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Page Last Updated:
Thursday, 4 October 2012
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Home>Fire prevention & emergency management>Fire Prevention>Preparing for the Fire Season>How to Prepare Your Property>Council's Fire Inspection Program
Council's Fire Inspection Program commences at the start of the Declared Fire Danger Period. Council Officer's begin inspections at the northern end of the Shire and make their way down to the coast inspecting all properties throughout the Shire. This process takes approximately four weeks and a Fire Prevention Notice is issued on any properties that have not undertaken the required fire prevention works to the required standard. Inspections are carried out throughout the season to ensure properties are maintained to the required standard and all properties issued with a Fire Prevention Notices will be reinspected to ensure the works have been carried out.
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| Fire Prevention Notice | | A Fire Prevention Notice is issued to a landowner where a property has not been cleared of fire hazards or work has not been carried out to the required standard. If a Fire Prevention Notice is not complied with Council will arrange for the works to be completed by a contractor and the costs (including an administration charge) will be passed on to the recipient of the Fire Prevention Notice. A Penalty Infringement Notice will also be issued to property owners who fail to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice.
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| Fire Infringement Notice | | If a Fire Prevention Notice is not acted upon owners are issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice which may lead to prosecution in court. Fines and costs associated with a Penalty Infringement Notice issued for failure to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice are substaintial and if the matter is referred to the Magistrates Court heavy penalties including up to 12 months imprisonment may apply.
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| Penalties for Non-Compliance | | In 2012 the State Government has introduced much stricter penalties with fines ranging from a minimum of $1,408 up to a Court Fine of $16,901.
- Penalty Infringement Notices may be issued in some circumstances meaning a minimum fine of $1,408 will be issued per property owner
- Matters referred to Court are liable for a fine of up to $16,901 and/or 12 months imprisonment
Please note Council do not have the power to reduce these fines as they are set by the State Government.
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