Macedon Ranges Shire Council, in consultation with local CFA brigades, has approved the lifting of burning off restrictions for the month of October for land less than 4,000 square metres.

Residents must ensure that when burning off they do not create a nuisance for their neighbours and should continue to monitor any burn-off for at least seven days to ensure it is fully extinguished.

Large loads of green waste (excluding noxious weeds) can also be taken and tipped for free at Council’s transfer stations until 31 December 2016.
Residents are also encouraged to make use of their green waste bin.
Council urges residents to monitor weather conditions prior to the commencement of any burning off on their property and to remember to register their burn by calling 1800 668 511, to minimise nuisance callouts to the local fire brigade.

Despite the large amount of rainfall in recent weeks, Council is urging residents not to become complacent when it comes to preparing their property for the summer fire season.
Acting Director Assets and Operations, Shane Power said it was important residents prepared their properties for the season by removing fine fuels such as long grass, weeds, twigs and leaves. “Significant rain in recent weeks and warmer weather conditions will result in a green landscape across the shire, but this doesn’t mean that we can become complacent about the fire risk during summer,” he said. To assist property owners in cleaning up their property, during the month of October burning off restrictions under Council’s Local Law will be lifted for those residents living on land less than 4,000 square metres (one acre).

Residents must ensure that when burning off they do not create a nuisance for their neighbours and should continue to monitor any burn-off for at least seven days to ensure it is fully extinguished.  Burn-offs must be registered by calling 1800 668 511.
Council will also be getting its own house in order for the fire season by reducing fire hazards on Council-managed roadsides and properties.
“With nearly 1,700 km of Council-managed roads in the shire, we must prioritise our roadside slashing programs to target high traffic roads near grasslands and township boundaries,” Mr Power said. “We are planning to initially focus on areas in the north of the shire that are known to dry out the quickest and we will monitor regrowth carefully over the fire season.” Council’s Fire Management Officer will also begin inspecting private properties for fire risk in mid-October. Fire Prevention Notices will be issued to those properties that pose a serious fire risk to their neighbourhood.

Council has also put together a useful planner which outlines the preparation activities that you should undertake to adequately prepare your property and household in the event of an emergency.  The Macedon Ranges Community Emergency Preparation Planner can be picked up from one of Council’s customer service centres in Kyneton, Gisborne, Romsey and Woodend.  The planner also provides information on what to do on high fire risk days, and encourages community members to share information about emergencies.
For more information, call Council on 5422 0333.