By Cindy McLeish
Spring is here and so are the weeds and long grass.
Roadside vegetation across the Yarra Ranges is flourishing, and with it an array of issues for road users.
Every year my office receives calls from concerned locals reporting the length of the roadside grass is in desperate need of maintenance.
It should not be left up to locals to raise the alarm, although I commend people for taking pride in and identifying ways to keep the Yarra Ranges tidy.
The Allan Labor Government must ramp up roadside slashing efforts to keep grass lengths under control and roads safe for all users.
Overgrown roadside grass can fast become a hazard for road users by blocking driver’s vision and obstructing the view of oncoming traffic through roundabouts.
Many of the major road speed limits across the Yarra Ranges sit at 80km/h or 100km/h, so it is imperative that drivers have full visibility at all times.
Drivers should not have to worry about grass length, especially while they’re trying to dodge the never-ending potholes that plague our roads.
This can quickly become the cause of accidents.
We know long grass can also be a real hazard as the bushfire season fast approaches.
Grassfires are not uncommon in the area and can start quickly and spread easily, especially during dry, hot conditions, with plenty to fuel to burn.
Roadside slashing plays a crucial part in mitigating these fuel loads, and we cannot afford for it to be delayed.
In many situations, particularly after a storm, fallen trees and branches are often pushed to the edge of the road, creating an additional fire hazard.
People are prohibited from cutting up or removing the fallen branches for firewood, adding to the issue of fuel loads as it will most likely be left.
Large debris buildup can block driver’s view and mowing access and prevents cars from pulling over if they need to.
I have often seen this while driving along Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and Dalry Road and it is a real hazard.
The major roads throughout the Yarra Ranges, extending to Ringwood via the Maroondah Highway, are the gateway to the Yarra Valley.
We all take pride living the Yarra Valley and want to see the crown land maintained.
It is upsetting to display this awful sight of weeds, debris and overgrowth to tourists during this busy time of year.
Regular roadside slashing is an effective way to tidy the area, decrease fuel loads and keep drivers, both locals and tourists alike, safe on our roads.
