Firebreaks

All owners of land within the Shire of Harvey are required to carry out fire prevention work in accordance with the requirements of the Firebreak Notice, on or before 30 November and to be maintained until 15 May.

As a landowner you have a responsibility to manage your property to reduce the risk of bush fire. The Firebreak Notice informs you of what actions you must take to manage your property and the dates when those actions must be adhered to. 

The penalty for failing to comply with the Firebreak Notice is a fine not exceeding $5000 and a person in default is also liable, whether prosecuted or not, to pay the costs of performing the work directed by this Notice if it is not carried out by the owner and/or occupier by the date required by this Notice.

If you consider it to be impractical to meet the requirements of the Firebreak Notice, you may apply and seek approval from the Shire in writing no later than 1 November each calendar year, for permission to provide firebreaks in alternative positions or to take alternative action to abate fire hazards on the land.

The Shire retains the ability to issue Special Work Orders pursuant to Section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954, to individual landowners should additional work be necessary for a potential fire hazard that may exist on a property. These can be issued anytime during the year.

All properties that are subject to a Bushfire Management Plan as a result of a subdivision or development approval or an approved treatment plan, must comply with the requirements of such plans in their entirety. 

Firebreaks not less than 3 m wide with a 4 m high Vertical Axis must be provided and maintained in the following positions:

• Within 10 m inside and along all boundaries of all land.
• So as to divide the land into areas of not more than 120 ha (300 ac).
• Around all groups of buildings, haystacks and fuel installations but not closer than 6 m.
• Irrigation areas that are kept fully watered and maintained in a non flammable state may be considered acceptable as an adequate firebreak.

All flammable material on the entire property (noting that this does not include living trees, shrubs, plants and lawn under cultivation) is to be reduced and maintained to a height of less than 5 cm.

Firebreaks of at least 2 m wide with a 4 m high Vertical Axis must be provided and maintained within 6 m of the inside of all external boundaries of the land. Cleared hardstand areas and reticulated grassed areas maintained in a green state may be considered acceptable as an adequate firebreak.

Maintain the land clear of all flammable materials for 20 m from any edge of the storage unit.

Boundary firebreaks

Provide 15 m wide firebreaks immediately adjoining all external boundaries of the planted area. The outer 10 m will be cleared of all flammable material while the inner 5 m (closest to the trees) kept in a reduced fuel state.

Internal firebreaks

Provide 6 m wide firebreaks so as to divide the land into areas of not more than 30 ha.

Special risks

Provide 15 m wide firebreaks immediately adjoining the Special Risk.

Power lines

Provided a firebreak in accordance with Western Power specifications along power lines where they pass through or lie adjacent to planted areas.