More than 1300 kilometres of access roads in forest areas has been created or improved through the Victorian government reducing bushfire risk program.
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Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and contractors have completed 84 projects in the North East with the program funding, enabling better access for firefighters.
"Thirty-five local businesses helped carry out the work, providing more jobs for community and helping forest contractors maintain and gain skills that allow them to help fight bushfires in remote and difficult terrain," Hume deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said.
"Timing is everything when it comes to responding to bushfires, particularly in remote forest areas.
"By getting firefighters and machinery on site as quickly as possible, we greatly improve the chance of controlling fires before they spread and impact communities and the environment.
Mr Kennedy said $2.1 million of works in the third year of the program had been completed.
"Additional works are planned in the lead up to summer, including managing fuel loads and road and bridge upgrades across the region," he said.
"This program complements our planned burning, slashing, and mulching works, and collectively helps reduce the impacts of bushfires on communities and the environment."
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