Surf Coast towns prepare for bushfire season

IN AN EFFORT to increase resident and visitor safety, the Surf Coast Shire is preparing for the bushfire season by working with communities to manage vegetation in high-risk parts of the municipality.

The shire has been carrying out a winter fuel reduction program each year since 2009, targeting selected areas on a rotating basis.

This year, the focus is on Moggs Creek and parts of Fairhaven and Lorne, taking in an area of about 800 properties.

The aim is to reduce or remove vegetation on private and public land that could fuel or accelerate the spread of bushfires.

Shire staff are working in the nominated areas during July and August managing vegetation on nature strips.

Property owners are urged to participate by managing vegetation on their own land during this time, including removing woody weeds and pruning trees and bushes within 2m of buildings.

To help, the shire is offering unlimited free kerbside collection of vegetation within the fuel reduction program area until August 22.

Property owners do not need to book this service, as the shire is monitoring roadsides within the program area and will collect as needed.

 

Shire officers are also available to answer questions and educate property owners about bushfire prevention and preparedness.

Cr Libby Stapleton said parts of the Surf Coast Shire were among the most vulnerable to bushfire in the state.

“It’s important for the council and residents to do the work during these cooler months to get ready for the high risk times ahead. It’s never too soon to start preparing.

“With such low rainfall during the first half of 2025, conditions are very dry and unfortunately that means we’re bracing for a potentially early, long and severe bushfire season.”

The shire has contacted residents within the program areas outlining what is taking place and providing advice on managing vegetation around homes and buildings.

Residents not within this year’s program areas are still encouraged to start preparing.

Branches and prunings can be placed in green-lid kerbside bins, collected weekly, or taken to your local transfer station.

Vouchers entitling residents to free drop-off of up to one cubic meter of green waste at the Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea transfer stations will soon be provided to all residents with their rates notices, with more green waste vouchers provided ahead of the fire season.

For more information about fire prevention, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/fireready