G-MW has already implemented a range of programs in partnership with local Governments, the CFA and DSE to identify and address potential fire risks on and around G-MW's storages and along the delivery network in anticipation of fire risks this coming summer.
According to G-MW Manager Dams, Stuart Richardson fire protection plans are in place at all water storages with Lake Eildon a key focus.
G-MW is an active participant in the development of a Township Protection Plan which is being lead by the CFA. The State Government listed 50 high risk towns and the CFA then compiled a list of a further 50 towns with Eildon township identified in the second group of 50 towns. The CFA has appointed an officer to facilitate the development of the Plan.
"Even with these fire preparations in place we are asking the community to follow fire safety guidelines. We remind everyone that riding motorbikes and 4WDs on the lakebed poses significant fire risk and is not permitted. We also ask everyone to not leave camp fires unattended," said Mr Richardson.
Mr Richardson said the partnership approach between the Murrundindi Shire, Parks Victoria, DSE and G-MW was vital to a comprehensive fire risk planning.
The Murrindindi Shire covers Eildon Township, Taylor Bay. Parks Victoria and DSE manage forest around Lake Eildon from Big River to North of Coller Bay. G-MW has prepared a Fire Protection Plan for the Eildon storage in consultation with the regional CFA officers, Shires and DSE.
"Working together we are able to provide a comprehensive response that engages all relevant land managers and agencies. For example, in 2007 G-MW contributed to Shire works to improve fire breaks above the Eildon Township," said Mr Richardson.
As part of Shire fire prevention works the Shire maintains the Eildon Firebreak Road and an emergency access road from Taylor Bay to Karrilika Heights. These roads are located on G-MW land and are not open to general public use. Firebreak Road has locked gates on either end of the G-MW land. The Karrilika Heights Road is mostly located on Eildon Boat Club's lease area.
The following provides an update on the fire preparation activities delivered by Eildon CFA, Murrindindi Shire and G-MW around the township of Eildon:
November 2008
G-MW staff commenced extensive removal of exotic trees and dead timber and also cleared up to 30 meters from the road on either side of the Park Ave bush reserve creek.
April 2009
CFA completed a controlled burn of the Park Ave Bush Reserve along both sides of the creek from Boulevard Caravan Park to High Street
November / December 2009
G-MW staff to clean up burnt timber to allow the Shire to extend the area they slash along the Bush Reserve
The Murrindindi Shire provided G-MW approval to construct two new fire breaks that involve:
- A Break running around the North & North Western perimeter of the Boulevard Caravan Park [which is now 90% complete]
- A Break running around the North & North Western perimeter of G-MW land at the top of the Park Ave bush reserve adjoining private land.
- Grading works completed on an emergency fire exit track on G-MW land between Taylor Bay and Karrilika Heights
- Timber along an emergency access track to Taylor Bay Right Arm of the lake has been cut back. This is to be followed up with grading once the works at Karrilika Heights is complete.
G-MW is also completing
- spraying works between the Eildon houses and the catch drain in the area from Hillside Avenue to Centre Avenue. This will be followed up with normal slashing and an extended arm slasher works. [50% complete]
- maintenance works on the Fire Break Track between East Crescent and the Boulevard.
- Blackberry spraying of G-MW land around Eildon Township.[50% completed]
- cleanup program in the bush land between Park Avenue and Park Avenue North. [ongoing]
G-MW is also continuing to work with Parks Victoria, Houseboat Marinas and boat operators to ensure compliance with G-MW and Parks Victoria By-laws that prohibit fires around the lake Eildon Foreshore. New signs will be installed at boat ramps explaining fire and camping regulations.
As part of G-MW lease compliance, club sites around the lake are also required to have updated fire management plans in place.
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Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Manager Stakeholder Relations
Telephone: 03 5833 5776 or 0412 183 792