AN OLINDA resident has questioned the validity of a review of the Open Air Burning Law in the Shire of Yarra Ranges saying that a reduction in burning off could lead to wildfires in the Hills.
The shire has called on residents to complete a survey on the introduction of green waste collection bins as the first step of a review of the Open Air Burning Law.
The survey covers issues such as hard and green waste collections, recycling, and waste transfer stations.
John Faull has called for the council to let residents in the Dandenong Ranges continue to burn off as a way to protect properties against the threat of wildfire.
A local resident and volunteer firefighter, Mr Faull said he was concerned that the new law would lead to residents not being able to undertake fuel reduction burns to prepare their properties for wildfires.
Mr Faull has also questioned how much experience council staff and residents had in tackling wildfires and therefore how valid their views are in formatting bushfire safety policy.
He said he has fought many devastating fires and was concerned about the dangers in allowing bushfire fuel to build up.
“Could someone please tell me or explain the rationality of reducing or stopping the removal of fire hazards or burning off in the Hills,” he said.
Mr Faull said if burning off is reduced or replaced with green waste collection bins it would make one of the highest fire risk areas in the world more volatile.
However, shire burning issues project officer Simone Ryan said the review of the Open Air Burning Law was only in its first stage in a process that would take place over the next six to 12 months.
Ms Ryan said the first stage of the review involved seeking information and views from residents through a comprehensive residents’ survey.
She said the results of the survey would be added to research on fire prevention, air quality and health to develop any proposed changes.
“A new local law is not expected to be proposed until early to mid 2007. There is currently no proposed changes to the law,” she said.
Ms Ryan said the survey stage was open until Thursday, 31 August and that residents are encouraged to get involved and have their say by participating in the survey.
Surveys are available online at http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=2358&h=1&na=y or by contacting Simone Ryan on 9294 6494.
-Tania Martin
