Disposing of green waste including lawn clippings, branches, weeds and overgrown vegetation in Glenelg Shire will become temporarily free as part of summer fire preparedness.

Council will waive all fees associated with green waste disposal for residents and ratepayers across all waste management facilities from October 23 through to November 5.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Scott Martin said the popular initiative aimed to help property owners with clearing their properties ahead of the summer bushfire season.

“To allow greater flexibility for our community we have rolled out the initiative across two weeks so that residents can have additional time to safely and freely dispose of their green waste,” he said.

“This will also ensure property owners have the opportunity to best prepare their home or land, including clearing any overgrown vegetation.

“Whatever corner of the Glenelg Shire you live in there will be a waste management facility nearby, with Portland, Heywood, Casterton, Merino and Nelson all boasting facilities.

“We hope to see as many households as possible take advantage of this temporary initiative and ensure our community is as best prepared as possible in the event of a bushfire.”

The initiative is for household quantities and available to Glenelg Shire ratepayers and residents only.

The free green waste disposal is limited to a maximum of one cubic metre.

Residents will be required to provide personal identification with a Glenelg Shire address and/or Glenelg Shire rate notice.