Mildura Rural City Council, Media Release, 22 August 2022

Sunraysia residents are being urged to ensure their properties are prepared for the upcoming Fire Danger Period.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) declares an annual Fire Danger Period from October through to April, and it’s important that everyone in our region does their part to reduce the risk of fire.

Council’s Civic Compliance Officers will start inspections on properties throughout the municipality to ensure they don’t pose a fire-risk.

Councillor for Environment and Sustainability Jason Modica said that significant rainfall this year had led to an increase in vegetation, and therefore a higher fire risk when the weather heats up.

“All property owners are required to keep their properties free from fire hazards including clearing properties of long vegetation, rubbish and unused materials,” he said.

“Be sure to reduce any potential fuel loads, such as long grass, leaves, twigs and bark, establish fire breaks or clean up your property entirely.

“By reducing potential fuel loads, residents are not only reducing the fire risk on their own properties, but those of their neighbours as well.”

Both the Community Local Law No 2 and the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 stipulate that landowners must not allow their properties to become unsightly or a potential fire hazard.

“Council works with other agencies, such as the CFA, to monitor fire risk and will continue to do so throughout the coming months,” Cr Modica said.

For more information contact Council on 03 5018 8100 or visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au