PREPARATION for the coming bushfire season kicked off last week as staff from the Department of Sustainability and Parks Victoria and volunteers worked to establish containment lines in Lysterfield State Park.
Spring burns of around 21 hectares are planned for Lysterfield park and a strategic three-hectare burn within the Churchill National Park
A further 43 hectares will be burned in Cardinia Reservoir Park, at Menzies Creek, Aura Vale and in Emerald.
John Goodman, the ranger in charge, said work had begun early, to coincide with Fire Action Week, but planned burns would continue over the summer and be maintained throughout the fire season.
"These fire-protection works won't stop a fire from starting but they do greatly reduce the risk of an intense bushfire developing.
"They also give firefighters a big advantage in attacking a fire in its early stages and bringing it under control."
Preparations last week, in partnership with the CFA and Cardinia Council, included clearing and constructing fire breaks, slashing grass and conducting planned burns to reduce the fuel load.
The State Government has provided funding of more than $21million over four years to improve fire preparedness on public land around the interface areas of Melbourne.
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