Council urges residents to prepare their property ahead of bushfire season
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Residents are being urged to prepare their properties for the upcoming bushfire season by planning a clean-up.
Council has a legal obligation to reduce the risk of fire, meaning Council’s Fire Prevention Officers will start conducting property inspections across the municipality over the coming months. These annual inspections are intended to promote public safety and assist residents in preparing for the fire season.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison emphasised that planning and preparing for the fire season is a shared responsibility among Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Country Fire Authority, Regional Roads Victoria, Council, and residents.
“Council strongly encourages residents to prepare now, starting with a clean-up around their property and ensuring they have an updated fire survival plan in place,” Dr Harrison said.
“Spring marks a high growth period for vegetation which has been further intensified by recent rain. Residents can take practical steps now to prepare such as removing grass, leaves, and twigs around your home, shed and gutters.
“For those needing assistance with maintaining their property, Council has a list of fire prevention contractors that can help with the clean-up.
“FFMVic will also be conducting planned burns across the region over the next few months, including at Snake Hill Track, Ararat to reduce the fuel load.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to remove any fire hazards on their land to protect people, property and the environment and we each have a role to play," Dr Harrison concluded.
Tips for cleaning up include:
Keeping the grass on and around your property to a low and neat level (under 100mm in height) Ensure trees are not overhanging on buildings Collecting and removing leaves, small branches and other fine fuels from your property Remove leaf litter from roofs and gutters Talking with your family and making sure you have plans in place in the event of an emergencySome useful resources to assist with planning for emergencies can be found here: