Above average rainfall throughout winter and spring has resulted in substantial grass growth and the City of Greater Bendigo is now encouraging residents to prepare for the hot summer months by cleaning up around their properties before the fire danger period arrives.
The City's fire prevention officers have commenced property inspections for the 2022/23 Fire Prevention program to ensure property owners are maintaining their properties in preparation for the fire season.
City of Greater Bendigo Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Darren Masters said the City understands that it will be challenging for some property owners to begin slashing and mowing this year because the ground is still wet in some parts of the municipality.
"We acknowledge that some property owners may need additional time to comply with fire prevention notices this year because of the conditions," Mr Masters said.
"Property owners issued with a fire prevention notice who need extra time to comply with the notice should complete the form on the City's website as soon as possible to request an extension. This can be done at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Fire-Prevention/Fire-hazards-and-prevention-notices or by phoning the City on 1300 002 642.
"There are areas that are currently green but it won't take long before the grass dries out and becomes a fire risk."
The City's Fire Prevention Program is undertaken annually from October to February with property inspections usually commencing in the northern parts of the municipality and progressing towards the southern areas.
This year the City has changed its approach and has commenced inspections in the urban area before radiating out into the rural areas. This is due to saturated ground making pre-fire season mitigation works particularly difficult for most rural land owners.
If property owners fail to comply with a fire prevention notice or do not apply for an extension the City may engage a contractor to undertake mitigation works and the costs will be passed onto the property owner.
Greater Bendigo residents are reminded that they can dispose of their green waste for free all year round at the City of Greater Bendigo's Eaglehawk Landfill and the Heathcote and Goornong Transfer Stations.
