Earlier this month, Council conducted its second and final round of Fire Hazard Inspections ahead of the Fire Danger Period which began on Monday.
Pleasingly, the majority of landowners who received a Fire Hazard Notice in November had completed the required work to make their properties fire ready by the 5 December deadline. Just 6.5% of the 275 landowners who received a notice failed to comply and were each fined $1,817 plus the cost of Council organising a contractor to complete the required fire preparation works.
All landowners who received a Fire Prevention Notice must ensure that their grass remains under 100mm for the duration of the Fire Danger Period or they may be liable for an infringement.
While the official Fire Hazard Inspection Program has finished for another year, with recent wet weather and strong grass growth, it is important that all residents maintain their properties throughout the fire season. Council officers will continue to respond to complaints relating to fire hazards from residents.
Landowners in Golden Plains Shire are required to keep grass on their properties cut so it is no higher than 100mm during the Fire Danger Period. On properties more than two hectares, grass must be kept below 100mm, up to a minimum of 20 metres from a house or outbuilding.
Council Fire Prevention
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 ahead of 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 began in the drier south of the Shire, with the program moving to the Shire’s north this week and will be completed by Christmas.
Be Informed
To stay informed this fire season, download the VicEmergency App on a phone or smart device. The official Victorian Government app features community information and warnings for all types of emergencies in Victoria.
Keep your family safe by confirming your emergency plan and sharing it with all occupants and any holiday visitors. Remember to review and restock your emergency kit every fire season.