Central Victoria storm damage: Tree debris poses a summer risk

Central Victorian locals are concerned storm debris from June poses a serious fire risk. But red tape is getting in the way of the cleanup.

Hundreds of trees were destroyed in the mid-June storm across central Victoria.

Half a million cubic metres of storm-damaged timber is lying idle in central Victoria with concerns it will pose a fire risk as summer approaches.

In mid-June, ferocious winds damaged swathes of forest around the Daylesford, Trentham and Dandenong Ranges.

Victorian National Party leader Peter Walsh is set to raise the issue in State Parliament this week after meeting with landholders in the Daylesford district recently.

He told The Weekly Times that while the State Government initially made promising remarks about firewood access to state parkland, those wishing to do so had been obstructed by bureaucratic red tape.

“It’s hard unless you see it with your own eyes to describe how much timber is lying around following the storms a few months back,” Mr Walsh said.

“Opening up access, clearing away the bureaucracy around access would allow for constructive use of this resource. We have a timber shortage in Victoria — really, it’s a no brainer.”

A Victorian Government spokeswoman said firewood will be made available – for those who rely on wood fires for heating – in designated areas.

But only once suitability for a range of purposes had been assessed and when it was safe.

“Forest Fire Management Victoria is working with councils and emergency agencies as the storm clean-up continues following the extreme weather in June,” the spokeswoman said.

“Crews are prioritising works to open roads and access areas required for fuel management activities for the upcoming fire season.”

“DELWP is working with recovery crews and VicForests to explore opportunities to make fallen timber available for use, including for community firewood.”

In November 2019, the Andrews Government confirmed it would phase out the logging of native trees over the next decade under a transition plan that will cost $120 million.

The policy includes reducing the current level of native timber available for logging from the 2024-25 financial year.

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