Rural roadsides remain unsafe

3 Dec ‘21

The big storm that swept across Victoria in the early hours of 29th October has left its mark on the Southern Peninsula. But why has the big cleanup gone quiet in rural areas.

Unfolding is a dangerous situation where piles of fallen trees and branches are quickly drying out as the hot sun begins to appear. This is perfect fire fuel.

Above: Hazard tape is the only warning given to motorist to avoid protruding debris

Adding to the concern is the issue of safety for motorists. Surely the Shire’s assessors are fully aware of debris languishing dangerously close to roads in Red Hill and Main Ridge. .

Hazardous material left protruding beyond the shoulder of the road and onto the bitumen is in some cases forcing traffic to take evasive action.

The then mayor Cr O’Connor, in her statement on 5th November, said “works will be prioritised based on risk”.

Over the past 5 weeks, teams of contractors have certainly been busy doing a big clean up in urban areas along the coast of the Peninsula. Perhaps it is now time for rural areas to be prioritised given the risks associated with the fire season.

And ratepayers are far from happy according to comments left on the Shire’s facebook page. But negative feedback appears to be falling on deaf ears.

Above: This site looks like a war zone. Trees leaning in a precarious position need to be cleared without delay.

In sheer contrast, everyone is full of praise for the SES and CFA who answered the urgent calls for help across the Peninsula as soon as the storm hit.

Volunteers using heavy haulage grappling machines, accompanied by chainsaw teams, worked tirelessly until roads were reopened. Energy crews worked non-stop repairing lines to restore power as quickly as possible, with some areas taking 5 or 6 days before rural residents could get their water tank pumps and plumbing working again.

Members of the community using their own chainsaws helped clear trees from buildings and roads. The local Cellar and Pantry Store at Red Hill provided refreshments for volunteers once their power was restored.

Now it’s time for the Shire to come up into the hinterland with their chippers, chainsaws and lifting machinery to do the big clearance.

Above: Storm debris piled up outside the Red Hill Consolidated School

POSTSCRIPT:

Committee for Peninsula is happy to report heavy machinery arrived in Shands Road on Friday 10th December to clear away dangerous storm damaged trees near the roadway.