Council policy cut to ribbons

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
GEMBROOK MP Brad Battin has condemned a Yarra Ranges Council motion to increase roadside vegetation.
He said it contradicts recommendations put forward by the Bushfire Royal Commission.
The council had put forward a motion at last week’s 14 June meeting to note the achievements of the council’s Ribbons of Green program, an initiative which aimed to increase native vegetation in the shire.
But councillor Len Cox threw in “a curve ball” when he proposed an increase in roadside planting under the program.
Mr Battin said the report presented to the council had made no mention of roadside vegetation.
“However, a councillor used the motion to tack on a recommendation based on their own ideology, rather than expert advice from council officers,” he said.
“This motion is in direct contrast to recommendations in the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission, which proposed councils consider constructing fuel breaks parallel to roads.”
Councillors Graham Warren and Richard Higgins also identified concerns with the late motion despite Cr Cox urging the other councillors “it’s a pretty harmless addition”.
Cr Warren said many sections of the community were nervous about planting on roadsides for different reasons.
“I respect the passion to revegetate, but I just want it noted there are sections of community worried whether for traffic or bushfire considerations.”
Cr Higgins also noted that he couldn’t support the motion and it should be looked over at a later stage.
“I’m always mindful when council puts something in late,” he said, adding that the motion went against the original aim of the program. Mr Battin said the motion echoed the council’s ill-advised support of the Ethical Paper Pledge in April.
“Once again councillors at Yarra Ranges have rushed forward a motion that serves their own beliefs instead of their constituents,” he said.
“It has become apparent that this council is not consulting the community and that some councillors are pushing through late motions to avoid scrutiny.”