General News
13 February, 2026
Barry's corner: Roadside management
Roadsides have been the topic of much conversation these past few weeks. Generally not in a positive way. If on a roam around the district it will be obvious why there is so much concern.
There is so much grass build up and combined with the weeds and fallen bits of trees and shrubs there is highly flammable fuel awaiting ignition.
Some roadsides should be declared unsafe for any use.
Where the Phalaris grass can be found it has built up like a wall of vegetation where rabbits will be hard to spot.
It would be an ideal habitat for the reed warbler which is the migratory singing bird that successfully hides in shallow water with thick reed islands.
Not many other animals can make use as a wildlife refuge so thick with grass.
Something needs to be done and while the road managers have been trying to use slashers to keep vegetation back there is often a core of material left behind.
Shires and fire brigades sometimes in conjunction with neighboring landholders burn along the grassy roadsides every other season, this reduces the fire risk.
These tree lines make good corridors for birds’ movement and care needs to be taken right from the start of planning to the actual burn happening.
Each roadside should be assessed for its value as a corridor for wild life and a potential fire break.
Rather than taking out all the tree lines it is better to strip burn in sections.
This means slabs of roadside so about 100metres at a time and leave 100-150 metres is left for next season.
This way is valuable to reduce fire risk and maintain a viable corridor and it is helpful to give some real experience to newer brigade members.
Care needs to be taken around hollow bearing trees and good habitat areas. It needs to be cool burnt.
The character of a district is reflected in the quantity and quality of its roadsides and corridors.
We have not been managing our roadsides to higher standards for some years.
Weeds such as boxthorn, sour sob, tree lucerne and other woody weeds, like St John’s wort are gradually taking over the roads sides and we need to get cracking on eradication programs.
Turning our backs on these valuable blocks and being to frightened to take action is not the solution.
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