Under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 (Section 105F) owners of private land are responsible for all fire prevention practices to protect property on the land and to prevent or inhibit the outbreak or spread of fire and to minimise the threat to human life. Substantial fines can be imposed for not carrying out that responsibility.
On larger rural properties, fuel or fire breaks have been found to be the most effective method of containing wild fires. You are responsible for ensuring these breaks are created and maintained around the boundaries of your land. It is recommended that a fuel break of at least four metres in width be established and all grass, weeds and other undergrowth within that break be mowed or slashed to a height not exceeding 10cm. In addition to establishing a fire break, it is recommended that you reduce all flammable undergrowth around your dwelling to a nominal distance of 20 metres. Trees that overhang buildings must be lopped or pruned.
On smaller properties it is recommended that you mow or slash all grass, weeds and other undergrowth to a height not exceeding 10cm and maintain the land in that way until the end of the fire danger season.
A formal notice under the Act will be forwarded prior to the fire danger season, and Council's Fire Prevention Officer will carry out an inspection of your property.
Rules have been introduced to better manage native vegetation, seeking to reduce the impact of bushfire - visit the CFS website