Unseasonably hot spring weather is an early warning to Manningham residents to get their properties in order and make sure their family and friends have a bushfire plan in place.
Manningham Mayor Cr Paul McLeish said with temperatures on some days already reaching mid to high 30s and combined with strong winds, we are experiencing conditions that pose significant risk of fire.
“While we experienced a lot of rain over winter, there was not enough rain to soak the ground so in many areas grass is drying rapidly and the forests are also very dry, which is a concern to the CFA.”
“There is no time like the present to revisit your emergency plans and think about how a bushfire may affect your family and your property.”
“Fire is unpredictable and it is important that we all prepare and practice several fire plans based on different bushfire scenarios and don’t rely on just one source of information.”
Cr McLeish said having a well maintained property can increase the chances of your home and your neighbourhood surviving in the event of a bushfire, so now is the time to begin the clean up.
“Even if your plan is to leave early before a fire starts, it is crucial to prepare your property in the lead up to the fire season. This includes clearing any excess debris or garden waste from your property.”
“In the lead up to the fire danger period, garden waste vouchers will be available to residents living in a bushfire prone area. Residents living in these areas can request up to four vouchers which can be redeemed on 15, 22 and 29 November and 6 December 2015.
“The bundled garden waste service is part of the hard waste service offered to Manningham residents. Each household is entitled to two collections of either hard waste, bundled garden waste or a combination of each per year.
For more information on garden waste collections or to book, visit www.manningham.vic.gov.au/book-a-waste-collection
In many areas of Manningham planning permits are required to remove vegetation. If you are considering removing any vegetation you should call our Statutory Planning Unit on 9840 9470 to discuss your plans.
