A Failford couple is questioning if MidCoast Council is following its own advice and ensuring it too is bushfire ready.
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During the past two months council has been undertaking a series of education programs urging residents, business and pet owners to Get Ready for disasters.
But, Brad and Leanne Willmette, who live next to Failford Cemetery, believe council was not taking its own advice seriously.
Mr Willmette was concerned an area of natural bushland, which lined the (approx) 50 metre driveway not only posed a risk to users but also was a fire hazard.
Last year large sections of the Failford area fell victim to November's horrific bushfires, including several hectares near the cemetery and the Willmette's property.
Fire retardant was dropped not far from the Willmette's home.
However, MidCoast Council community spaces, recreation and trades director, manager, Dan Aldridge said staff had undertaken an assessment of the site and had determined the area was a low risk bushfire threat.
Mr Aldridge explained the two hectare cemetery, which included approximately 200 occupied plots and 200 unoccupied burial sites, was divided into two lots.
One is for internment, while the other is zoned natural bushland, Mr Aldridge said.
The site was surrounded on three sides by natural bushland.
Mrs Willmette also asked council to trim back and clear the towering trees which lined the property's border.
She was concerned a large limb or a tree could fall and have tragic consequences.
"A lot of branches have fallen on parts of the fence-line and broken it," she said.
"It's not a comfortable feeling.
The problem is only going to get worse and the trees and branches will continue to fall.
- Leanne Willmette
"Any bad storm or wind could cause trees to fall down.
"We shouldn't have to put up with this."
Plans to renovate the homestead and outbuildings on the 10 hectare property had been temporarily put on hold until the situation is settled.
"The problem is only going to get worse and the trees and branches will continue to fall."
Mr Aldridge has given an assurance the removal of the hazardous and dangerous branches will be removed this calendar year.
He said permission had been granted to property owners abutting the cemetery to remove trees within one metres of the boundary which would allow the allow the construction of a new fence.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
