Living With the Bush

 Dear Mr Merlino MHR

STOP environment destruction now Repeal 10/30 regulations

It has been reported to me that the government has legislated for the clearing of trees under the 10/30 proposal aired on talk back radio, there are several points I would like to make.

There has been no public consultation prior to this legislation being passed. The rantings of talkback radio shock jocks and those who listen to this media are no substitute for public consultation and properly considered policy.

- This legislation overrides local democracy and planning laws

- This legislation is a knee jerk reaction which does not take into account   any local issues, and does not take into consideration scientific evidence that suggests that   vegetation and tree removal does not decrease risk of bushfire.

- No consideration has been given to the recommendations of the Bushfire Royal Commission.

- Tree removal increases wind speed at ground level which can intensify  bushfire with its consequential  catastrophic consequences

- Lot sizes in many areas like the Dandenong Ranges, Eltham and the  Mornington Peninsula are small with many trees are within 10 metres of homes,   wholesale     clearing to 10/30 will denude these areas without making them safe. The lungs of Melbourne will become like the treeless plains of Melbournes west.  

- Destroy the tourist attractiveness of The Dandenongs.  If you don’t believe me a denuded Puffing Billy line would be as attractive to international tourists as a trip to   St Albans or Broadmeadows.  How many millions do tourists spend in St Albans. NIL

- Trees and understorey plants have the potential to protect properties from ember attack.

- Clearing 4 metres along fence lines obviously will not make houses fire safe.

- 10/30 creates a false sense of security with the potential of tragic outcomes. Most of Black Saturdays victims died in the mistaken belief that they could save their     house.

- 10/30 will impact climate change. All the carbon trading is wasted if we remove all the trees that soak up carbon.  The so called lives you think you are saving will     be exposed to all the ills of climate change more quickly. 

- 10/30 will create tension between neighbours as those who cut down trees unnecessarily expose their neighbours to greater bush fire threat and destroy the           environment.  Already too many trees in my neighbour hood have been removed in the 25 years I have lived in The Patch.

STOP environment destruction now Repeal 10/30 regulations