Call to clean up before summer heat

CITY of Greater Bendigo municipal officers have issued a call for residents and landowners to clean up and clear their properties of potential fire hazards ahead of summer.

With the Country Fire Authority already declaring fire danger periods in the east of the state, municipal fire prevention officer Darren Masters said a warm spring had the potential to dry out grass and undergrowth quickly.

“This summer we are expecting drier and hotter conditions and it’s important to start preparing your property now before the fire danger period hits,” he said.

“The City’s fire prevention officers will commence property inspections in early to mid-October to ensure property owners are maintaining their properties in preparation for the fire season.”

The municipal fire prevention effort starts next month and runs until February with site visits getting underway in the north and west of the City before heading south.

Mr Masters said if residents and landholders don’t get their properties into acceptable condition ahead of summer, a number of measures could be taken.

“Properties that pose a fire danger risk with vegetation higher than 10 centimetres will be issued with a fire prevention notice,” he said.

“A fire prevention notice is issued to the property owner who must comply by removing the identified hazard within a defined period of time.

“This is typically three weeks from the date of inspection to ensure works are completed before the peak of the summer period.

“If property owners fail to comply with a fire prevention notice the City can engage a contractor to undertake mitigation works. However, the cost of these works plus an administration fee will be passed onto the property owner.

“In some circumstances an infringement of 10 penalty units [$1923.31] will apply.

“The City encourages property owners to apply for an extension if they are having difficulty completing the works before the specified date.”

As part of the clean up call, a statement from the City reminded residents and ratepayers green waste disposal is free at the Eaglehawk Landfill and Heathcote and Goornong transfer stations.