A proposal by Kinglake West locals to have a burn-off at Kings Rd appear likely to be thwarted, at the January meeting of Murrindindi Shire Council to be held on Wednesday night (Jan. 24).

The residents presented a petition to Murrindindi Shire late last year, and the matter was held over at the December Council meeting for further investigation by municipal officers.

A recommendation to the January 24 meeting suggests that the Council not approve further burns on this roadside until the effect of the recent col burn on the roadside vegetation is assessed. Environment groups have opposed the proposals for further burning; these include the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and Kinglake Landcare Group. Part of the road is considered to be of high conservation value, and potential habitat for the “endangered Brush-Tail Phascogale”.