Media Releases

Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell is encouraging residents in the Shepparton district to attend a community information session on Thursday August 25 to find out more information about planned burns in Victoria’s parks and forests.

Mrs Powell said the community information session would be one of many held across the state.

“The government is committed to consulting with the community about fire operations plans and committed to letting the community know where and when controlled burns will occur within a region,” Mrs Powell said.

“The proposed new fire management zones for public land will be displayed at the meeting and public comment will be sought.”

“I would encourage residents who know the area very well and have something to contribute about proposed changes to the zones to attend the meeting if possible.”

Each district in the state will develop a Fire Operations Plan for the coming three years which shows planned burns and other fire prevention works such as slashing, track works and construction of fire breaks.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment Fire Operations Plans are developed in consultation with communities, special interest groups, local councils, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, forest managers, CFA, flora and fauna specialists and any other parties that register interest.

The Shepparton meeting is at the CFA Region 22 office, Numurkah Rd, Shepparton, on August 25, from 9am to 1pm.

If unable to attend the meeting, residents can view the plans online at www.dse.vic.gov.au, phone 136 186 or visit their local DSE or Parks Victoria Office. Comments will be received until 29 August 2011.