the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, a conservation zone:
(1) Will the Minister confirm this felling of trees, in particular that it took place within the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve.
(2) Will the Minister provide information on the scale of felling operations in this area.
(3) Will the Minister provide information on the nature of this felling of trees and the reasons and underpinning rationale for why the works were undertaken.
(4) Are there future plans for further felling operations in this area, particularly within the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve.
ANSWER:
I am informed that:
Fires from 2003-2009 have left a legacy of many millions of dead or severely damaged trees in Victoria. The falling trees and branches pose significant risks to the public, firefighters, and staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Parks Victoria travelling through or working in affected areas.
A program of risk management of hazardous trees has taken place extensively across the public land estate including Parks and conservation reserves such as the Murrindindi Natural Features and Scenic Reserve.
The tree risk management is part of a public safety program which commenced in 2013 under the previous government and at this stage has been funded by Labor for a further two years. The program has reduced the risks to forest visitors and firefighters from fire damaged or dead hazardous trees along 1200 kilometres of roadsides to date.
Only those trees that pose a risk to public safety will be removed.