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Fire Restrictions In Place Early This YearCFA and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) will be introducing fire restrictions for East Gippsland, Wellington, Latrobe City, Baw Baw and South Gippsland Shires from 0100 hours on Monday October 30 2006. By CFA & DSE - 24th October 2006 - Back to News Restrictions will stay in place until April 30 2007 unless stated otherwise.
CFA Gippsland General Manager, Peter Schmidt said that following the introduction of the restrictions (the Fire Danger Period) no fires can be lit on private land without a permit.
"We have introduced fire restrictions earlier than usual this year due to the extreme fire risk in our region following a long period of below average rainfall and the continuing dry conditions," Mr Schmidt said.
"To protect our communities, permits to light fires are subject to stringent conditions and are only obtainable from the Municipal Fire Prevention Officers at your local Shire office."
Mr Schmidt said there are also regulations around using welding, cutting and grinding equipment.
"Check with your Municipal Fire Prevention Officer for details on the use of these types of tools," he said.
Landholders are urged to be extremely cautious if they’re planning to burn off in the time available before restrictions are in place and to have discussions with their local DSE and CFA fire staff before lighting any burns.
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"Landholders should maintain appropriate firebreaks, adequately resource any burning activities and provide timely advice to neighbours and fire agencies about planned fire prevention works," Mr Schmidt said.
"However, under the current weather conditions we would advise against conducting any private burning operations."
DSE and CFA are urging all residents to prepare for the increased risk of fire this summer.
"Fire is a natural part of our environment and Victoria has days of extreme fire danger every year, but this year we are particularly concerned after attending so many fires in the region already," Mr Schmidt said.
DSE Regional Fire Manager, David Tainsh said both fire services were well-resourced to respond to the threat of bushfire, with additional fire fighters, more training of personnel and new and upgraded equipment and infrastructure.
"DSE and CFA fire season preparations are based on consultation with the wider community and sound planning and risk management processes. However it is vital that residents understand and comply with fire restrictions to prevent the occurrence of unplanned fires," he said.
For further information about bushfires contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on free call 1800 240 667. You can also request a copy of "Can I/Can’t I? which outlines what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities. - Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion. - Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies. - Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity. - Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers. - West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity. - West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future. - Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination. - One Gippsland delegation met Darren Chester at Parliament House to discuss key regional infrastructure and investment priorities
Federal Member Darren Chester met One Gippsland representatives at Parliament House to discuss regional priorities, including roads, housing, healthcare, disaster resilience, industry investment and job creation. - Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours. - Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation. - Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities. - Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives. - Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers. - Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.
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