People are urged to start preparing for the upcoming fire season by completing fire prevention works around their regional properties.
With the fire season fast approaching, concerns are growing about the safety risk posed by the lack of property maintenance in areas like Moorabool during the lengthy lockdown period.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes has announced a new permit system to help ensure people from metropolitan Melbourne or any other restricted regions are able to leave their area to undertake the necessary fire preparedness activities at a second property in regional Victoria.
“We know how important it is to be prepared for the upcoming fire season – this system allows for this vital work while keeping regional communities safe,” she said.
“Our emergency services agencies are preparing for the upcoming fire season and we’re asking all Victorians to do their bit to prepare in a COVID-safe way.”
Regional property owners from metropolitan Melbourne or other restricted regions can now apply to the relevant council where their second property is located for written formal approval to undertake fire preparedness of their properties.
Property owners will need to provide information about the specific location, the type of work to be undertaken and the date of travel.
For residents traveling from metropolitan Melbourne or any other restricted regions, the chief health officer directions that apply to their primary residence will travel with them.
Regional property owners are encouraged to use local contractors or neighbours to determine if preparedness work is required ahead of making travel plans to undertake the work.
Wherever possible, local contractors should also be used to undertake preparedness work.
Local councils will continue to issue Fire Prevention Notices where it is deemed necessary to place an obligation on property owners.
Residents issued with a Fire Prevention Notice are legally bound to comply and can travel to their property to clean it up.
Details: coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Benjamin Millar
