Prepare your property and reduce fire risk this summer
Published on 27 November 2024
Residents, particularly those on large rural properties, are encouraged to ready their properties ahead of summer to reduce the risk of fire.
The CFA-declared Fire Danger Period for Baw Baw Shire will commence from 9 December 2024 until 1 May 2025.
From 1 December, Council’s Fire Hazard Inspection Program will commence with the aim to reduce the risk of bushfires and their potentially devastating impacts to life and property. As part of the program, properties deemed a fire risk will be issued Fire Prevention Notices directing owners or occupiers to remove and clear vegetation or other potentially flammable materials found on their land.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said now is the time to ensure properties are safe and ready for the hot summer ahead.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to minimise the risk of fires across our Shire, and that starts with cleaning up your own backyard, especially those on acreage and farms. This includes cleaning up leaves and branches around your house, cutting back grass and safely disposing of fuel”, said Cr Goss.
Free green waste disposal
To help residents make their properties safer, Council is offering free green waste drop-offs on varying days throughout November and December at transfer stations in Erica, Lardner, Neerim South and Trafalgar.
East Ward Councillor Adam Sheehan is encouraging residents to take advantage of the free offer.
“We want to make it easy for our community to get ready for the fire season ahead, that’s why we are offering free green waste drop-off days at a location near you. You can use this opportunity to dispose of potentially hazardous green waste free of charge before it really heats up”, said Cr Sheehan.
Residents can look up when the next free green waste drop-off days are on Council’s website at Free Green Waste Disposal Days 2024.
Burning off
From 1 December, new local laws come into effect, which impact requirements for burning off.
The biggest change being only primary producers on land that is zoned for primary production can have a burn off pile greater than 4 cubic meters in size. All other landowners need to apply for a permit from Council to burn a pile greater than 4 cubic meters.
To find out more about requirements for burning off, please go to Burning Off and Permits.
Grass cutting program
To keep Council-owned land maintained and safe from fire risk, Council runs a grass cutting program throughout the year.
Recently, Council invested in a remote mower, which is a robotic technology that can safely access inclined and previously inaccessible vegetation that could otherwise not be safely reached by traditional mowers and operators.
VicEmergency app
To stay informed, residents are encouraged to download the VicEmergency app and follow their social media pages for the latest news and announcements this summer.
“When an emergency strikes, the VicEmergency app is the best source of truth and up-to-date advice, with a specific Facebook page dedicated to Gippsland. The app will post alerts relevant to our region which can be lifesaving, particularly for those who live in and visit the more remote corners of our Shire”, Cr Goss said.