This week, Council concluded its first round of Fire Hazard Inspections.
A total of 493 Fire Prevention Notices have been issued to landowners within the Shire, which is 158 more than in 2018. If you have received a notice, please read it carefully, as the requirements for works may differ between properties.
All landowners who have received a notice are required to complete the listed works prior to the early Decemeber date listed on the notice.
Golden Plains Shire Council issues these notices to landowners when its officers form the belief that intervention is required to protect life and property from the threat of fire. Council officers work to guidelines set by the Country Fire Authority (CFA), including aspect, slope and distance from the unmaintained land.
If unmaintained neighbouring land falls outside this criteria, officers are unable to issue a notice. Additionally, under Section 41 (1) of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, Council is unable to issue a notice to a public authority.
If you haven't received a Fire Prevention Notice, but believe you should have due to long grass, or if you have a complaint relating to a neighbouring property, please call our friendly Customer Service team on 5220 7111.
In early October, Council began its own fire prevention works, with contractors commencing the annual roadside slashing program of all sealed roads and strategic fire breaks to reduce fuel loads. Council also conducts burning of selected reserves to remove fire hazards. This program typically commences in the drier south of the Shire before moving north, with the program completed by Christmas.
For more information on Fire Hazard Inspections and Notices, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/residents/my-community/fire-prevention/fire-prevention-notices-restrictions