Firebreaks

All owners or occupiers of land within the City of Melville shall, prior to 15 November of each year, clear flammable matter from that land and maintain this until the 30 April of the following year.

Land which is 1,500 square metres or less in area OR which is zoned Residential is to be cleared of all flammable matter from the whole of the land except living trees, shrubs and plants under cultivation and lawns.  Slashing of the entire block and verge would be considered an acceptable means of removing flammable material from the property. Flammable matter includes longstanding grass, weeds, boxes, cartons, paper, rubbish and also any combustible matter. The land must be slashed to ground level except for living trees, shrubs, plants and planted living lawn.

All other land is to have firebreaks of a minimum width of three (3) metres inside all external boundaries of the properties.

Please note that if you have an approved building licence that has been issued by the City of Melville and construction has not commenced by 15 November of the year, you are required to comply with the Bushfires Act and clear the land.

Should you fail to install the firebreak or clear land of flammable matter you will be liable for an infringement of $250 or a fine with a penalty of up to $5,000 as well as the cost of performing the work.

 It is important to note that the burning of rubbish, refuse, vegetation or offensive matter is prohibited within the City of Melville except where written approval has been issued by Health Services for use of an approved incinerator unit.

Vacant Blocks

• The City of Melville will send out a written notification to maintain the land in October each year. All Firebreaks on vacant land must be completed by 15 November each year and maintained until 30 April the following year and are not required or enforced at other times.
• Rangers will be inspecting previously abated properties during November/December to ensure compliance.
• If a customer has submitted a Building Licence that has not been approved or which construction will not commence by 15 November, they must still comply with the firebreak notice.