Fire hazard inspection program starts ahead of summer

Published on 17 November 2023

This is a photograph of the Nillumbik landscape

In preparation for the summer bushfire season, Council officers have begun inspecting more than 9000 private properties and vacant land as part of our annual Fire Hazard Inspection Program.

The Shire of Nillumbik has a high risk of bushfire and bushfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We work together with the community, private property owners, and agencies to ensure we are all prepared.

In the lead up to and during the Fire Danger Period, which will come into effect in Nillumbik on Monday 4 December, our Fire Prevention Officers inspect properties within the Bushfire Management Overlay, as well as vacant land. Go to Vicplan to find out what zones and overlays apply to your property.

If a property is identified as being a fire hazard, a Fire Prevention Notice will be issued, requiring the owner to remove the hazards. It is an offence to fail to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice and property owners can be fined and ordered to pay the costs of a contractor to undertake the works.

Last year, we inspected 9504 properties and issued more than 199 Fire Prevention Notices.

Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said everyone needed to work together to prepare for the threat of fire.

“We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world, but that brings risk and we all need to play our part to keep our community safe and protect homes and livelihoods,” Cr Ramcharan said.

“Preparation and planning are key. If you haven’t already, please start now.”

Council is undertaking its own works as part of our annual bushfire mitigation implementation plan. Our works include:

  • Assessing and treating hazardous trees along 200km of roadsides
  • Box clearing along 250km of roads
  • Mowing of 450km of roadsides and 94ha of Council reserves
  • Pruning more than 780 trees from around powerlines
  • Ensuring fire tracks in 15 locations are accessible
  • Assessing, treating and filling 57 water tanks
  • Inspecting 51km of roadside trees affected by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

Council has a range of resources on our website to assist property owners prepare for bushfire.

Clearing vegetation

If you are thinking about clearing vegetation from your property, check before you chop. Rules can apply for clearing vegetation, particularly trees, around your property, even if it’s to protect your property from bushfire. So it’s always best to check with Council before undertaking any works. Find out more about the rules around clearing vegetation.

Disposing of green waste

Property owners can use their three free green waste vouchers included on their rates notice to dispose of green waste at Council’s Recycling Centre in Plenty. Find out more about the Recycling Centre and using your green waste vouchers.

If required, residents can also upgrade to a bigger 240L green waste bin, which is collected fortnightly, for free. Alternatively, a second 120L green waste bin can be ordered for a one-off cost of $80. Find out about upgrading your green waste bin.

Burning off

Burning off is prohibited during the declared Fire Danger Period. Outside this period, burning off is permitted for fire prevention purposes but may require a permit, depending on the size of your property. Find out about burning off.

Further fire planning and preparation resources are available at the CFA website.

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