TOWONG Council is pushing for governments to recognise the devastating impact of landslides on the Upper Murray in the wake of the summer bushfire crisis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Towong Shire mayor David Wortmann said the council had lobbied the Victorian government to take up the issue with its federal counterparts.
"After the bushfires went through there was no vegetation to stop the water rushing down the hills after rainfall," he said.
"It's quite evident the landslides have been caused by the first emergency; now we need to look into the second emergency."
Cr Wortmann said the issue had impacted private landholders as well as council roads and culverts.
"We're quietly confident of some help," Cr Wortmann said.
"We've had lots of politicians visit us this year and it's just common sense."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said the scale of the bushfires heavily impacted the land.
"The scale and intensity of the Upper Murray fire resulted in significant vegetation loss, which has made entire catchments susceptible to erosion and debris flows following rainfall events," he said.
"These rain events have significantly impacted the environment, roads, tracks and in some cases private property."
Mr Kennedy said financial support was available to landholders under some circumstances.
"Support is available to landholders if their property has been impacted by landslips as a direct result of fire response works. Assistance is also available to eligible landholders for the replacement of state forest boundary fence lines impacted by the bushfire."
