Golden Plains Shire will enter the Fire Danger Period on 13 December, so now is the time to ensure fire preparation works have been completed.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) recently announced the Fire Danger Period and restrictions will come into force at 1am, Monday 13 December across all of Golden Plains Shire.
The CFA introduces Fire Restrictions for all private land in Golden Plains Shire over the summer period each year. Fire restrictions are determined by the CFA in response to weather and fuel curing in the lead up to summer and they advise Council accordingly.
During the Fire Danger Period, there are a number of restrictions that residents must follow. To find out what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Bans, visit the CFA’s website: cfa.vic.gov.au.
Over the past month, Council’s Fire Hazard Inspection Program has issued 275 Fire Prevention Notices to properties throughout the Shire that were deemed a fire hazard, with works required to be conducted by Sunday 5 December. The majority of the non-compliant properties are currently vacant or unoccupied.
Due to the recent wet weather, Council is considering extensions on Fire Prevention Notices for landowners who are unable to complete the specified works by Sunday 5 December. To request an extension, landowners can email [email protected] or call 5220 7111 to speak with Council’s Community Safety team.
Council will begin the second round of Fire Hazard Inspections on Monday 6 December. If an extension has not be granted and works have not been conducted, owners risk a $1,817 infringement notice and Council organising a contractor to complete the works at an additional cost.
In October, Council began its own fire prevention works, commencing the annual roadside slashing program of all sealed roads and strategic fire breaks to reduce fuel loads. Council is anticipating another 470kms of roadsides will be slashed in the lead up to the Christmas period.
This year, Council is trialling a program to slash unsealed roadsides deemed suitable by its Environment and Sustainability Team. Council also conducts a burning of selected reserves to remove fire hazards. This program commences in the drier south of the Shire before moving north, with the program to be completed by Christmas.