Firebreak Notice 2020

BUSH FIRES ACT 1954 - SECTION 33 NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS AND/OR OCCUPIERS OF LAND IN THE SHIRE OF ASHBURTON

Pursuant to the powers contained in Section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954, you are hereby required on or before the 1st day of October (or within fourteen days of your becoming owner or occupier of land should this be after the 1st day of October to clear firebreaks and reduce the fuel load from the land owned or occupied by you as specified hereunder and to have the specified land and firebreaks clear of all flammable material from the 1st day of October, up to and including the 30th day of April.

(1) Land in Townsites- 1.1 Where the area of land is 2000 square metres (approximately 1/2 an acre) or less, all flammable material should be reduced over the whole of the land. Grasses can be slashed, to a height no more than 75mm. 1.2 Where the area of land exceeds 2000 square metres, firebreaks of at least three metres in width should be cleared of all flammable material immediately inside and along the boundaries of the land. Where there are buildings on the land additional firebreaks three metres in width shall be cleared immediately surrounding each building.

(2) Land outside Townsites- 2.1 Two firebreaks should surround all buildings on land that is outside townsites, not less than three metres wide and cleared of all flammable material. The inner firebreak is to be not more than twenty metres from the perimeter of the building or group of buildings and the outer firebreak not less than 100 metres from the inner firebreak. 2.2 If it is considered for any reason to be impractical to clear firebreaks or remove flammable material as required by this notice, you may apply to the Council or its duly authorised Officer no later than the for permission to provide firebreaks in alternative positions or take alternative action to remove or abate fire hazards. If permission is not granted by Council or its duly authorised Officer, you must comply with the requirement of this notice.

“Flammable material” does not include green growing trees or green growing plants in gardens.

If the requirements of this notice are carried out by burning, such burning must comply with the relevant provisions of the Bush Fires Act. NO FIRES ARE TO BE LIT WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT.

The penalty for failing to comply with this notice is a fine of $5000. A person in default is also liable, whether prosecuted or not, to pay the cost of performing the work directed in this notice, if it is not carried out by the owner or occupier by the date required by this notice.

Kenn Donohoe

Chief Executive Officer

Shire of Ashburton

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