By Mitchell Clarke
Residents living within bushfire prone areas will have more time to burn off and reduce fuel loads on their property ahead of the looming fire season.
Cardinia Shire Council has announced they will ease some of their local rules during November 2019, permitting burning off six days per week from Monday to Saturday, rather than three days per week on properties sized 20 hectares or under, and located in the designated Bushfire Prone Area.
Once the Fire Danger Period is declared by the Country Fire Authority, no fuel reduction burning will be allowed without a permit from the CFA.
Mayor Graeme Moore said increasing the permitted days to burn off for properties of this size is one way council is supporting residents to prepare for the summer season.
“Council recognises the importance of reducing bushfire fuels, and we encourage residents to consider all methods of vegetation waste disposal,” he said.
“This includes Council’s free green waste drop-off days in November, the kerbside hard and bundled green waste collections that started late October, and composting or mulching.
“For residents choosing to burn off, please ensure you do it responsibly and safely, and keep your neighbours and local authorities informed.”
No burning off is permitted on a Sunday, with residents warned only one open air fire is permitted at a time, ensuring a three metre minimum clearance from other combustible materials and a 10 metre distance from any structure.
For more information, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/burnoff.
