Northern Grampians Shire Council will not be providing letters of support or on-demand Fire Prevention Notices to residents of Metropolitan Melbourne despite the State Government COVID-19 announcement on 18 October 2020.
People that own property in the Northern Grampians Shire will only be issued with a Fire Prevention Notice if council officers identify that a property presents a threat to life or property from bushfire.
The process for council to conduct Fire Hazard Inspections on private property and issue Fire Prevention Notices is already in place, and property owners cannot request a Fire Prevention Notice.
Council officers will undertake Fire Hazard Inspections in Northern Grampians Shire from November, on commencement of the Fire Danger Period as declared by the CFA.
Residents of Metropolitan Melbourne will not require a permit to travel to Regional Victoria if issued with a Fire Prevention Notice, as the Fire Prevention Notice is evidence of reason for travel.
When Fire Prevention Notices are issued council will ensure adequate time will be given for works to be completed.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Liana Thompson, said it’s important for the safety of everyone for the current process to be followed carefully.
“Council understands the frustration of Melbourne residents who are not currently able to travel to their rural properties but we ask them to be patient to ensure the safety of our community is protected,” she said.
“If a property in our region is identified as a fire risk, the property owners will be contacted and a Fire Prevention Notice issued as quickly as possible to ensure fire hazard reduction works can be undertaken swiftly.
“I urge all property owners to wait for council to contact them in regards to any works that need to be undertaken on their property.”
There are many local slashing and gardening businesses that provide grass cutting services in the local area that can assist with works in the absence of the requirement to travel. Please see council’s online business directory at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/local-business-directory
