Act now to maintain vacant properties

Published on 01 August 2019

Landowners in urban areas of the Gannawarra Shire are encouraged to act now to maintain vegetation on vacant blocks or the area surrounding their dwellings.

Although property inspections will occur in spring, Council is urging landowners to consider the situation on their properties now.

“The Gannawarra has experienced close to average rainfall during the past four months, which has created ideal conditions for the growth of vegetation on vacant blocks,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“This increasing growth has, in the past, led to a heightened fire danger risk during spring and summer.

“Taking time to check your vacant blocks and areas surrounding your dwellings now will assist in the future.”

Landowners can be fined up to $800 for failing to comply with Council requests to clear vegetation from vacant blocks or the areas surrounding their dwellings.

“Any works undertaken to clear vegetation now will ensure less work is needed in the coming months,” Mayor Learmonth said.