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Long grass inspections are being done in Bass Coast Shire so keep up the mowing

Bass Coast Shire Council's Emergency Management Officers are currently carrying out long grass inspections, which will continue into the new year.

By news@gippsland - 18th December 2021 - Back to News

It's a great season for grass, with higher than average rainfall and warmer temperatures leading to perfect growing conditions. And while this is great for our local farmers, it means that property owners need to be more vigilant to keep up maintenance, especially coming into the summer bushfire season.

If the land owner is clearly in breach of their responsibilities, they may be served with an infringement fine, they must keep up with the maintenance, especially coming into the summer bushfire season

Grass maintenance

Under Council's Local Law No. 1 Neighbourhood Amenity 2012, property owners need to maintain:

• Grass to a height under 30 centimetres
• Remove or spray weeds such as blackberries
• Clear overhanging branches
• Grass obstructing footpaths
• Maintaining any other vegetation, such as shrubs and trees

Infringement notices may be issued if these requirements are not being met.

Liable for the cost

From 1 January 2022, if officers deem a property to be unsightly, the owner will be issued with an infringement of $300, as well as a letter of notice to comply within 21 days. Further infringements may be issued, if the conditions of a notice to comply are not met within the required timeframe.

Additionally, under Section 117 of the Local Government Act 2020, an authorised officer may proceed to have any required work carried out, in which case, the property owner will be liable for the cost of such works in addition to any penalty imposed.

For more information, please contact Council's Emergency Management Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email emergencymanagement@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Pictures from CFA Victoria website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com