The recent massive bushfire in Gippsland, Victoria, tore through the Coleman's Glenmaggie property where the Oakleigh Motor Cycle Club hold their Easter trial. David Ryan was onsite to see the damage, and filed this report for the benefit of the trials community. Photos from Ina Halls show some landmarks many will recognise.
It should be noted that the Glenmaggie Easter Trial will definitely be going ahead at the property.
"The fire has burnt through the whole property. It has impacted both houses. This sounds bad but considering the scope of the fire, damage is not as severe as you might expect.
1.Houses – the main house which is the brick house has suffered damage to the pergola between the house and garage. The fire has destroyed one side of the pergola. The old house has had one corner burnt in the family room only. This would be a builder’s job as part of the roof, floor and walls would need to come down and rebuilt.
2.Stock – no stock have been lost. All the cattle have not been affected by the fire. There is plenty of grass area along the creeks not burnt so there is plenty of feed for the short term.
3.Fencing – around half the fencing has been destroyed both along the road and internal paddock lines. Anthony said the fencing was not in good condition anyway so this is not as bad as it sounds.
4.Water – water pipe which lay on the ground from the new pump to the old pump has been destroyed in many places. This will need to be replaced. The new pump is OK. Plenty of water for stock.
The orange trees somehow survived!
5.Section setting areas – have been cleared out. Virtually all of the blackberries are gone. Only some logs need removing. The sides of hills for hill climbs are now clear. There are areas which have been used in the past now can be reused as the blackberry is gone.
6.Grass – virtually all grass on the sides of the hills around the back and going up to the houses has been burnt. There are large areas of grass on the flats and along the creek not touched by the fire. Around the camp area we use about two thirds is burnt; the rest is OK.
The section 1 log is smaller now...
7.General – the old drying kilns have been destroyed. The undergrowth on the sides of the hills is burnt out. Blackberries are burnt out. A lot of logs lying on the ground are burnt out. Some trees have had the base burnt and have toppled over or look like they will go in the next really strong wind."
The old drying kilns destroyed.
Over the next few months the Oakleigh MCC will help Mr Coleman with rebuilding fences and various repairs, plus of course the section setting and preparation for the Easter trial.
For those able to assist, the Oakleigh MCC will be holding a working bee on the property over the weekend of 2nd-3rd February. Please contact David Ryan for more details on 0407 043 571.
