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Firebreaks

Important Fire Dates

Firebreaks - last day - 25 October each year. Maintain until 14 April each year.

A firebreak means a strip of land that has been cleared of all bushes, grasses and any other object or thing or flammable material leaving clear bare mineral earth 2.1 metres wide. This includes the trimming back of all overhanging trees, bushes, shrubs and any other object or thing over the firebreak area.

On or before 25 October each year you MUST take firebreak precautions as shown below and these must be MAINTAINED up to and including 14 April the following year. (Penalties apply).

The purpose is to stop fires from spreading, to allow entry for firefighting vehicles and to provide a break from which a control fire can be lit.

If a firebreak is impractical along your boundary for environmental or other reasons, notify the Shire Council by 15 October to obtain permission for firebreak in an alternative position or of a different nature.

  • Land within a townsite up to 1020m2 must be cleared of all inflammable material.
  • Land within a townsite from 1020m2 up to 4000m2 must have a 2.1 metre wide firebreak around the perimeter and be slashed or hazard reduced to ensure inflammable materials are less than 150mm high.
  • Land within a townsite over 4000m2 must have 2.1 metre wide firebreaks around the perimeter, around all buildings, fuel and haystacks.
  • Rural land up to 300ha must have 2.1 metre wide firebreaks around the perimeter of the property, around all buildings, fuel and haystacks. Council's aim is hazard reduction on all properties within the Shire.
  • Rural land over 300ha must have 2.1 metre wide firebreak around every 300ha block and all buildings, fuel, haystacks and drums.

Please contact the Community Emergency Services Manager (0427 057 719) or the Shire Rangers (0417 181 349) for assistance.

The Shire Ranger is responsible for the investigation of offences committed under the provisions of the Bushfires Act 1954 which may result in the issuing of infringement notices or court prosecution.

These offences include:

  • Failure of owner or occupier to comply with a notice requiring him to take action to clear and plough firebreaks or take action to prevent the outbreak or spread of bushfires.
  • Set fire to the bush during prohibited burning times.
  • Operating a harvesting machine or header when prohibited.