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Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season

Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.

By news@gippsland - 15th September 2025 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. Council will offer green waste disposal for no-fee at its waste facilities in Kilmany, Maffra, Seaspray, Heyfield, Stratford and Yarram from Saturday 18 October to Sunday 16 November. Dargo Transfer Station is excluded as it cannot process green waste.

Fire inspections start in November. Unprepared properties risk $2035 fines. Maintain compliance all Fire Danger Period. Burning off requires CFA or council permits

Fire ready cleanup

This year, Loch Sport Transfer Station will again run an extended Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal period, from Saturday 18 October until Sunday 30 November, to address the volume and backlog it receives. After last year's success, the transfer station will again also extend its trading hours across the Melbourne Cup long weekend, operating from Friday 31 October until Monday 3 November, from 9am to 5pm each day, to further accommodate the community.

Residents are encouraged to reduce fire hazards by slashing grass, bracken or weeds, especially around buildings and fences. Undergrowth, fallen branches and tree cuttings should be removed, while tree branches and shrubs should also be pruned. The disposal of timber (raw, painted or with metal attached), manufactured boards, treated timbers and stumps will not be accepted at any waste facility.

While council recognises that many local contractors and businesses play a key role in helping people prepare for fire season, this program is specifically for residents and property owners. Commercial loads still attract standard gate fees.

Maintain your property

With fire inspections expected to begin in November, residents are reminded that properties that are not ready by inspection time will receive a Fire Prevention Notice. Non-compliance with the notice may result in fines of $2035 per property owner.

Cleaned up properties must be maintained for the entirety of the Fire Danger Period. Property owners must apply for a permit to burn off during the Fire Danger Period via the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Outside this time, property owners may apply for a permit to burn through council's website. Permits will only be issued where there is no alternative to burning.

Victoria Police will actively investigate burning off in the Fire Danger Period, and heavy fines may be imposed on any person burning off without a permit. For more information about fire preparedness visit Wellington Shire Council - Fire Management Plan website. To learn more about green waste disposal and accepted items visit Wellington Shire Council - Green Waste Disposal website.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com