Free green waste disposal for fire prep

DOMESTIC green waste disposal will cost residents nothing at the City of Ballarat Transfer station for one week from this Saturday.

With the fire danger period edging closer, the council is asking people to identify fire risks at their homes and on their land.

If the clearance of long grass, wood or other flammable materials is required, residents are encouraged to take that waste to the tip for free between Saturday, 23 and Friday, 29 November.

City of Ballarat’s Director, Infrastructure and Environment, Terry Demeo said the city’s winter and spring rains have brought lots of green growth, and when left around homes and properties, this can end in devastation.

“With that comes a significant fire load, and as part of any fire management plan, clean up is a significant component, so we’re encouraging people to do that,” he said.

“We think making the drop-off of green waste free is a significant incentive that will help people get out and get active in that clean up this late Spring, to be in a better position come fire season

“Everyone should use their best endeavours to clean up.”

Some residents may be alternatively planning to burn off green waste under a Schedule 13 Permit to Burn.

CFA District 15 (Ballarat) Commander, David Mounier said they need to be acutely aware of permit conditions and those of the environment.

“Take care and don’t get over ambitious,” he said. “Make two piles. A small pile with your fire, and another pile with material that you’ll feed the fire from. It’s going to be easier to control, contain and extinguish.

“It’s very important that people comply with the conditions of their permit, and remain aware of the local weather conditions, particularly the day they’re planning to burn, and the days following.

“You might think your burn off’s extinguished but then it might pop up tomorrow in high winds and temperatures,” Mr Mounier said.

If weather conditions change or a total fire ban day is called when someone has planned a burn off, their permit will be suspended.

Those planning a burn off should contact the Burn Off Notifications number, 1800 668 511, and register with the call centre so public concerns can be eased if they do call 000.

Green waste taken to the Transfer Station must be separate from any other rubbish, loads mustn’t be over three cubic metres, and all other non-green waste and mixed loads will be charged at regular rates.

Find the Transfer Station at 119 Gillies Street South, Alfredton.