Community
30 October, 2024
Free green waste drop off now available
CORANGAMITE Shire Council is now offering free domestic green waste drop off to help residents prepare for fire season.
Free domestic green waste drop off began from Saturday, and will run through until Sunday, November 17.
Corangamite Shire Council chief executive officer David Rae said fire authorities had advised there is potential for an early start to the fire season if warm, dry conditions continue to dry out fuels towards summer.
“In preparation for the fire season, council will accept domestic green waste for free at Corangamite Regional Landfill and all council transfer stations from Saturday, October 26 until Sunday, November 17 inclusive,” he said.
“This is to encourage residents to clean up their properties in preparation for the fire season. It is for non-commercial customers only.”
Mr Rae said the region has experienced a green drought this year – in which there has been enough rain to keep paddocks across the shire green but soil moisture remains low.
He said the appearance of green pastures across the region should not prompt complacency ahead of what is anticipated to be a dangerous summer for bushfires.
“That bit of green doesn’t mean it’s okay to sit back,” he said.
“It only takes two weeks of hot, dry weather for green vegetation to become a serious hazard.
“Now is the time to get rid of dry grass, leaves, twigs and bark in your gutters and around your house.
“Normally a heaped trailer or ute load of green waste would cost $40 to drop off, but for the next few weeks it’s free.
“One overgrown block can pose a hazard to a whole neighbourhood so cleaning up now can help protect you, your home and your neighbours.”
Mr Rae encouraged residents to have a fire plan in place, and to make sure all family members 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,” he said.
“You can download a guide from cfa.vic.gov.au/firereadykit.”
Fire inspections across Corangamite Shire will start in the next couple of weeks.
Visit www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/Fire-ready or call 5593 7100 for more information about fire prevention.
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