The issue was raised at a Katamatite community meeting shortly after the fire, and several people have told the Country News that the issue should be addressed in post-fire debriefs.
They have also pointed to dry grass along channel banks and suggested that the growth should be kept in check by Goulburn-Murray Water.
It was evident to Country News that fire had spread along roadsides and channel banks, but what contribution it made to the overall impact of the fire was not clear.
G-MW acting general manager water delivery services Craig Kellow said with the bushfires still active in some parts of Victoria, G-MW acknowledged that this could be a stressful time for the community.
“G-MW will continue to ensure that its reserve crown land is maintained around its structures,” he said.
“G-MW staff also work with landowners where they share areas adjacent to our assets, such as channels, on the management of grass and vegetation.”
G-MW has inspected the fire-impacted area, using drones where it’s not safe to access, to assess damage.
G-MW has a ‘bushfire recovery’ page on its website outlining where customers impacted by fires can access relief and other important fire recovery information.
One Yarroweyah resident was grateful to G-MW for taking quick action to deliver water through a channel and into a drain, which helped save a property.