With the fire season approaching, East Gippsland Shire Council is taking a planned and targeted approach to roadside slashing, balancing vegetation growth, local conditions and fire-prevention priorities throughout the season.
The program began on 30 September at Clifton Creek before moving east, with works around Cann River, Club Terrace, Errinundra, Genoa, Mallacoota and Tamboon. Slashing crews will be back in Clifton Creek later in the program for further work. Crews are now progressively moving west.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said Council started with roadside scrub cutting and woody vegetation before moving into broader grass slashing – and she noted that the plan will be adapted if fire threats emerge.
“We know conditions can change quickly across East Gippsland, and vegetation and fire risk vary from one area to another. So we've started early, and we'll keep assessing conditions and direct our crews where they’re needed most,” Cr Ashworth said.
Following work along Sydenham Inlet Road towards Bemm River, crews will continue west towards Orbost and surrounding areas.
The timing, sequence and extent of works will depend on vegetation growth, seasonal and ground conditions, and assessed fire-risk priorities. Roads may be added to the program where necessary to address emerging fire risks.
“We can’t do every road at once, so we’ll keep monitoring conditions throughout the season, adjust our priorities as needed and keep residents informed about our progress,” Cr Ashworth said.
Council’s website features the full 2026–27 core program, along with a map of the slashing areas. Fortnightly updates on Council's Facebook page will list completed roads and sections, current progress and scheduled areas.
For the latest emergency information, visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard at emergencydashboard.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au.