Nillumbik council has a LOT to answer for. Their green policy has certainly cost lives. My parents have lived in Nillumbik shire for over the last 30 years, and the lunacy of not being able to cut down trees, and back burn has been so costly. Thankfully my parents decided they were not going to stay in such a volitile situation and left Friday night to return Sunday afternoon.
I recall some years ago (maybe 10-15 years) their neighbour, who at the time was an active member of the Hurstbridge CFA sought permission to cut some trees to provide safe access to his property which was shrouded in trees. The shire rejected his application. He then had the CFA write a request stating that they couldn't access his property with the fire truck in the event of an emergency. The shire, CFA and the neighbour then all met on site to see the lack of access first hand. The shire then approved the removal of a couple of trees, but not what was required. I'll always remember being told "They can't cut down the rest because they might upset the ecosystem of the ants" WHAT ROT! Fortunately, the fires didn't make it as far as Nutfield.
My sister lives and teaches in Yarra Glen, I can't express the saddness, distress and raw emotion she's had each day this week given the number of families she knows caught up in this tragedy, many of whom were lucky to escape with their lives let alone other possessions.
Whilst trying to provide a stable environment for the children in her care, she is still yet to hear from a number of families. The anguish of the homeless, the worry of those missing from Steele's Creek along with the associated rumours, and the ongoing fires in Dixon's Creek and Castella she, like many close to the events are hoping that these families and children are safely out of harms way.
Buddybee
I recall some years ago (maybe 10-15 years) their neighbour, who at the time was an active member of the Hurstbridge CFA sought permission to cut some trees to provide safe access to his property which was shrouded in trees. The shire rejected his application. He then had the CFA write a request stating that they couldn't access his property with the fire truck in the event of an emergency. The shire, CFA and the neighbour then all met on site to see the lack of access first hand. The shire then approved the removal of a couple of trees, but not what was required. I'll always remember being told "They can't cut down the rest because they might upset the ecosystem of the ants" WHAT ROT! Fortunately, the fires didn't make it as far as Nutfield.
My sister lives and teaches in Yarra Glen, I can't express the saddness, distress and raw emotion she's had each day this week given the number of families she knows caught up in this tragedy, many of whom were lucky to escape with their lives let alone other possessions.
Whilst trying to provide a stable environment for the children in her care, she is still yet to hear from a number of families. The anguish of the homeless, the worry of those missing from Steele's Creek along with the associated rumours, and the ongoing fires in Dixon's Creek and Castella she, like many close to the events are hoping that these families and children are safely out of harms way.
Buddybee