Living With the Bush

MANNINGHAM Council is worried the State Government’s relaxed vegetation clearing rules will risk the environment, wildlife habitats and cause erosion.

The ‘10/30 right’ rules, which became legislation last week to help in fire season preparations, allow residents to remove all vegetation within 10m of their property and ground fuel within 30m without a permit.

Acting council chief executive Celia Haddock said the council welcomed responsible fire-prevention initiatives, but had concerns about vegetation clearing without a permit.

“Manningham Council is seeking clarification on the new clearing exemptions from the State Government in relation to a number of concerns, such as where they will apply, protecting heritage significance, significant native vegetation and wildlife habitat, and areas subject to erosion,” Ms Haddock said.

Manningham Mayor Charles Pick said the council was considering the impact on the municipality and, if considered significant, would request the State Government to reconsider the rules.

“I would like to think that people who live in the bush live there for a reason and won’t want to cut down anything and everything,” Cr Pick said.

Mullum Mullum Ward councillor David Ellis said he believed the legislation could totally transform Manningham’s Green Wedge.

“A 30m clearance around houses and 4m from any fence line will turn Warrandyte into a wasteland,” Cr Ellis said.

Since the rules were announced, tree loppers have begun preparing to be inundated.

David Hellings from Downunder Tree and Stump Removal, said he expected an influx of requests to remove trees in the coming months.

Councillors will consider the 10/30 right policy at the September 29 council meeting.