Strict new rules for the backyard burning of vegetation come into effect in this Shire from tomorrow.
According to Wingecarribee Shire Council, the rules will benefit residents living in more densely populated parts of the shire, by prohibiting burning off both in the open and in incinerators.
They will also assist residents living in the villages and on large properties by allowing burning off where previously they have experienced difficulties in disposing of unwanted vegetation.
Council has formulated the new rules in response to considerable community consultation, according to Director Environment and Planning Ray Darney.
“We have tailor-made the rules to suit the special needs of the shire,” he said.
“In this shire there are people living on large acreages, smaller acreages, large suburban lots and on much more densely settled smaller lots and the interests of each of these groups of residents have to be taken into consideration.”
The rules specify that burning is prohibited on all properties inside the NSW Fire Brigade boundaries of Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale which are less than or equal to 4,000m2, as well as on all properties zoned for Medium Density Housing, referred to as Residential 2(b).
This means that no burning of dead and dry vegetation is permitted in the areas of Balaclava, Bowral, Braemar, Burradoo, East Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Welby and Willow Vale.
The exception in these areas is properties greater than 4,000 square metres which are not zoned Medium Density Housing Residential 2(b).
Where burning is allowed, a Fire Permit is required from a NSW Fire Brigade officer all year round.
Council encourages residents in prohibited areas to use alternatives such as mulching, composting and the use of the free disposal weekends at its Green Waste Transfer Station in Colo Street, Welby.
These free weekends include the first and third weekends of every month maximising opportunities for residents to dispose of garden waste which exceeds mulching and composting needs.
The new rules allow the backyard burning of dead and dry vegetation in certain areas of
he shire including Alpine, Avoca, Aylmerton, Balmoral, Belanglo, Berrima, Bullio, Bundanoon, Burrawang, Buxton, Canyonleigh, Colo Vale, Exeter, Fitzroy Falls, Glenquarry, High Range, Hill Top, Joadja, Kangaloon, Medway, Meryla, New Berrima, Paddys River, Penrose, Robertson, Sutton Forest, Werai, Wildes Meadow, Wingello, Yerrinbool and Wombeyan Caves.
However, residents of these areas must obtain a Fire Permit from a local Fire Captain during the Bush Fire Danger Season which extends from October 1 to March 31.
“This allows residents who regularly have larger quantities of green waste because of where they live or the type of property they have, to dispose of the waste by the most practical means available,” Mr Darney said.
Council requires residents who are permitted to burn vegetation in their backyards to take into account weather conditions and the direction of wind to minimise the adverse effects on their neighbours. It is also important that waste is not green or wet.
Residents are able to obtain a pamphlet on Council’s new rules on backyard burning from counter staff at Wingecarribee Shire Council Offices.
“It is important to understand that Council has formulated these rules to reduce health risks and the nuisance effects of smoke, ash and other residue,” Mr Darney said.
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