Bushfire Management Notice and Compliance

The Bushfire Management Notice sets the minimum work owners and occupiers must complete to reduce bushfire risk. It is issued under section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 and is the Shire’s first and final notice.

Current compliance dates

Area	Complete work by	Maintain through
Western part of the Shire	1 December 2026	The restricted burning period ending 31 March 2027, unless formally varied
Eastern part of the Shire	15 November 2026	The restricted burning period ending 31 March 2027, unless formally varied

The notice contains a map and definitions for the eastern and western areas. Use the notice to determine which dates apply to your property.

What Owners and Occupiers Must Do

Requirements depend on property size, vegetation, land use and the presence of assets. They may include:

maintaining firebreaks, Asset Protection Zones and access routes
reducing grass, fine fuels and other flammable material
protecting stored combustible material
meeting additional standards for plantations and tree farms
complying with any approved Bushfire Management Plan applying to the property.

Read the whole notice. A summary on a webpage does not replace the legal requirements in the current notice.

Inspections and Enforcement

The Shire may inspect properties to check compliance. A person who does not comply may face a penalty of up to $5,000.

The Shire may also carry out the required work and recover its costs from the owner or occupier.

Apply for a variation

If the prescribed method is impractical or unsuitable, you may apply for approval to use an alternative method that provides an equal or better level of protection. A variation is not an exemption. For the 2026–2027 season, applications are due by 1 October 2026.

Need Help Understanding the Notice

Contact the Shire on (08) 9892 1111 before the compliance date. Do not leave enquiries or applications until work is due.