Yarra Ranges Council forced to step in to reduce fire risk at 34 properties
Dozens of Yarra Ranges property owners who ignored demands to clear overgrown land in the lead-up to the bushfire season blamed failed contractors, changing addresses and even being away for their slack behaviour. Now, they’re facing huge fines.
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While the state is bracing for the return of “extreme” fire danger conditions, owners of more than 30 Yarra Ranges properties could receive massive fines after failing to adequately reduce their high risk of fire.
The council inspected more than 2000 properties before the bushfire season, issuing 400 landowners with fire prevention notices in December — a directive to reduce fuel on their properties in a bid to minimise summer fire risk.
Council officers subsequently carried out forced clearing, using brush-cutters on domestic properties and tractor slashers on rural properties, with costs passed on to the 34 non-compliant property owners.
But it is an improvement on the 2018-19 season, when 60 landowners were non-compliant.
Yarra Ranges communities acting director Greg Box said clearing properties was not a service provided by the council and was the responsibility of landowners.
“Some who have not complied with notices have cited changing their address, being away or contractors not fulfilling works,” he said.
“Ultimately, though, it is the property owner who is responsible for compliance by the deadline.
“The property owner may also be issued an infringement notice and a penalty of $1652.”
MORE: FIRE DANGER ‘NOT OVER’
Knox Council told 43 properties to clean up after inspecting almost 2500 blocks of land, but the deadline for compliance has not yet passed.
Knox Mayor Nicole Seymour said the council would probably carry out a second round of inspections after the bushfire season.
“We expect the relatively benign season in Knox and recent rainfall to promote regrowth and it’s important residents maintain their properties on an ongoing basis,” she said.