As a property owner, it is your responsibility to prepare and maintain your property to reduce the threat fire poses to you and your surrounding neighbours.
Fire hazards can include long or overgrown grass, rubbish, abandoned machinery and other materials. Council undertakes annual inspections to identify properties that may pose a risk in the event a fire occurs.
Report a fire hazard Apply for a permit to burn
Fire restrictions are now in force. You cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit issued by CFA.
During the Fire Danger Period Council will NOT issue permits to burn.
Each year, Council inspects properties across the municipality. The goal is to ensure that long grass and any materials that may cause a fire are removed. Apart from the fire risk, overgrown properties look unsightly and may attract snakes and other unwanted vermin.
As a property owner, you must prepare and maintain your property. This reduces the threat fire poses to you and your neighbours.
This responsibility covers residential properties, commercial properties, and any vacant land you own within the municipality.
A well maintained property throughout the fire season is important to reduce the risk to your personal safety and property. To achieve a well maintained property, you should:
- Cut/mow any long grass
- Remove any flammable material around your home, including clearing out gutters
- Clear away dead undergrowth and fallen branches
- Prune back branches that are overhanging or near your house
- Ensure that any firewood is stored well away from your house
- Remove any noxious and environmental weeds from your property
- Ensure that your property is clearly numbered to ensure that it can be easily found by emergency services
- Trim excess vegetation along driveways and firebreaks. This includes overhanging branches to ensure easy access for firefighting equipment.
For disposal of grass, leaves, bark and twigs Council has several options that may help you:
If Council determines that a property is a potential fire hazard, a Fire Prevention Notice will be sent to the landowner giving them the direction to remove the fire hazard from their property. Under the Country Fire Authority Act, property owners may receive an infringement notice if they do not comply with the Fire Prevention Notice.
Additionally, Council may engage a contractor to clear the land. Any costs incurred are passed onto the property owner in addition to any fines received.
More information on how to prepare your property is available on the CFA website. The CFA have also developed a Fire Ready Kit to help you understand and prepare for a fire.