Fires and Incinerators

Burning off on a residential property and the use of incinerators is banned.

From 1 March 2005 a new local law was passed regarding incinerators and fires. 


Benefits of Banning Incinerators and Open Air Burning

By prohibiting the use of incinerators and open air burning in residential areas, we have tried to provide a safe and healthy environment in which all residents of the municipal district enjoy a quality of life that meets the general expectations of the community.

We adopted these measures to control nuisances, odours and smoke emissions and other discharges to the environment that may adversely affect the enjoyment of life, health, safety and the welfare of the community.

All incinerator fires should be reported to our Customer Service Unit.



Barbeques are okay

A fire lit for the purposes of cooking food for human consumption is exempt from this Local Law.
 
However, care should be taken so that smoke emissions are kept to a minimum.


Please note...

On Total Fire Ban Days, no solid fuel fires or barbeques are permitted unless:
  • They are portable gas or electric BBQs or stoves.
  • They are located within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling (mobile homes, caravans or tents are not classied as permanent dwellings).
  • You are using BBQs provided in public reserves/campsites.
  • They are electric or gas-fired and the BBQ is a fixed permanent structure.
  • A tap with the hose connected is ready to use, or at least 10 litres of water is on hand in case of an emergency.
  • An area of 3 metres all around and above the BBQ is completely cleared of all flammable material.
  • An adult is in attendance at all times.
  • The wind speed is less than 10kph (a light breeze that can be felt on the face and will rustle the leaves on trees).
  • The BBQ is not lit within 7.5 metres of any log or stump.

Be aware that Authorised Officers may direct a person responsible for a fire or incinerator to extinguish the fire or incinerator immediately. If that person does not comply with the direction, a Penalty Notice may be issued.

Authorised Officers of Council and the Country Fire Authority may enter a property and use whatever means available and necessary, to extinguish a fire or incinerator if Local Laws have been breached.


Local Law Extract

A verbatim 'extract' from the Local Law reads as follows:

Fire In Open Air and Incinerators Specifically
69. Subject to clause 70, a person must not, without a permit or the consent of an authorised officer:
  • 69.1 light;
  • 69.2 allow to be lit; or
  • 69.3 allow to remain alight a fire in the open air or in an incinerator.
Penalty: 10 Penalty Units

70. Nothing in clause 69 applies to a person who lights or allows to be lit or remain alight a fire which is lit in a barbeque for the purpose of cooking food.

This information is available at any of our Customer Service Centres.

Common Questions

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View Question
Can I have a campfire on a Total Fire Ban Day?
No. All campfires are forbidden on Total Fire Ban Days.

For further information please refer to the Country Fire Authority website.

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View Question
Fire Prevention - How do I pay fees for not clearing my property?
Information about payment of the following fees can be found on the back of your invoice or notice:
  • Invoice for the $60 Administration Fee
  • Invoice for property clearance by our nominated contractor (minimum amount of $215)
  • Fire Prevention Infringement Notice for $244

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