THE Barmah State Forest poses a major fire risk, according to Barmah Forest Preservation League president Peter Newman.
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Mr Newman took CFA, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria staff on a tour of the forest on Friday, along with Member for Rodney Paul Weller.
Mr Newman said he believed the site was at risk of a “catastrophic” fire due to high fuel loads, poor signs and lack of fire truck access.
“We as the local community cannot accept this as appropriate management,” he said.
“We believe we are on the cusp of a catastrophe that may rob us of our beautiful Barmah Forest and destroy our community.”
Mr Weller said he hoped the issues were addressed quickly.
“Obviously we’re in the middle of the fire season, so the sooner the better,” he said.
He said the CFA and DSE would work with the community to establish a fire plan.
Firefighters responded to a small blaze at the forest on Saturday.