Community Action " Be Fire Ready
Bushfire Preparation in Frankston City
Vegetation Management " Tree Local Law and 10/30 Right
Fire Season 2009-2010 - Frequently Asked Questions

Message from the Mayor
While Frankston City is not an area that historically has had extensive bushfires, each year Council and the CFA carry out extensive work to ensure any bushfires that do occur can be contained quickly.

There are many fuel reduction activities being undertaken at our natural reserves across to reduce fire intensities and flame heights in the event of a wildfire. A year round slashing program and fire break maintenance program also operates in accordance with the current fire management plans.

Council is hosting a range of activities which has included Fire Action Week (11-18 October). This included a Fire Awareness Information Session at the Frankston Arts Centre on 13 October, FREE green waste disposal on 17-18 October at the Frankston Recycling and Waste Transfer Centre and a community meeting on bushfire risk reduction at Sweetwater Creek on 17 October.

All individuals and households play a role in the fire preparation effort - even if you don't plan to stay to defend your home. I encourage Frankston City residents to begin now to prepare their homes and properties for the fire season.

Council has invested significant resources in planting and establishing street trees and protecting our community forest.

The State Government has announced temporary exemptions - 10/30 Right - which will apply to Frankston, to help landowners reduce fuel loads for bushfire protection only around their homes as part of their preparations for the 2009-2010 fire season.

Please note these 10/30 Right applies only when removing trees for bushfire protection reasons. Normal planning controls may still apply for vegetation removal, this includes clearing trees more than 10 metres from your house and a Local Law Permit is still required to remove trees over 110 centimetres circumference at ground level.

Please contact Council on 1300 322 322 if you are uncertain on any aspect of the '10/30 Right'.

Residents should seek advice from their local CFA regarding their bushfire survival plans and should seek advice from Council about implementing a sensible balance between providing a safer home, maintaining vegetation on their property, and preserving our natural environment.

Cr Colin Hampton
Frankston City Mayor