Council has been inspecting properties and issuing notices to help reduce the risk of bushfires in the community.
The Municipal Fire Hazard Inspection Program starts every year, before the Fire Danger Period is declared by the CFA in preparation for the hotter months
Council Officers inspect properties to ensure that grass and vegetation are within acceptable limits, issuing Fire Prevention Notices to property owners who need to clean up their property to reduce the bushfire risk.
At this time of year, it is crucial that property owners ensure their grass and vegetation is kept under control, to reduce the risk of bushfire spreading in the community.
Ahead of the Fire Danger Period, property owners can utilise burning off (depending on local burning off laws), green bins or local waste transfer stations to dispose of excess vegetation and green waste.
Cutting grass and weeds, disposing of fallen branches, leaves, twigs and bark are all important parts of preparing your property in readiness for the hotter months.
This type of excess vegetation can ignite and burn easily, rapidly spreading fire to homes and into bushland.
After the Fire Danger Period is declared by the CFA, burning off for fuel reduction is not possible without a permit, which are only issued in exceptional circumstances during this period. It is important that properties are clear of excess vegetation and green waste before the bushfire risk increases.
Council Officers will continue property inspections throughout the summer.
If you receive a Fire Prevention Notice, you must clean up your property, as per the details on the notice, or risk a heavy fine.
Property owners failing to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice may have their excess vegetation cleared by a contractor, organised by Council at the property owner's expense.
