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Emergency Services Roads | January 12, 2017

Labor cuts roadside slashing budget

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to reinstate funding for roadside slashing on the brink of another major fire season.

“I have been contacted by constituents who are concerned about the lack of roadside slashing being undertaken and it is essential for the Labor Government to provide the funding needed,” Ms Kealy said.

“Concerns have been raised right across the Lowan electorate and in particular the Henty and Glenelg Highways in the South West region.

“Some roadside slashing has been undertaken by VicRoads, however budget cuts by the Andrews Labor Government means less has been undertaken compared to previous years,” she said.

Following recent wet conditions, local residents are reporting that roadside growth is the worst ever seen.

“It is contradictive that the Andrews Labor Government is spending a huge amount of money on advertising for local people to prepare for the fire season, yet they are not providing the funding needed for the slashing of road sides,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Andrews Labor Government must reverse its reduction in funding for roadside slashing to help reduce fire risks and danger to local lives,” she said.