Forest Fire Management Victoria Wimmera District Manager Russell Manning said the program was delayed due to heavy rain and access difficulties at sites. 

He said after community consultation, crews would focus on public land around Stawell, Dimboola, Natimuk, Cavendish and Ararat.

Mr Manning said grass slashing was a vital part of fire prevention.

“Planned burning is not the only fuel management activity that we undertake,” he said.

“Strategic mechanical treatments such as slashing and mowing are part of our summer fire preparation plan and are a necessary non-burning fuel reduction technique in and around towns.”

Mr Manning said the heavy rain had encouraged grass growth. 

“With recent heavy rain across the district, however, there is high likelihood that many areas may need to be slashed again later in the year,” he said.

“Slashing and mowing also promotes growth of native grasses, which helps to protect native vegetation stands along creeks and rivers.   

“The weather has inevitably shortened the opportunity for spring burning, however, a number of strategic burns are still planned for the Wimmera in the coming weeks.

“In addition, field preparation for the Autumn fuel management program has already begun across the region”.