Comments on: Nancy knows best!

By: Geoff

Geoff — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:18:14 +0000

Sue,
If clearing land near Melbourne in order to make houses safe from fire was restricted by “windows of opportunity” rather than by-laws imposed by local authorities influenced by “greenie” policies, why was one house owner subjected to a fine for clearing bush adjacent to his house? He was reported in the Press to be one of the few residents in or near Maryville who saved his house, family and self by carrying out illegal but very sensible actions.
To live among the most inflammable, highly resinous trees in the world and not put a safe distance between them and yourself seems the height of folly. Have they not read the various histories of bush fires – 1939 etc when people were boiled alive in their water tanks? Have they not seem that wonderful painting by William Strutt in Melbourne’s Art Gallery which shows so graphically the panic of people who did not distance themselves sufficiently from potential danger in good time?
Bates insensitive? Maybe, but from how much truth do we have to shield people especially when they plan to go back without assurances that the stupid bylaws against clearing will be changed?

By: Cliff Greet

Cliff Greet — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:25:01 +0000

Nancy should write to the Victorian Government saying she can save ‘em millions- she has all the answers.
Yes, she has made very insensitive remarks and also very ill informed, as an ex Victorian visiting beautiful Marysville was one of my great winter treats – sitting inthe Cumberland,warm fire and snow all around.
She does not appreciate that a lot of that beautiful country is snow covered for a greater part of winter and that hazard reduction burning poses far different problems.

By: sue

sue — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:36:46 +0000

Emailed comment from Marilyn that I was permitted to post on her behalf.

“I am appalled by the insensitivity displayed by Nancy Bates in her editorial (FCC 18-2-09) re the Victorian bushfire disaster.

As a nature lover, bird watcher and a supporter of tree planting, I am also aware that clearing around houses in fire prone areas is an absolute necessity to preserve life and property.

The Victorian councils are to blame for their restrictions and laws governing what property owners can and cannot do, and councillors are elected from all walks of life, not just from green supporters.

To say that relatives of victims should look to the greenies for vengeance instead of arsonists or power companies and that “leading greenies . . should be considered accessories to manslaughter” is, I believe, completely irresponsible.

This type of biased reporting from the Editor of a prominent neswpaper is totally unwarranted and can only encourage a hate campaign”.

Marilyn Jacobs, Dundowran Beach

By: The Protege

The Protege — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:02:11 +0000

Sue,

The fact remains – by their own admissions, the Victorian government is substancially behind in fuel reduction operations and whilst we can not say if it contributed, it is the responsibility of us all to ensure our environment is kept in a condition that gives us the best possible chance of survival in freak events of nature.

Victoria’s tragic losses should be a reminder to us all. Be Prepared!

By: Sadman

Sadman — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:14:41 +0000

G’day Sue,

I agree with all of the above, knowing the D’nong ranges and Yarra Valley
as well if not better than most, I would add the following.

Many of the lost homes should never have been built. More importantly they
should not be allowed to be re-built. Evacuation if required should be the day
before, any one knowing the roads in the area, would now they are not suited
to fast heavy traffic at the best of times, narrow, winding, drop-offs at the side,
in many areas canopied by the trees and often banked on one side with no way
of turning round.

You are correct, we will never stop the fires, much simpler to remove the people.
I wont tell of my experiences in the Lara fires of the ’60′s, suffice to say I would
not wish it on my worst enemy.

Governments need to act and act tough, some people need to be protected for
their own good.

Sadman