After coming into effect on November 20, 2017 the Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared Murrindindi Shire‘s fire danger period ends at 12:01 a.m, Tuesday, May 1.
Natural Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Councillor Rebecca Bowles said residents will be able to dispose of their green waste the shire’s Resource Recovery Centres free of charge during the amnesty period from Saturday, May 5 until Monday, May 21.
Fire restrictions will be removed on Tuesday, May 1, which means people on rural land will be able to burn off without a permit. People in township zones or built up areas will be allowed to burn-off dry vegetation from Saturday, May 5 until Monday May 21, 2018.
“In residential areas, fires must be no larger than one metre in diameter and one metre in height and must not cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties. Outside the dates of the fire amnesty period, people in townships will still need a permit to burn off.
“While this is a convenient option for many, please keep in mind if you do choose to burn off that your fire can become a nuisance to your neighbours – a good reason to choose the free green waste disposal option instead.
“If you do choose to burn off, we are asking everyone to show care toward their neighbours by not burning green wood or damp leaves as it causes excessive levels of smoke. While the amnesty provides an opportunity for people to clean-up, we do not want this to be at the expense of the comfort or convenience of others – especially in towns and built up areas.
“Large volumes of smoke are also produced via illegal burning of materials such as sofas and tyres. Council will have Local Laws Officers on hand to respond to reports of nuisance fires,” Bowles said.
To prevent unnecessary emergency services response please notify VicFire of your planned burn by calling 1800 668 511.
Council is keen for residents to consider the free green waste option as an environmentally-friendly alternative to burning-off.
“If you prefer not to burn off but still have lots of green waste to dispose of, you can take advantage of the green waste amnesty by dropping your grass clippings, leaves, garden prunings, branches and tree trunks into any of Council’s Resource Recovery Centres.
“Branches accepted free can be up to 30cm in diameter and 1.5 metres in length. Materials that can’t be accepted or will incur a fee, include construction timber, large branches and tree trunks over 30cm in diameter or over 1.5 metres long,” Bowles said.
