Free green waste disposal helps fire preparation

Published on 30 October 2020

Corangamite Shire is again offering free domestic green waste disposal to Shire residents to help them get ready for fire season.

Council Municipal Emergency Management Officer Sharna Whitehand said green waste can be dropped off at the Naroghid Landfill and all Shire transfer stations from Saturday 21 November until Sunday 13 December.

“The wet weather recently has meant plenty of growth which will add to potential fuel load later in the summer,” Ms Whitehand said.

“Preparation is the key. Now is the time to reduce fuel loads by managing grass growth, pruning trees and shrubs and cleaning up bark, twigs, leaves and other organic matter around your property.”

Ms Whitehand said acting early was particularly advisable because the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast hot, humid weather and high pollen late in the summer.

“Hard physical work doing a big clean-up doesn’t go well with heat stress, allergies and asthma, and spark risk from machinery when the fire season is upon us.

“By doing the bulk of the work early, keeping on top of things will be more manageable as summer progresses.”

“Normally a heaped trailer or ute load of green waste would cost $34.20 to dispose of, so this is a great chance for people to clean-up around their properties for free.”

“One overgrown block can pose a hazard to a whole neighbourhood so protect your home, and your neighbours, and clean up now.”

Ms Whitehand also encouraged residents to have a fire plan and know what to do if there is a fire.

“Now is the best time to understand your fire risk and get prepared, not when a fire starts,” she said.

You can download a helpful guide from the CFA website. Information on factoring coronavirus into your planning can be found here.

For more information about fire prevention, click here or call 5593 7100.