FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews will start cutting grass on public land across the Murray Goldfields District to help reduce bushfire risk ahead of summer.
Works will take place across the Macedon Ranges, as well as Bendigo and Heathcote regions.
FFMVic Murray Goldfields District Manager Aaron Gay said crews will slash around 1400 hectares in the coming weeks, which is equivalent to more than 110 Melbourne Cricket Grounds of grass.
“Grass slashing works are carefully timed to align with the anticipated increase in grass growth,” Mr Gay said.
“If slashing is carried out too early, it will encourage regrowth and require additional treatment later.”
Mr Gay said the program is designed to help reduce bushfire risk on public land and support broader community safety outcomes.
“Our fuel management program seeks to reduce bushfire risk to communities and the environment by reducing the amount of fuel available to burn during a fire,” he said.
“Reducing fuels such as grass, leaves and fallen branches can help make fires less intense and easier for firefighters to contain.”
Mr Gay said reducing bushfire risk is a shared responsibility.
“We encourage residents to keep grass short, remove leaves and twigs from the yard and clear flammable materials from around their homes.”
For more information on the process, visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.
