Fiery meeting gets green light

By Melissa Grant
EMERALD residents got all fired up about the lack of green waste disposal and a fire refuge in the town during a fire-ready meeting.
Emotions were running high at the Emerald Community Hall on Sunday night as some members of the 600-strong crowd voiced their anger about various fire-prevention measures.
Residents complained about the absence of a community meeting place in the event of a fire and were angry about the closing of a fire-access track in the town.
They also called for more frequent green waste removal and better access to permits allowing them to clear fire hazards.
On Monday night council announced that it would offer a special free green-waste collection and drop-off service to help residents make their properties fire safe.
Emerald CFA captain Paul Yandle said many issues – not necessarily the responsibility of the CFA – were raised during the information session. “Emotions were running pretty high with what’s happened recently,” he said. “I suppose a lot of residents are concerned about green waste they need to get rid of … the best advice (from the CFA) is you need to get that as far away from your house as possible.”
Capt Yandle said some residents were also concerned about fuel loadings on private properties in the area. He stressed the responsibility of clearing such areas laid with the relative authority. “There was a bit of angst towards that kind of thing but the main reason (of the meeting) was to get fire ready,” he said.
Capt Yandle rebutted calls for a fire refuge in Emerald. “It fits into the CFA’s philosophy to stay and defend or leave early, and by that I stress leave early, before the fire. Getting in your car and evacuating at the last minute is a bad idea,” he told the Gazette.
“I suppose the real issue is that they need to recognise where they live … we are the most fire-prone area in the world and people need to be responsible for themselves.”
The council’s general manager for planning and development, Phil Walton, said ground fuel was the major source of fuel for bushfires, and the planning scheme provided exemptions for clearing ground fuel around houses.
From 17 February to 13 March residents can either take their green waste to Pakenham’s recycling facility or have it picked up for them via a book-in collection service.
The council’s general manager for assets and services, Mike Ellis, said the special initiative was in addition to the council’s twice-yearly hard and green waste collections.
Residents can leave up to two cubic metres of bundled green waste on their nature strip for collection.
For details about green waste removal contact the council on 1300 787 624.