By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
STRETCHING all across Traralgon-Maffra Road, overgrown vegetation has plagued the much-traversed country strip.
Renewed calls have been made by locals for the unkempt grass to be dealt with immediately.
Some areas feature overgrowth close to two metres high and going above property fence lines.
Either side coming through Glengarry, one heading to Traralgon and the other toward Toongabbie, are clear to drivers of its extensiveness and danger. As such, many are claiming it a fire hazard during these hot summer months, especially as the state sees an abundance of bushfires and grassfires to begin the year.
Nationals MP and Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath posted an astonishing image online of her among the tall grass, as she pushes for the state government to take action.
“A spark from a passing vehicle, stray cigarette, blown out tyre or piece of glass is all it will take to ignite (Traralgon-Maffra Rd vegetation). Locals are frustrated,” she said.
“The state government has a responsibility to maintain roadsides and manage the fuel load in our forest estate.
“The reality is, Traralgon-Maffra Rd is not an isolated example, it’s just one of many.”
Ms Bath was on hand with fellow Nationals MP, Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron last summer to spotlight a similar instance at a government-owned area in Tyers, which equally had been ignored and featured a blackberry infestation.
Regarding Traralgon-Maffra Rd, Ms Bath pointed to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, which was forged to investigate the Black Saturday bushfires, stating that roadside vegetation must be managed to prevent the occurrence of fires and minimise the spread.
She also noted the CFA’s recommendation that grass be shorter than 10cm as to lower the risk of igniting.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester also chimed in, calling it a concern regarding that amount of build-up along public land.
“When it comes to fires, the only thing we can really control is the fuel load because there will always be hot and windy days and a point of ignition – whether it’s natural, accidental or deliberate,” he said.
“It is primarily the state government’s responsibility to maintain roadsides and manage the fuel load on public land, but the city-focused Labor Party has cut staff numbers and cut funding to the CFA.”
The state opposition, as well as others such as volunteer firefighters and those impacted by the recent bushfires, have criticised the Allan government for not being prepared for what would eventually be declared a State of Disaster.
The most recent CFA annual financial report, being 2023/24 (the 2024/25 annual report is allegedly three months overdue), shows that grant funding has decreased every year since 2020/21.
The CFA board issued a firm statement last week disputing claims that its funds had been cut.
“In the midst of a fire emergency, it is acknowledged that the focus must be on community and supporting our volunteers and staff to continue doing what they do best in protecting Victorian communities,” the statement read.
“To support our frontline volunteers, we continue to prioritise investment in new and replacement fire stations, fire trucks and protective equipment, whilst continuing to advocate and work with government to secure more investment in fleet and equipment.”
Locals have been kept busy, as Traralgon-Maffra Rd also saw heavy appeal from the community for it to receive significant roadworks back in 2022.
The Department of Transport informed the Express that grass slashing and mowing last occurred in December 2025, with more work scheduled for March.
