Firies very happy with firebreaks

‘I’ve been conducting aerial inspections for the Shire for more than 10 years and it’s the best level of firebreak compliance I’ve seen,’ deputy chief bushfire control officer George Grant said. ‘The quality of the firebreaks installed is exceptional.’

Of the 1200 rural properties surveyed, just 45 have been identified as requiring follow-up inspections, compared to more than 200 properties last year.

Chief bushfire control officer Paul Postma said he was pleased with the level of compliance and would like to thank land owners for their willingness to make their properties safer.

In 2012, about 150 infringement notices were issued for non-compliance, as well as 400 property improvement notices.

Shire rangers and fire control officers will continue compliance monitoring, with ground firebreak inspections being held over the next few months.

Landowners are reminded that firebreaks need to be maintained until May 31 2014.