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New Guidelines For Burning OffAfter extensive consultation Bass Coast Shire Council has developed a set of Burning Off Guidelines for Rural Property Owners in the shire. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 3rd April 2006 - Back to News The guidelines apply to open air burning on rural land, other than during the fire danger period and on days of total fire ban. The guidelines operate in conjunction with Council’s General Local Law of 2005 – No. 1 of 2005.
Council’s Community Safety Manager Peter Laydon said the guidelines, which take affect from the start of April, were developed after consultation with a number of relevant bodies.
"Council’s Local Laws and Emergency Management staff talked with the CFA, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DS&E) and Parks Victoria about these issues," said Mr Laydon.
"These discussions formed the basis of the guidelines.
"All the agencies involved are in agreement with the guidelines that have been put together," said Mr Laydon.
He confirmed that the guidelines come into place on 3 April 2006, when the fire period is revoked.
"Section 12 of the local law states that people cannot light fires in the open air contrary to any approved guidelines or without the consent of an authorised officer."
Mr Laydon said the aim of the guidelines was to protect the amenity of all residents and visitors to Bass Coast.
"This is not just about fire protection," continued Mr Laydon.
"It also addresses the health issues that can arise from these situations, particularly if certain prohibited materials are burned."
Prohibited materials include:
- Rubber of plastic substances;
- Petroleum oil or waste material containing petroleum oil;
- Paints or receptacles which contain or which contained paints;
- Manufactured chemicals or pressurised cans;
- Food wastes; and
- Other offensive or noxious substances.
Mr Laydon stressed that it was important for property owners to be aware of the guidelines.
"Burning off doesn’t require a permit and there is no fee," said Mr Laydon.
"These guidelines are pretty straight forward."
"Property owners conducting a burn need to notify the relevant agency or Council, depending on the location and circumstances."
Copies of the guidelines are available from Council offices and Council’s website: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. They will also be available from the CFA.
Anyone with queries or concerns regarding the new guidelines or burning off should contact Council’s Local Laws team on 5761 2211 or 5951 3311.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit. - East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
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East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability. - East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
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