Updates to Open Air Burning Laws
Published on 04 September 2024
To protect our community and environment, properties under 1500 square metres are now prohibited from burning off during October.
Previously during the month of October, burn off restrictions were eased to allow properties under 1500 square metres to burn off. In November 2023, this was changed as part of the updated Community Amenity Local Law 2022.
This is a crucial step in reducing the health and environmental risks associated with open air burning.
To mitigate these risks, residents are encouraged to explore alternative methods that are both effective and environmentally friendly. These include:
- ‘No Charge’ Green Waste Weekends: We’ve doubled the number of no charge Green Waste Weekends from two to four each year. To help our residents dispose of green waste from the storms, we're hosting the next Green Waste Weekend from Friday 13 September to Sunday 15 September. Mark your calendars for the following event, scheduled from Friday 25 October to Sunday 27 October 2024.
- Utilising Waste Vouchers: Rate notices are now being distributed where you will receive four new waste vouchers with your notice. Renters now also have access to waste vouchers, making it easier for everyone on the Peninsula to manage green waste responsibly.
- Kerbside Collection: Book a kerbside collection for larger waste disposal needs.
- Green Waste Bin Collection: Make use of the fortnightly green waste bin collections to safely dispose of garden waste.
While controlled burning has traditionally been used for land management and bushfire risk reduction, it carries significant health risks, including:
- Air quality and respiratory issues: smoke from burning releases harmful pollutants into the air, leading to a decline in air quality and posing respiratory risks.
- Impact on vulnerable populations: children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke exposure.
- Community and environmental concerns: smoke drift can negatively affect neighbouring properties and the broader community, creating widespread discomfort and potential health issues.
- Risk of uncontrolled burns: even controlled burns carry the risk of becoming uncontrolled, which can result in significant property damage or loss of life.
If you are unsure about your property size, you can easily check using our online maps.
For further information and to ensure compliance with the new regulations, please visit our open air burning page.