19 March 2026
“Unaffordable. Unachievable. Unsustainable.” – Government’s bushfire stance alarms regional communities
The Allan Labor Government has admitted it failed to meet its fuel reduction targets across Victoria, describing them as “unaffordable and unachievable”.
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, said the response would alarm communities already facing a long and difficult recovery following the devastating Longwood bushfires.
In November, Ms Cleeland asked the Minister for Environment in Parliament what urgent steps would be taken to reduce dangerous fuel loads across the Euroa electorate ahead of the fire season.
Three months on, and in the wake of a tragic bushfire season, the government has defended its approach, stating the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission’s recommendation to burn five per cent of public land annually was considered “unaffordable, unachievable and unsustainable.”
Ms Cleeland said the timing and substance of that response would be deeply unsettling for communities living with ongoing bushfire risk, as well as those already dealing with the trauma and recovery of recent bushfires.
“For families in Ruffy, Creighton’s Creek, Gooram and Goomalibee who are still dealing with the trauma and aftermath of recent fires, hearing a key Royal Commission recommendation dismissed like that is incredibly confronting,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Last year, our communities could see the fuel building around them, and they knew planned burns were being scaled back, delayed or not happening at all. We know the consequences of that can be life-changing, and in some cases, devastating.”
Ms Cleeland said the Royal Commission recommendations were put forward to protect lives and communities after one of the worst disasters in Victoria’s history.
“These recommendations came from the hard lessons of the Black Saturday bushfires,” she said.
“Reducing fuel loads remains one of the most practical and effective tools we have to lessen the intensity of bushfires and better protect lives, homes and regional communities.”
Ms Cleeland said the Allan Labor Government must restore confidence by making bushfire preparedness a clear priority.
“It is too little, too late for this season, but regional Victorians deserve to know every possible step is being taken to reduce risk and prevent another devastating fire season,” Ms Cleeland said.
Governments response here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parliamentary-activity/questions-database/question-details/32087