Service changes as Extreme Fire Danger Rating declared

THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has classified Boxing Day (December 26) for south-west Victoria as an ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating day.

This rating will impact Surf Coast Shire Council’s services as employees and contractors are unable to work or travel in fire-risk zones at the highest risk times, and council facilities in high-risk areas will close.

Service changes and closures will include:

· Anglesea Landfill will open from 5am-10am, the Transfer Station from 9-10am and the Re-sale Shed will close
· Lorne and Winchelsea Transfer Stations will close

· Scheduled kerbside bin collections in high risk areas (Anglesea, Point Addis, Bellbrae, Freshwater Creek and Connewarre) will run between 5am and 10am

· Public litter bin collections in high fire risk areas will not take place during the highest risk times

· Public toilets in high fire risk areas will be cleaned before 10am with potential late cleans if conditions allow, and

· Lorne and Anglesea visitor information centres will be closed, services are accessible from Torquay Visitor Information Centre.

The shire’s general manager of community life, Damian Waight, said council will work hard to have bins collected with catch ups happening as soon as possible if delays occur.

“The safety of the community and our employees is our absolute highest priority, and the expert CFA advice is to avoid high-risk areas on Extreme fire danger days.

“We understand that people’s bins will be full on Boxing Day. Kerbside collections will start very early in the morning with the aim of making as many collections as possible before 10am, and any areas not covered will be caught up as soon as possible.

“We urge everyone to be prepared for the conditions on Boxing Day by implementing your fire plans and downloading the VicEmergency app to remain informed.”

Updates will be posted on Council’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

More information about fire danger ratings is available from cfa.vic.gov.au