City looks to minimise fire risks

THE City of Greater Geelong council is undertaking different measures to aid the state government and emergency services in minimising fire risk.

State agencies assume control during emergency responses, but Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the council was looking to be proactive and avoid emergencies where possible.

“Our staff carry out a comprehensive range of fire prevention works on council assets and lead extensive measures on residential properties each year.”

One of the ways council minimises fire-related emergencies is by issuing burn off permits outside fire season.

The council issued 1,723 permits in 2019, which allowed rural and peri-urban residents to burn accumulated branches and tree limbs to reduce fire fuel ahead of summer.

The council manages about 1,300 hectares of nature reserves, and works with the Country Fire Authority to conduct planned burns when safe.

The council is responsible for maintaining roadsides along council-owned roads. Between late spring and Christmas, contractors slashed more than 1,000 kilometres of roadside vegetation.

Cr Asher said fire safety was everybody’s responsibility.

“To ensure our region is best prepared, everyone in the community must play their role.”

The council issues Fire Prevention Notices to residents whose properties are deemed to be a fire risk.

If property owners fail to respond to these notices, the council hires a contractor to complete the work.

Residents can report fire risks by phoning 5272 5272, or lodge a request for service at geelongaustralia.com.au/contact.