Council waives fees for Open Air Permits to Burn

Permit-to-Burn

Northern Grampians Shire Council, in consultation with the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee, has declared an Autumn fee exemption period for Open Air Permits to Burn.

An Open Air Permit to Burn is required to burn materials on land not zoned as rural living or farming outside the declared Fire Danger Period.

A permit is required to burn materials on properties within zones including township, residential, industrial zones and more.

Application fees for permits where the burn date is between 4 and 17 May 2020 will be waived for Open Air Permits to Burn under Council’s Local Law.

The purpose of the fee exemption period is to encourage residents to reduce the fire fuel load on their property to minimise the risk of fires in the next fire danger period.

Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, said by assisting people to reduce fire hazards now, we can be well prepared for the next fire season.

“By waiving the fee for these permits and encouraging people to get their properties in order now, we can reduce the risk of fire when the weather heats up again in Spring/Summer,” he said.

“Council understands everyone is feeling the pinch as the Coronavirus Pandemic has far-reaching economic impacts so this is something we can do to help our community during this time.”

“Fire safety is a serious and important consideration for all property owners in our region so I encourage everyone, with or without the intention to burn-off, to get out and get their yards in order now so we all have one less thing to worry about down the track.”

During this time permit applications will still be required and applicants are asked to allow up to five working days for the permit to be processed.

A Community Safety Officer will need to inspect the property prior to issuing a permit and permits contain set conditions, available on council’s website, which must be adhered to during the burn period.

Applications can be made online here

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