Golden Plains Shire Council is serious about protecting its communities through fire prevention in the lead up to the summer fire danger period.
Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers will be assessing properties to ensure that residents have reduced fire hazards on their property by cutting long grass and cleaning up fines fuels (leaves, twigs, bark) in preparation for the coming fire season.
Officers will focus on the management of fine fuels in the area immediately around a house and outbuildings, providing a level of protection to both the house and the residents who may seek shelter in it.
Rod Nicholls, CEO of Golden Plains Shire Council, said that everyone has a role to play in staying safe this summer.
“I urge all residents to pay close attention to a Fire Prevention Notice if they receive one – it is about keeping you, your family and your community safe.”
“As we’ve seen in recent years in Dereel, Golden Plains is extremely vulnerable to bush and grass fire, and Council is serious about doing everything we can to keep residents safe.”
“Fire Prevention Notices will be issued to properties with a fire hazard instructing the owner to clean up the hazard and non-compliance will result in fines in excess of $1,500 plus additional costs,” he said.
“Golden Plains Shire does its part in preparing our community for the fire season by implementing a Municipal Fire Management Plan and slashing long grass on Council-owned roadsides and in reserves, and helping CFA brigades to burn roadsides and reserves.”
“Fire Action Week was last week and a good reminder to prepare, and I encourage all residents to learn what they need to know about staying safe this fire season.”
Council issued 570 Fire Prevention Notices during the 2015/16 fire season directing landowners to cut their grass and clean up fine fuels around the home.
28 recipients failed to comply with their Fire Prevention Notice and were issued with fines in excess of $1,500 plus contractor cutting fees and administrative costs, twelve of which went to the Magistrates Court in August.
– ENDS –
RELEASED BY: ROD NICHOLLS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FURTHER INFORMATION: ANN CARD, SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICER PH. 5220 7147
INT16/4175EADA QuoteFile 78-07-004