Farmers shouldn’t burn their stubble on weekends or public holidays, according to a Berriwillock farmer who visited a smoke choked Swan Hill last year.
The farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, was in Swan Hill last Easter visiting family and friends.
However, he described his Easter visit as “terrible” because of the smoke in the atmosphere from burn-offs on the outskirts of Swan Hill.
“A lot of towns have got a no burn policy on the backyard incinerator,” he said.
“You’re not allowed to burn in town, yet a farmer 4km down the road can cover the whole town in ash and smoke during peak holiday periods.”
“There is nothing to stop him because there are no restrictions in place once fire restrictions have lifted.
“I think that needs to change.”
The farmer reflected on previous years when dust storms would force visitors to “hop in their caravans and drive away”.
However, he now considered the smoke as the tipping point.
“There is also the asthmatic factor,” he said.
To read more of this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (April 10).
