Feedback on the tougher burn-off provisions has been sought from farmers and the wider community by Wattle Range Council.
Its Fire Prevention Officers issue permits each year to landowners wishing to burn stubble.
The survey was explained by development services director Emma Clay at the June monthly council meeting and in the following background information on the council website.
As the process and conditions have changed over the years, council decided to find out what is working or not working for the community and the landowners who participate.
At the end of 2024, the Limestone Coast Bushfire Management Committee formed a permit working group to implement consistent burning conditions throughout the region.
This was due to climatic conditions and previous burns escaping fire breaks causing damage to neighbouring properties.
Wattle Range Council Fire Prevention Officers introduced the stricter discretionary conditions for permits to ensure that stubble burns could continue in a safe manner.
As part of the recommended changes, 2025 burning permits were issued for the entire season, with daily activation required instead of the weekly permits previously issued.
This allowed the CFS to be able to map the potential fires each day to prevent false alarms and to understand what fires are burning each day and their whereabouts.
This feedback will be presented to the Limestone Coast Bushfire Management Committee permit working group and taken into consideration by the Wattle Range Council’s Fire Prevention Officers when considering permit conditions in coming fire danger seasons.
