Have Your Say:
Council Proposes Changes to ‘Open Air Fires’ Laws
Following extensive community and agency consultation, Council has proposed new open air fires regulations which will be open for public exhibition for community feedback from Friday 20 August, 2021.
The proposed Open Air Fires Local Law aims to provide adequate provision for fuel reduction and fire prevention while discouraging unnecessary smoke health hazards.
The proposed local law details the regulations for open-air fires – commonly known as ‘burning off’ – outside of the declared fire danger period.
This new law will provide the community with more opportunities to reduce bushfire risk through burning-off while ensuring public safety remains a key priority.
The proposed changes to local open-air burning regulations will make it easier and safer for residents to reduce fire fuel hazards on their properties.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said the proposed changes aimed to ensure that open air burning was used to minimise the risk of bushfire across the shire in a safe manner.
“We believe the draft local law reflects the community’s feedback and balances the need for fuel reduction and fire prevention with community amenity, environmental benefits and broader public health interests.
“We encourage everyone to jump online later this week, review the proposed new regulations and provide feedback.”
The proposed local law renews focus on:
- Smoke impacts on community
- Bushfire fuel reduction and property preparation
- Burning off timeframes
- Burning off in townships
- Alternative methods of green waste disposal
- Environmental impacts
Council is inviting feedback until Friday 17 September, and will review all feedback before deciding whether to make the local law.
To view the proposed Open Air Fires Local Law, see fire zone maps, and for feedback details visit:
www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
All submissions must be submitted to Council prior to 17 September 2021.
