Burning Off and Permits

Whilst Council recognises the importance of reducing bushfire fuels, residents are strongly encouraged to consider and utilise all other alternative methods of vegetation waste disposal before burning off such as:

• Green waste kerbside collection;
• Composting and mulching of materials;
• Disposal of green waste at Transfer Stations;
• Utilising Council's Free Green Waste drop off days.

For more information on alternative vegetation waste disposal methods go to the Hard Waste webpage.

A permit is required if the requirements and general provisions in the Community Local Law 2024(PDF, 584KB) cannot be met and burning off if is still necessary. 

Please note: Primary Producers are allowed to have a burn off pile greater than 4 cubic meters in size. All other landowners need to apply for a  Open Air Burning Off Permit(PDF, 145KB) from Council to burn a pile greater than 4 cubic meters. A primary producer includes a person who runs a business of animal or plant cultivation or tree farming or felling but excludes a person who undertakes those activities as a pastime or leisure activity.

When applying for a permit, consider:

• If the material can be recycled or transported to a transfer station.

The Fire Danger Period declaration is determined by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the dates vary each year dependant on the grass curing rate of each municipal district.

Burning off during the declared Fire Danger Period or on a day of Total Fire Ban is restricted under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 and the Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958.  Individuals intending to burn off during the declared Fire Danger Period will need to apply for a permit via Fire Permits Victoria.

For more information go to Fire Permits Victoria or contact CFA District 9 Headquarters on (03)5624 1900. 

To report any instances of burning off during the declared Fire Danger Period, please call Triple Zero (000) and the CFA will respond. Council does not attend burn-offs during this period.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) enforces fire restrictions during seasonal prohibited periods under the Forests (Fire Protection) Regulations 2014 over private land within 1.5 kilometres of public land in Baw Baw Shire. For more information go to DELWP fire restriction dates.

The DELWP restriction period dates generally coincide with those of the CFA's seasonal restrictions on burning off.