September 26th, 2023Macedon lifts burn off restrictions this Octber

A temporary burn-off exemption will be introduced throughout October across the Macedon Ranges Shire to help landowners prepare their properties ahead of the upcoming fire season.

In consultation with local CFA brigades, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council will allow registered open-air burns on land 4,000 square metres or less without a permit for the month of October, giving landowners ample time to clear their property and minimise fire risk before the official Fire Danger Period starts.

CEO Bernie O’Sullivan encouraged landowners and residents to take advantage of the October exemption, to better protect their own properties and the shire more broadly in the event of a fire.

“It is vital that we all work together to avoid complacency and prepare as best we can amid an often unpredictable, ever-changing climate. Council officers will be continuing our annual program of targeted mowing, slashing and roadside weed management as the weather starts to warm up,” he said.

Property preparations ahead of the fire season should include slashing grass, removing any fine fuels, rubbish or materials likely to cause, maintain or promote a fire, storing flammable liquids and materials away from the house, cleaning gutters and removing noxious weeds.

To assist residents with cleaning up their properties, green waste disposal is free at council resource recovery facilities for ratepayers and tenants in the Macedon Ranges. Residents are also encouraged to make use of their FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bin, which is collected weekly.

If burning off, landowners or residents must monitor weather conditions before starting any fire and must register their burn. They are also encouraged to:

• check carefully for any wildlife that may have taken up residency in bonfire piles
• consider and minimise the impact on neighbours
• ensure sufficient fire suppression equipment is on site
• closely monitor burn-offs for at least seven days, to ensure they are fully extinguished.

From 1 November, burning-off restrictions will revert back to the requirements under the Local Law 2023, whereby burning in the open air will be prohibited on land 2,000 square metres or less, and a permit from the council’s fire prevention officers will be required for burning off on land more than 2,000 square metres and equal to or less than 4,000 square metres.