Property Owners Urged to Prepare for Bushfire Season

Annual Firebreak Notice Issued

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has issued its annual Firebreak Notice and announced a major review of the notice in the next 12 months.

The Firebreak Notice is an annual order issued by the Shire, requiring landowners or occupiers to carry out fire prevention work and maintain firebreaks from 30 November 2024 to 12 May 2025, as authorised by the Bush Fire Act 1954

While the 2024/25 notice is mostly unchanged, a comprehensive review of the notice will commence in early 2025 to ensure the guidelines reflect evolving local conditions, including climate change. The review will also consider how the Shire can balance protecting the community from bushfires while safeguarding the environment.

Shire President Julia Meldrum said making any change to firebreak requirements requires a thorough consideration and would involve community consultation.

"Bushfire preparation is essential for keeping our community and volunteer firefighters safe," she said. "Currently rural property owners must install and maintain 3 metre firebreaks because in an emergency these breaks provide safe access for fire vehicles."

"Adapting this, or any rule in our Firebreak notice needs careful and thorough consideration, as well as community input."

The Shire President urged residents to begin reducing fire hazards on their properties ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.

"While we can't predict when a bushfire might start, we do know they can occur anywhere in our Shire," she said.

"This means, wherever you live you need to reduce the amount of flammable materials around your home by raking leaves, clearing gutters, mowing long grass, and if you're on a larger property your firebreaks need to be maintained from 30 November 2024 to 12 May 2025."

Landowners facing environmental or site-specific challenges can apply for a Firebreak Variation before 1 November 2024. Larger rural properties considering low-intensity burns during early spring should follow DFES BurnSmart guidelines.

Shire Rangers will begin firebreak inspections from 1 December 2024 and will ensure compliance throughout the fire season.

For more information or to apply for a variation, go to the Firebreak Notice and Requirements page on our website or contact Ranger Services at (08) 9780 5695.