Council urges property owners to act on fire prevention notices
Published on 20 December 2024
West Wimmera Shire Council is reminding residents to comply with Fire Prevention Notices to reduce the risk posed by long grass.
Council has issued numerous Fire Prevention Notices over the past few months and is now urging residents to maintain properties and comply with notices.
Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said Council was aware of properties in the shire that require attention.
“We are committed to ensuring public safety and are actively working to mitigate fire risks,” he said.
"Our team has engaged directly with many property owners, requesting that they maintain their properties, and we have issued a significant number of Fire Prevention Notices."
For properties where owners have failed to comply with issued notices, Council is currently coordinating with contractors to complete the works.
The costs of these mitigation efforts will be recovered from the property owners.
“It is crucial for property owners to take immediate action when they receive a Fire Prevention Notice," Mr Bezuidenhout said.
"Failure to comply not only risks fines but also endangers the safety of our community. If you've received a notice, we urge you to act now."
The legal process surrounding fire prevention enforcement is thorough to ensure compliance and fairness.
"We appreciate the patience of concerned residents and want to assure everyone that Council is taking all necessary steps to address the issue," Mr Bezuidenhout said.
Residents are reminded that maintaining properties to reduce fire hazards is a shared responsibility.
Keeping properties clear of long grass and debris is critical to reducing the risk of fast-spreading fires.
For those who have concerns about neighbouring properties, Council asks for patience as it follows the appropriate legal processes.
For information about preparing and maintaining your property, visit the CFA website, https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property.