Fire prevention notices FAQ's

It is a legal direction, issued under the CFA Act, to a landowner to reduce the amount of fuel (such as grass, weeds and branches) on their property to minimise the fire risk during the summer.

Property owners are required to complete the works as detailed in the notice prior to the expiry date also shown on the notice. 

If a property owner fails to complete the required work, Council is obliged by the CFA Act to undertake the necessary work on behalf of the property owner.

The costs of undertaking such works will be passed onto the property owner and will include an additional Council Administration Fee as well as contractor costs.

The property owner may also be issued an Infringement Notice, with a penalty of $1,974.

Ignoring a Fire Prevention Notice will create far greater costs for the property owner compared to employing a contractor or undertaking the work themselves.

It should also be noted that this is a ‘compulsory clearance’ in accordance with the CFA Act and not a service provided by Council. 

Yes, you can object to a Fire Prevention Notice.

If you wish to lodge an objection, the Fire Prevention Officer must be notified in writing within seven days of receipt of the notice.

You can send an objection by email to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

OR

Send an objection by mail to:

Municipal Fire Prevention Officer
Yarra Ranges Council
P.O Box 105
Lilydale Vic 3140

Notices are sent to the last known address according to Council rates records. It is up to the property owner to advise Council of any change in postal address. Under the CFA Act a notice sent to the last known postal address is deemed to be served. However property owners should not wait for a notice to be served; fire prevention is an ongoing responsibility. 

Municipal Fire Prevention Officers are authorised under Section 41 of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958.

Yarra Ranges Council has a team of Fire Prevention Officers who carry out a street by street inspection of private property over several weeks prior to and during each fire season. Notices are issued only where fuel reduction works are required.  

CFA Fire Prevention Notices are issued when properties have been inspected by Fire Prevention Officers and have been found to be in a condition that has the potential to put life or property under threat during a bushfire due to the amount of unmanaged fuel (e.g. long grass or fallen branches and leaves). 

Notices are issued to comply with CFA requirements. The notices are a legal document and failure to comply with the actions specified will result in penalties to landowners. Council does not have any discretion in the format or tone of these notices. 

No. Section 41 of the CFA Act only authorises Councils to issue notices to private property owners. Section 43 of the CFA Act does require those Agencies to take steps to reduce fuel and minimise fire risk on land under their control although not enforceable by Council. 

The natural environment of Yarra Ranges is highly valued. It supports vast areas of forested land with significant biodiversity values. Native vegetation in Victoria is protected by legislation. This includes all vegetation layers such as trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.

It's important that you read and understand your Fire Prevention Notice. Any native vegetation removed outside of the notice could result in breaches under the Planning & Environment Act.

Are you concerned about biodiversity impacts or are unsure of your responsibilities? You can:

• lodge an objection to the notice

• request modifications to the works required to retain native vegetation.

We work with Municipal Fire Prevention Officers to reach an appropriate balance. Rather than complete removal this will often include:

• weed removal

• slashing of grasses

• overall biomass reduction

• assistance with native plant identification.

In bushland areas we use sensitive fuel reduction techniques. This helps minimise damage to native vegetation and future weed invasion. We do this by:

• brush-cutting or hand pulling over the use of heavy machinery

• slashing grass no shorter than 100mm to avoid creating bare-earth areas.

As well as being required to inspect private property for fire hazards, Councils are required to take steps to reduce the likelihood and effects of fires on Council managed land such as reserves and strategic roadsides. Details of these programs can be found in the annual Fire Readiness Program available on the Yarra Ranges Council website. www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au 

More detailed information can be found on the reverse of the Fire Prevention Notice or by contacting the Fire Prevention Officer who has issued the Fire Prevention Notice by phoning 1300 368 333.