Published on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 at 8:15:55 AM
The Shire of Ashburton’s Ranger Services will commence annual property inspections from 10 November 2025 to ensure compliance under the Bush Fires Act 1954 and the Emergency Management Act 2005.
These inspections are aimed at ensuring properties are prepared for the upcoming bushfire and cyclone seasons.
With an average of five tropical cyclones forming each season between November and April, the coastline between Exmouth and Broome remains one of the most cyclone-prone regions in Australia. Combined with increased bushfire risks during the warmer months, residents are urged to act early and ensure their properties are safe and compliant.
Cyclone and Bushfire Preparedness
Residents are reminded to:
- Secure or remove loose items and debris that could become airborne during strong winds.
- Trim overgrown vegetation and clear gutters to reduce fire risk.
- Check that firebreaks and fuel reduction measures meet Shire requirements.
Early preparation helps reduce risks to life and property and contributes to a safer community during severe weather and fire events
Fire breaks notice Summary of Specified Requirements
Note: The specified requirements include mining and/or construction accommodation facilities
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Land In Town Sites
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Land area 2000m2
(½ acre) or less
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- All flammable material is reduced over the whole of the land.
- Grasses slashed to a height 75mm
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Land area exceeding 2000m2
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- A minimum 5-metre-wide mineral earth break cleared of all flammable material is installed immediately inside and along the boundaries of the land.
- All flammable material reduced within a 20-metre perimeter of any building on the land
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Land Outside Town Sites
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Land only
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- A minimum 5-metre-wide mineral earth break cleared of all flammable material is installed immediately inside and along the boundaries of the land.
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For all buildings
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- Two 5-metre-wide mineral earth breaks cleared of flammable material must surround the buildings:
- The inner mineral earth break is to be sited 20 metres from the perimeter of the building(s)
- The outer mineral earth break is sited 100 metres from the inner mineral earth break.
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Additional Works
Additional works considered necessary may be required by an Authorised Officer and will be advised in writing to the owner/occupier.
If I don’t comply – what penalties can be applied?
Properties will be inspected on an annual basis to ensure compliance. If a property is not compliant on first inspection the owner/occupier will be contacted and given 14 days from notification to comply.
People who do not comply with the Notice may be issued with an infringement Notice ($250) or prosecuted with a penalty up to $2,500.
In addition to any enforcement action if the owner/occupier does not complete the specified work the Shire will facilitate the completion of the work at the owner/occupier’s cost.
More Information
For any questions or concerns, please email Kyle Cameron, Community Emergency Services Coordinator, via [email protected]
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