Fines soar for untidy bushfire prone properties
Fines soar for untidy bushfire prone properties
07 November 2012
published by http://sunbury-leader.whereilive.com.au
Australia–– MACEDON Ranges residents who fail to clean up their properties prior to the fire season can expect a fine of $1408.
The penalty has risen substantially from $282 since last fire season following the State Government’s adoption of findings from the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.
Council’s community safety manager Anne-Louise Lindner said the council issued less than 100 infringement notices each year.
The fines are only imposed after a Fire Prevention Notice is issued which gives property owners about three weeks to clean up their properties before a second inspection.
Ms Lindner said inspections would begin tomorrow on all residential properties within town boundaries.
“Obviously the penalty is much higher but as a council we will be actively asking our town residents to take advantage of the new green waste service,” she said.
“In the past we have had a few serial offenders who tell us it is cheaper to pay the fine and get council contractors to clean up properties, so we believe the new fine will be an appropriate deterrent.”
Ms Lindner said anyone issued a Fire Prevention Notice was welcome to contact the council if they need more time or help in cleaning up properties.
The council will also begin its roadside slashing program on November 12.
