Fire hazard inspection process

A Courtesy Letter is issued to a property owner who received a Fire Prevention Notice the previous fire season.

The letter is issued as a reminder to prepare their property for the coming fire season without waiting for a Fire Prevention Notice.

All property owners and residents have a  responsibility to maintain their properties and reduce the threat and spread of bush and grass fires.

For more information and tips on preparing your property, visit our Getting Fire Ready page

Cost associated at this stage

$0.00
No fee associated

Fire Prevention Officers will inspect all areas conducting fire hazard inspections to ensure neighbourhoods are prepared  for the fire season.

If a property is identified with a fire hazard, a Fire Prevention Notice will be issued under the CFA Act, which requires the property owner to remove the fire hazard as directed  by the expiry date or face further action and a fine. 

Cost associated at this stage

$0.00
No fee associated

Fire Prevention Officers will conduct a second  inspection after the expiry date on the Fire Prevention Notice, to confirm that the fire hazard has been removed.

If the Fire Prevention Notice has been complied with, no further action will be required.

If not, Council will engage a contractor to remove the fire hazard.  This is called a “Compulsory Clearance”.

Cost associated at this stage

$0.00
No fee associated

An authorised contractor will remove the fire hazard within seven days of the second  inspection.

All fees associated with this action will be borne by the property owner.  

Cost associated at this stage

$238 administration fee + contract fees

Council will also issue a Fire Hazard Infringement to property owners who fail to comply with Fire Prevention Notices. These are issued under Section 41D of the Country Fire Authority Act. Failure to pay the penalty can result in further litigation.

Costs associated at this stage

$1,923 infringement penalty