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Baw Baw Shire urges residents to prepare properties for fire season ahead of fire danger period starting 9 December 2024

Baw Baw Shire encourages residents, especially on large properties, to prepare for summer fires. Free green waste disposal, new burning off laws, and the VicEmergency app will help manage fire risks.

By news@gippsland - 27th November 2024 - Back to News

Residents, particularly those on large rural properties, are encouraged to ready their properties ahead of summer to reduce the risk of fire. The CFA-declared Fire Danger Period for Baw Baw Shire will commence from 9 December 2024 until 1 May 2025.

Baw Baw Shire Council offers free green waste drop-offs at transfer stations in Erica, Lardner, Neerim South, and Trafalgar throughout November and December to help prepare for fire season

Prepare for bushfires

From 1 December, council's Fire Hazard Inspection Program will commence with the aim to reduce the risk of bushfires and their potentially devastating impacts to life and property. As part of the program, properties deemed a fire risk will be issued Fire Prevention Notices directing owners or occupiers to remove and clear vegetation or other potentially flammable materials found on their land.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said now is the time to ensure properties are safe and ready for the hot summer ahead. "It's everyone's responsibility to minimise the risk of fires across our Shire, and that starts with cleaning up your own backyard, especially those on acreage and farms. This includes cleaning up leaves and branches around your house, cutting back grass and safely disposing of fuel", said Cr Goss.

Fire preparedness tips

Free green waste disposal

To help residents make their properties safer, council is offering free green waste drop-offs on varying days throughout November and December at transfer stations in Erica, Lardner, Neerim South and Trafalgar. East Ward Councillor Adam Sheehan is encouraging residents to take advantage of the free offer.

"We want to make it easy for our community to get ready for the fire season ahead, that's why we are offering free green waste drop-off days at a location near you. You can use this opportunity to dispose of potentially hazardous green waste free of charge before it really heats up", said Cr Sheehan.

Residents can look up when the next free green waste drop-off days are on council's website at Free Green Waste Disposal Days 2024.

Burning off

From 1 December, new local laws come into effect, which impact requirements for burning off. The biggest change being only primary producers on land that is zoned for primary production can have a burn off pile greater than 4 cubic meters in size. All other landowners need to apply for a permit from council to burn a pile greater than 4 cubic meters.

To find out more about requirements for burning off, please go to Burning Off and Permits website.

Grass cutting program

To keep council-owned land maintained and safe from fire risk, council runs a grass cutting program throughout the year. Recently, council invested in a remote mower, which is a robotic technology that can safely access inclined and previously inaccessible vegetation that could otherwise not be safely reached by traditional mowers and operators.

VicEmergency app

To stay informed, residents are encouraged to download the VicEmergency app and follow their social media pages for the latest news and announcements this summer.

"When an emergency strikes, the VicEmergency app is the best source of truth and up-to-date advice, with a specific Facebook page dedicated to Gippsland. The app will post alerts relevant to our region which can be lifesaving, particularly for those who live in and visit the more remote corners of our Shire", Cr Goss said.

Pictures from Baw Baw shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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