The Fire Danger period starts on Monday 26 October and Greater Shepparton landowners should take immediate steps to reduce the risk of fire on their property and ensure it is well maintained throughout the season.
Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Citizens Services, Laurienne Winbanks says it is important landowners deal with any fire risks as soon as possible.
“Potential fire hazards are a danger not only to the landowner’s property but also to their neighbours and their property, to livestock, crops and pets. We are entering a long, dry summer and the time to act is now.”
“Vacant residential land should have fine fuel loads reduced by slashing and mowing grass, cleaning up leaves and twigs and removing any rubbish. Rural land should have sufficient fire breaks and all fire fighting equipment should be serviced and ready to go,” said Ms Winbanks.
“Property owners needing to conduct controlled burns should contact Council as soon as possible. Each fire permit application will be assessed by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer and in some cases may be referred to the CFA for approval,” said Ms Winbanks.
“Council’s Fire Prevention staff will soon commence inspections and properties identified as a potential fire hazard may be issued with a Fire Prevention Notice. If the Fire Prevention Notice is not complied with, costs associated with Council undertaking works will be incurred including administration fees along with the possibility of an infringement notice being issued.”
In 2012 the State Government introduced stricter penalties for people failing to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice. Any person who has failed to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice can be issued with an infringement with a penalty of $1,516. Matters referred to court for failing to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice can now result in fines of up to $18,200 and / or 12 months imprisonment.
Ms Winbanks would like to remind landowners that trees and shrubs cannot be removed without consent from Council’s Planning department.
“If you have already completed works, thank you for being proactive and please continue to maintain your land to protect everyone in the community from potential fire hazards,” said Ms Winbanks.
