Council moves on fire risks

Property owners who have ignored fire-prevention notices will have to pay contractors’ fees, with Ararat Rural City Council starting mandatory clean-ups this week.

Under Country Fire Authority regulations, the council has a legal obligation to reduce the risk of fire. This means each year the council’s fire-prevention officers inspect properties across the municipality.

Chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the council issued properties assessed as having high fuel loads with a fire-prevention notice that obligated them to remove hazards such as long grass, stockpiles of materials and other flammable debris.

“Property owners are given 21 days to comply with the notice and if they fail to do so, they are fined up to $1600,” he said.

“Under the act, it’s also mandatory for the council to remove the fire hazards on these properties, and we have engaged contractors to start this work.

“Council will then recoup the cost of that work from the property owner.

“Only eight properties out of 142 that received fire-prevention notices require the mandatory clean-ups, which is a great result and shows most people are aware of their responsibilities.”

Dr Harrison said fire-prevention officers would also start a second round of inspections this week and issue further fire-prevention notices as necessary.

People seeking more information can call the council on 5355 0200.