Fire ready in Maroondah

Stay informed

Get up-to-date information from

• CFA web site:  www.cfa.vic.gov.au
• Victorian Bushfire Information line:  1800 240 667
• ABC local radio:  3LO 774 AM

Are you at risk?

Every summer brings several high bushfire risk days when temperatures climb, often accompanied by a hot north wind.  These days may be declared a Total Fire Ban.  Fire Restrictions can also be applied across most areas of Victoria by CFA, when fire danger is high. Typically this is over the summer period of November through to April.

Victoria has adopted the new nationally agreed Fire Danger Rating scale to help communities understand information about fire danger. A Fire Danger Rating is a prediction of fire behaviour, including how hard it would be to put out a fire once it starts.

For more information on Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans, visit the CFA web site.

Prepare your property

All property owners are encouraged to ensure their homes and properties are fire ready.

Interim changes to the Victorian Planning Provisions

The government has announced interim planning provisions for some areas of Victoria with regard to clearing trees and vegetation.  These changes do not apply to the Maroondah municipality.

Free green waste tip vouchers

While many residents are able to manage the removal of their green waste using their fortnightly Council collection, there will be some who need to remove larger quantities of green waste material. Free vouchers are available for these residents to assist in preaparing their properties for bushfire.

The following coditions apply:

• vouchers can only be used once
• vouchers allow the disposal of up to 500kg of clean green waste - branches or prunings, no sand or dirt
• vouchers can only be used between Monday 26 October and Sunday 8 November
• any other rubbish taken to the Whitehorse Transfer Station at this time will be at the resident's own expense.

To obtain a voucher, call Council on 1300 88 22 33.

Whitehorse Transfer Station
Burwood Highway, Vermont South
Melways Ref: 63 A8

6.30am to 4pm – 7 days a week between Monday 26 October and Sunday 8 November

Residents are encouraged to visit early in the day to avoid possible delays.

Changes to rules on burning off

Permit conditions for burning off have been relaxed until the declared Fire Danger Period has been announced.

Revised conditions are:

• the property where the fire is to be lit must be at least 1 acre
• there is no permit fee, but you still need to apply for a permit
• the burn can occur on any day between 10am and 1pm except Sunday
• all other permit conditions much be complied with.

Fire Clearance Notices

Fire Clearance Notices are sent to property owners if their property is considered to pose a potential fire risk.  If owners do not compy with the notice, a contractor will be used to complete the required works at the owner's expense.  Council takes the risk of fire on vacant and unkempt land very seriously, and will issue fines if necessary.

Prepare yourself

Stay safe this summer by developing a Bushfire Survival Plan based on your decision to leave early or to actively defend your property.  The CFA website offers advice on preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan.

Also, don't forget that as well as being safe at home you need to consider fire safety when out and about, whether camping, bush walking or just having a picnic.   Before heading out, make sure you find out the latest information on bushfire risk.