Preparing for Bushfire Season

Each year prior to summer, Council will send reminder letters to property owners or occupiers of properties reminding them to reduce any fire hazards on their land. Council will inspect said properties as a follow up. If the fuel load on the property is deemed to be a fire hazard, the property owner will receive an Abatement Notice to remove the hazard.

What is an Abatement Notice and what do I have to do?

An Abatement Notice is a notice informing you that a hazard has been identified and what you need to do to reduce the risk.

You may be required to do the following:

• Clear long grass
• Remove tree and garden waste
• Clear general rubbish which could be a fire hazard
• Take any other action as directed on the Abatement Notice

The works must be carried out by the due date on the Notice. You must maintain your property in this state for the duration of the Fire Danger Period. The Abatement Notice does not authorise you to remove shrubs and trees.

But I've just cut my grass!

There may be a slight delay between when the property being inspected and the issuing of an Abatement Notice. If you have already carried out the works required on the Notice, then you don't need to worry. Just ensure that you maintain the property in this state for the rest of the Fire Danger Period.

What if I don't comply with an Abatement Notice?

Follow up inspections are carried out on all properties that have been issued an Abatement Notice. If the work required has not been carried out by the due date, Council will engage a contractor to carry out the works. The cost of the contractor, plus additional administration fees, will be passed on to the property owner.

I am having difficulty meeting the deadline

All requests for an extension on the due date will be to be made in writing to Council prior to the due date on the Abatement Notice. In most cases, an additional 7 days will be granted.

I received an Abatement Notice for a property I no longer own.

If you have received an Abatement Notice for a property you no longer own, please contact Council.

I want to make a complaint about a property that is a fire hazard.

To make a complaint about a property that you believe is a fire hazard, please contact Council