With the warmer months fast approaching, Ararat Rural City Council is urging all residents throughout the municipality - whether living in town or on rural properties - to start preparing for the fire season by reducing fuels and undertaking essential maintenance to help safeguard homes, livelihoods, and the broader community.
Council staff will soon commence annual property inspections, anticipated to begin later in November. Landowners who have not completed adequate fire preparation may be issued a Fire Prevention Notice requiring prompt action to help make their property as safe as possible.
Dr Tim Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ararat Rural City Council, reflected on the importance of early preparedness: "Every year, the shared responsibility of fire prevention becomes clear. The choices we make now - early, thorough, and consistent preparation across our region - will shape our community's safety over the months ahead. I encourage everyone to walk their paddocks and gardens, look for hazards, and act before summer arrives."
To support residents as they prepare, Council offers the following fire preparation tips:
- Regularly cut and maintain all grass, weeds, and undergrowth on your property to a height of less than 10 cm.
- Dispose of piles of green waste or fine fuel before fire weather returns, either through composting or by using Council's designated transfer stations.
- Ensure water tanks or firefighting equipment are available, accessible, and in working order.
- Clear gutters of leaves, twigs, and plant material to help prevent embers from taking hold.
- Move firewood and other combustible materials away from buildings.
- Create a defendable space around your house by removing flammable objects and trimming low-hanging branches.
Council appreciates the continued efforts of landowners and occupiers to help reduce the risk of fire across Ararat Rural City.
