Whittlesea residents have just 10 more days to ensure their grass isn’t too long, with the council about to begin its annual fire inspection program.
The council has started sending letters to all property owners in the urban area to let them know they have until November 24 to ensure grass on their property is no longer than 10 centimetres in height.
Municipal fire prevention officer David Foster said that with predictions of another high-risk fire season looming, the council was working to reduce the grassfire risk.
“We have a legal responsibility to ensure we reduce the community bushfire and grassfire risk, so each year in the lead-up to the warmer months, we inspect all properties in the City of Whittlesea,” he said. “Winter has been one of the warmest on record. With a bit of rain, combined with warmer weather, grass will grow quickly.
“If everyone does their part and ensures that grass is cut and hazards are removed, the risk of bushfire is significantly reduced.”
Mr Foster said that if a property owner hasn’t completed the required works in time, the council would carry out the work and recoup costs.
Planned burns aimed at protecting the community from grass and bushfires are also under way in parks across the northern suburbs, including Yan Yean Reservoir Park. As part of Parks Victoria’s annual fire protection work, the burns reduce vegetation along park boundaries and maintain access roads for firefighting vehicles.
