We responded to an inquiry from the Geelong Advertiser regarding our fire prevention program.
Acting Director City Services Alistair Miller
How many Fire Prevention Notices have you issued to residents during this fire danger period?
To date, we have issued about 2400 fire prevention notices to land owners.
Why is it important to issue these notices?
The Country Fire Authority Act and Fire Rescue Victoria Act make it a requirement that councils have a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. Both Acts spell outline the duties and responsibilities of the fire prevention officers.
The officers’ focus is on protecting life and property from the effects of fire, and to prevent fires from starting or spreading on and from any land within the municipality. Both Acts state that fire prevention notices can be issued on the owner of any land to undertake certain works to remove the fire risk. If the owner does not undertake the works, the Acts provide the power for councils to then have the works carried out by a contractor at the owner’s expense. Without these notices, there is no ability to ensure land owners keep their properties in a fire safe condition.
What penalty do residents face if they don’t adhere to the notice?
The penalty for not complying with a fire prevention notice is set by State Government. It is currently either $1817, or a summons to appear in the Magistrates Court. The owner will also be sent an invoice for the costs incurred in clearing the property. Please note, all fire prevention notices and penalty notices are issued on behalf of the fire agencies.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Our fire hazard inspections begin in the northern area of the municipality from 1 November. This is where the grass cures first and the area has the greatest history and risk of fires. Officers then methodically move into the Central (mid-November) and Eastern zones (early December). Every street within Greater Geelong is inspected. Community members concerned about long grass or fire risks in their area can log a service request or phone 03 5272 5272.
