Council seeks feedback on rural roadside activities

Published on 28 June 2024

Council seeks community feedback on how landowners and community activities are carried out on rural roadsides.

Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting feedback from the community on its updated Rural Roadside Conservation Management (RRCM) Plan and Guidelines.

The RRCM Plan guides how roadside vegetation is managed across the Shire and helps Council, the community and other agencies understand the conservation value of roadsides and how to carry out works or activities on them appropriately. These activities include utility works, roadside grazing, firewood collection, slashing, mowing and weed management. There are 26 pieces of legislation that cover Government requirements. The RRCM Guidelines are designed to help users to understand these requirements.

Council is seeking community feedback on the Plan and companion Guidelines to understand what’s important to local residents in maintaining and protecting native vegetation on our rural roadsides, what activities residents usually carry out on roadsides and if the Guidelines are easy to understand.

To get involved, visit our community engage platform The Loop, or contact Council on (03) 5772 0333 and speak to our Environmental Programs team.

Feedback closes on Sunday 28 July 2024.

Council’s Sustainability, Assets and Emergency Management Portfolio Councillor Karine Haslam said “As a community, we are the custodians of our rural roadsides. These areas provide vital habitats for native flora and fauna and they are part of our shared environment. We also recognise the primary purpose of our roads and roadsides in providing safe access for motorists and residents and the important role they play in fire prevention and community safety. Your feedback on the Rural Roadside Conservation Management Plan is invaluable. It helps us ensure that our guidelines are clear, practical, and serve the needs of everyone who uses our roadsides. Together, we can balance the needs of our community with the preservation of our unique native vegetation. Let’s work together to protect and enhance these precious corridors of life for future generations.”