Fire season inspections to commence in lead up to summer

Residents and property owners of vacant blocks of land are being advised that Council officers will be conducting inspections from November through to April to ensure that blocks are cleared during the upcoming fire season.

Earlier this month, owners of vacant land in Maroondah would have received an annual Fire Educational letter outlining their requirements to prepare their block for summer.

Where property owners fail to comply with the notices served, Council may take further action and may complete the required works with the cost charged back to the property owner.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Nora Lamont said residents have a responsibility to ensure their blocks of land are maintained, which includes slashing and mowing blocks over the course of the fire season.

“Council acknowledges that COVID-19 lockdowns over winter and spring may have made it difficult in some cases to access contractors, but now that restrictions have eased it is important that blocks are maintained to ensure Maroondah remains prepared as possible for the summer period,” Cr Lamont said.

“Grassfires can start quickly and spread rapidly, so it is important that we do everything we can to prevent them starting in the first place,” she said.

“This is also a good time of the year for all residents to ensure that their properties are well maintained, as the likelihood of extreme weather, including heat, high winds and storms, is extremely high,” Cr Lamont said.

Residential properties can use their fortnightly green waste collection to reduce fuel loads on their property. Alternatively, green waste can be taken to a local waste and recycling centre for disposal. Visit our waste page to find a list of centres located in Melbourne’s greater eastern region.

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