Council ready for fire season

Published on 06 November 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council is ready for the 2023/24 fire season, with restrictions coming into effect as of 1am today.

During the past month Council staff have worked to reduce potential fire risks on public and private properties.

“A wet winter and the recent spell of hot weather have provided ideal conditions for potential fire risks, including dry, overgrown weeds,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“We all play a part in reducing our fire risk, especially with summer to begin in the coming weeks.”

As part of Council’s commitment to reduce the Gannawarra’s fire risk, staff have undertaken the following tasks:

• Slashing of all Council-managed roadsides and properties to reduce vegetation growth.
• Spraying weeds along Council-managed roadsides to reduce future vegetation growth.
• Undertaken fire hazard inspections, identifying properties which need to be cleared of fire risks and issuing Fire Prevention Notices to landowners, instructing them to carry out works to reduce fire risks.

Council has also been in discussions with Regional Roads Victoria and VicTrack regarding reducing fire risks located along local highways, major roads and railway lines. Residents who have any concerns regarding the management of fire risks along highways or other main local roads identified on maps or green signage with a C2## prefix are encouraged to contact Regional Roads Victoria on 133 778.

“We all play a part in reducing fire risks locally. Acting now is better than not acting at all, especially if we have any out-of-control fires during the next six months,” Mr Rollinson said.

For more information regarding fire management within the Gannawarra Shire, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/fires