Roadside clearing works to continue throughout summer

Mitchell Shire Council’s commitment to rural and urban fire safety has seen the shire’s largest slashing program take place this year.

Council has also resolved to strengthen its commitment to fire hazards and fuel reductions. Local Laws Officers will continue to monitor risks on public land – land not managed by Council – and, if deemed a hazard, will write to the CEO of the public authority.

If the hazard cannot be rectified, Council will write a letter to the Chief Fire Officer and request an assessment of the public authority.

The official Country Fire Authority (CFA) Fire Danger Period started on Monday 11 November and residents are being reminded to stay vigilant during the summer months and to always be fire ready.

Council manages 1500 kilometres of roadside. To prepare for the fire season, Council conducts slashing and spraying works on Council roadsides.

The spraying program was finalised in late September and the slashing schedule kicked off earlier this month. Council’s Local Laws team will monitor slashing works during this period.

Residents are also reminded to keep their properties fire-ready, with urban properties required to keep grass under 20 centimetres at all times.

Rural properties should be proactive and maintain an adequate fire break.

Council’s fire prevention program, including Fire Prevention Notices, begun with Highlands, Hilldene, Northwood, Pyalong, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, all inspected.

These works undertaken by Council have left the state of Council roadsides in good condition ahead of summer.

In further support of safety and town amenity Councillors supported $50,000 worth of roadside clearing works leading into Pyalong and Kilmore at the last Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 18 November.

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