Fire Hazard Prevention Program
The Shire's Fire Prevention Officers inspect properties in the lead-up to and during the CFA’s Declared Fire Danger Period to see if there are fire hazards on private land. Where fire hazards are identified on private land, a Fire Prevention Notice will be issued to the owner directing works take place to remove the fire hazard within a specified time frame.
Each property is considered individually for its level of fire risk, Fire Prevention Officers look for:
- Long, dry grass
- Fallen and dead vegetation
- Weeds contributing to a high fuel load
- Vegetation close to neighbouring assets.
Download a copy of the our Fire Prevention Inspection Program Fact Sheet(PDF, 102KB) to learn more about the program, or visit before, during and after a fire for tips on how to prepare your property for the fire season.
What is a Fire Prevention Notice?
By law the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (CFA Act) and Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958 (FRV Act) authorises Municipal Fire Prevention Officers to issue a Fire Prevention Notice to owners or occupiers of private properties to complete fire management works.
A Fire Prevention Notice is a statutory notice and failure to comply with the direction of the Notice carries an infringement.
Fire hazard on Government owned land
Council (Local) has no authority to issue Fire Prevention Notices to government agencies (State). If you have a concern relating to a fire hazard on a property owned by a government agency, please contact them directly (see below). If you are unsure of the property ownership you may contact us to find out. If you are concerned about vegetation on Shire land, see our Fire Management page
I am concerned that my neighbour’s property may be a fire hazard
If you are concerned about bushfire risk on a privately owned property, please visit our Report A Problem page. You will need to provide the location of the property and your specific concerns, attaching a photo is also helpful.
The Shire will assess your concerns to determine whether it is appropriate for the property to be inspected by a Fire Prevention Officer or a Community Safety and Compliance Officer (Ranger).
There are snakes, rats or other vermin coming from the property next door
Snakes are a protected species and in the rural-urban interface are a natural occurrence. Ensure you maintain a safe area around your house and outbuildings. Snakes are attracted to places we live as they provide shelter and food such as frogs and mice. Try to remove attractions for snakes from your property such as wood piles, stock feed and hay.
The Shire will not issue a Fire Prevention Notice to deal with issues such as snakes, rats or other pest related concerns.
If your neighbouring property is contributing to a pest problem, please see our Environmental Nuisance Complaints page.
Weeds
Weeds often contribute to bushfire risk – see our Natural Environment & Biodiversity page for information about common weeds found on the Peninsula and how to manage them.