Community members are invited to join a group to plan roadside management across Corangamite Shire.
They will help Council develop a new Rural Roadside Management Plan over the next eight months. Council manages the sides of 914 km of sealed roads and 1229 km of gravel roads.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the Corangamite Shire Community and Stakeholder Group will include representatives from Council, Regional Roads Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the Country Fire Authority, catchment management authorities, Landcare networks, tourism authorities, Traditional Owner groups and up to 15 community representatives.
"The group was seeking residents with a wide range of skills and experience relating to roadside issues," Cr Gstrein said.
"Different road users have their own unique experiences and perspectives. A wide range of opinions will mean the final plan faithfully represents the needs of our diverse community."
The plan will provide guidelines and specific actions that will help shape work schedules and Council decisions for the next 10 years.
"There is a lot to consider," Cr Gstrein said. "Obviously safety of our road users is paramount.
"The plan will also need to factor in issues such as grazing, slashing, fire management, fence maintenance, native revegetation, road construction and maintenance and weed control. Protection of heritage sites and access for power and water utilities also need to be considered."
Members must be willing to attend up to five group meetings before April and commit about three hours per month.
