Surf Coast Shire communities are being encouraged to get their properties ready early as the bushfire season approaches.
Surf Coast Shire Council will continue its winter fuel reduction program in high bushfire risk areas across the region until August 22 to help reduce and remove vegetation on public and private land.
Councillor Libby Stapleton said it was “never to soon to start preparing” for the upcoming fire season.
“It’s important for council and residents to do the work during these cooler months to get ready for the high risk times ahead,” she said.
“Managing vegetation now can help reduce the risk to your life and property, and give us the best chance of prevention and control of bushfires once the season starts.
“With such low rainfall during the first half of 2025, conditions are very dry and unfortunately that means we’re bracing for a potentially early, long and severe bushfire season.”
Cr Stapleton said she encouraged residents to remove woody weeds and prune trees and bushes within two metres of buildings.
Vegetation like branches and prunings can be placed in green-lid kerbside bins collected weekly or taken to a nearby transfer station.
Vouchers entitling residents to free drop-offs of up to one cubic meter of green waste at the Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea transfer stations will soon provide residents with their rates notices by council, with more vouchers expected ahead of fire season.
