Keen relish

from Gippsland Times Tuesday 11 October 2022

Picks out

CFA women’s chainsaw course a success

GP1648816 FEMALE CFA volunteers recently descended on Briagolong for a two-day chainsaw workshop. Held on a “blustery” weekend, 12 women participated to learn all about the ins and outs of chainsaws: safety, cleaning, maintenance and of course, how to use them. Instructor Geordie Akeroyd was impressed by the enthusiasm of the participants, describing them as the “group of the decade”. “It is great to work with a group so keen to learn,” Akeroyd said. Golden Beach Fire Brigade captain Paula Grosveld inspired the women to attend the training. On the first day, the women were introduced to chainsaws, learning about cutting techniques and safety elements of chainsaws and clothing. The next step in the learning phase was

Putting chainsaw teachings into practice.

maintenance. The women had to dismantle their saws, clean them and sharpen their chains in preparation for an afternoon of cutting. The feedback from those who attended the workshop was positive. “I have learned so much about chainsaw use, safety aspects and maintenance,” one participant said. “Just to learn how to assess a fallen tree has been mind-boggling. “I’ll be happily using and maintaining a chainsaw now.” Another participant said her most memorable moment was “going out and implementing my new-found knowledge in real situations”. Sale Fire Brigade was among the local CFA crews who assisted with facilitating the workshop, and said the day could not have been a success without their instructors, Akeroyd, Ben Griffiths, Justin Elliott, Ted Osler, Chris Buxton and District 10 coordinator of learning and development, Andrew Shaw. They also wished to thank the Briagolong Fire Brigade for allowing the use of their station and the “excellent catering”.

Council offers no-fee green waste collection

WELLINGTON Shire Council is urging property owners to prepare for the 2022/23 summer bushfire season, with No Fee Green Waste disposal at landfills and transfer stations throughout November. To assist residents with property clean-up, council is offering No Fee Green Waste disposal at facilities in Kilmany, Maffra, Loch Sport, Seaspray, Heyfield, Stratford and Yarram. Wellington Shire mayor Ian Bye urged residents to take advantage of the No Fee Green Waste initiative ahead of summer, particularly after a wet winter and spring resulted in plenty of growth. “This initiative is a great opportunity for people to take advantage of in order to ensure their properties are bushfire-ready this summer,” Cr Bye said. The Dargo Transfer Station will not be accepting green waste over this period. Truck loads of green waste will not be accepted at any council transfer stations. The fine for dumping green waste is currently $370, and court action may incur much more severe penalties. The announcement comes as council prepares to conduct fire inspections of properties, also taking place during November. Over two weeks from November 2, Wellington Shire Council officers will begin inspecting 17,000 private properties for bushfire hazard reduction compliance, starting at high-risk areas such as Loch Sport, Paradise Beach, Golden Beach and Yarram, then moving onto the rest of the shire. Properties must be prepared before the annual inspections take place, and maintained for the entirety of the Fire Danger Period. Council will issue the owner of any property identified as posing a potential fire risk with a Fire Prevention Notice, with instructions to clean up. Set by the CFA, penalties of $1849 can apply for failure to comply with these notices. This year, preparing for the Fire Danger Period will also include becoming familiar with the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System being rolled out, which now only includes four stages: Moderate (plan and prepare), High (be ready to act), Extreme (take action now to protect your life and property), and Catastrophic (for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas early). Residents should reduce fire hazards by slashing grass, bracken or weeds, especially around buildings and fences. Undergrowth, fallen branches, garden refuse and tree cuttings should be removed, while tree branches and shrubs should also be pruned. Police will actively investigate burning off in the fire danger period, and heavy fines may be imposed on any person burning off without a permit. Property owners must have a written permit to burn off within a town area. Permits will only be issued where there is no alternative to burning. Under no circumstances does a Fire Prevention Notice give direction or permission to remove whole trees or disturb soils. For more information about fire preparedness, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/fire To learn more about green waste disposal and accepted items, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ environment/green-waste-disposal