Roadside slashing program progressing

East Gippsland Shire Council’s contractors are progressing with the annual roadside slashing program ahead of summer.

Council appoints contractors to complete the scheduled slashing program across the shire.

Exceptional growth, or regrowth, is being experienced in some parts of the shire, thanks largely to October rain.

Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford said contractors take a cautious approach following wet conditions to ensure they limit surface damage and not create wheel ruts.

“Wet grass can also mean slower slashing rates,” Mr Basford said.

Now is also the time to be preparing private property for the season ahead.

“Preparing our private properties now is of upmost importance and there are many things you can do now, such as clearing out your gutters, mulching, mixing wet and dry leaves to compost and trying to remove any fuel that can dry out in summer. Coming up to and during fire season, the preferred height for grass is no longer than 10 centimetres,” Mr Basford said.

“It’s also the best time to be putting your fire plan together as a family. If that plan is to leave early, please remember that preparing your property is still important, to reduce risk for both yourself and your neighbours.”

Council will start inspections across the shire this month and issue fire prevention notices were appropriate.

Slashing program update:

Batt Bros have completed Tabberaberra, Bullumwaal, Calulu, Glenaladale, Fernbank, Lindenow, Lindenow South and Hillside. They are moving into Wattle Point, Newlands Arm, Eagle Point, Paynesville and then Raymond Island and should be completed in a little over a week.

Melwood Investments have completed Metung, Tambo Bluff, Nungurner, Eastwood Bluff, and some reserves in Lakes Entrance. Moving to Ensay and Omeo next, the expected completion is 2-3 weeks.

R&M Contracting started at Bruces Road and have completed Nungurner, Kalimna West, Kalimna, Lakes Entrance, Lake Bunga and Lake Tyers. They will be moving to Buchan and then minor works in Swifts Creek., with a likely completgion within two weeks.

Orbost Civil and Civic has completed Jarrahmond, Newmerella, Lochend, Goongerah, Buldah, Bete Bolong and Buchan-Orbost Road. Bemm River, Bendoc and Tubbut will follow over the next three weeks.

Lancaster Contracting have completed the Fingerboards, Glenaladale, Flaggy Creek, Ellaswood Wy Yung and Clifton Creek. Nicholson, Johnsonville and Tambo Upper will be completed in a fortnight.

Seechange Contracting have completed Bruthen, Club Terrace and Combienbar and are in Cann River before moving into Mallacoota and Genoa with a 2-3 weeks until completion.