We're urging residents to get their properties fire-ready before summer, with the formal Fire Danger Period expected to be declared in our region soon.
Clearing long grass, weeds and excess combustible materials now can help protect your home, family, pets, livestock and neighbours as fire risk increases.
Residents should remove dead branches, timber, garden waste and cardboard, and ensure emergency services can access their property.
The Country Fire Authority's (CFA) Get Fire Ready sessions are another opportunity to learn about local fire risks, how to prepare and meet local volunteers.
Our annual Fire Prevention Program is underway, with crews progressively mowing and maintaining council-owned rural roadsides across Greater Geelong.
The program will cover more than 1,100 kilometres of roadside and include the removal of woody weeds. Work schedules may change depending on weather and equipment availability.
If you're concerned about a fire hazard on a rural roadside, contact our Customer Service team on 03 5272 5272. We'll help you understand the next steps. Please note that roadside maintenance requests for land managed by other government authorities and agencies need to be directed to the relevant authority.
Our Fire Prevention officers are also inspecting residential and vacant properties identified as potential fire risks, with around 2,000 inspections planned during the fire season.
We work with landowners to explain potential hazards and encourage them to take action voluntarily.
Landowners who don't comply with a Fire Prevention Notice may face infringements and the cost of clean-up work arranged by the City.
Reports of long grass on private properties are prioritised according to fire risk. A property may have already been inspected or be subject to ongoing fire prevention action, so an inspection or clean-up may not happen immediately after a report is made.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Preparing properties before conditions became dangerous was a shared responsibility. Fire doesn't stop at the fence line.
A property with unmanaged grass or other fire hazards can put neighbouring homes, livestock, infrastructure and emergency responders at risk.
Taking action now can make a real difference when fire conditions worsen - we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe.
Prevent today to protect tomorrow.
Safety, Graffiti & Regulation portfolio chair Councillor Chris Burson
The City's prevention work was an important part of helping the community prepare for the season ahead.
Our crews are maintaining more than 1,100 kilometres of rural roadsides, and our Fire Prevention Officers are working with community members to address hazards before they become more serious.
We encourage residents to act early and speak with our Fire Prevention officers if they have questions about their responsibilities or a Fire Prevention Notice.
We're here to help people understand what needs to be done while ensuring properties are kept free of fire hazards.
