By Kath Gannaway
Murrindindi Shire’s Fire Danger Period remained in force throughout Easter, finishing on 18 April, 2017.
The Council has put out a reminder that while nearby shires have already removed fire restrictions, Murrindindi towns, including Marysville, Toolangi, Kinglake, Buxton and Narbethong, remain in the fire danger period.
However, the Council is allowing a fire amnesty period, from 22 April to 6 May, 2017, and offering free green waste disposal at their recycling and recovery centres.
Mayor Charlie Bisset encouraged residents to make good use of the free alternative.
“This option has been really popular with our Shire’s residents, as they can get rid of their grass clippings, leaves, garden prunings, branches and tree trunks no bigger than 300mm in diameter and no longer than 1.5m,” she said.
Cr Bisset said while the fire amnesty period allows residents in townships to carry out small open-air burns, there are important regulations around them.
She warned against nuisance fires that can be caused by too much smoke or the illegal burning of materials such as furniture or mattresses.
“If these fires are reported, our Local Laws officers will attend and penalty notices may be issued,” Cr Bisset said.
From 6 May 2017, a permit will be required to burn off in a residential area.
In a Farming Zone (generally areas outside town limits), a permit is not required between 18 April and the start of Council Fire Restrictions on 15 October 2017.
Further information, including regulations around burns, is available at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au or phone Council’s Local Laws Unit on 5772 0333.
