DRAFT Policy for Burning of Vegetative Waste

Burning of vegetation for the purposes of waste disposal is regulated at State level by the Protection of the Environment (Clean Air) Regulation 2022 (the Regulation).

The Regulation imposes a general obligation to prevent or minimise air pollution, but allows Council to approve the burning of dead and dry vegetation on the property that it grew. Council is currently reviewing its policy that defines where and how burning for waste management is allowed within the city.

Council is seeking comment from the community in relation to the draft policy, which will be updated in response to feedback, with the final version to be endorsed by the Council in the first half of 2024.

Submissions are open from Thursday 18 January to Thursday 15 February.

Important note: The Regulation only deals with burning of wastes as a source of air pollution, and Council’s draft policy will not limit residents’ ability to carry out vegetation clearing or property maintenance for bush fire preparedness purposes. The authorisation pathway for bush fire related clearing work is governed by the Rural Fires Act 1997, and the Regulation notes that burning for this purpose is permitted provided it is undertaken in accordance with a bush fire hazard reduction certificate issued under that Act