Fire restrictions now apply across Victoria

THE Fire Danger Period(FDP) has now come into effect across allmunicipalitiesunderCFA Fire Districts in Victoria.

On January 30, fire restrictions commenced in areas of the South Eastand outer Melbourne, bringing the entire state under restrictions.

Despite widespread rainfall late-last year, Victorians cannot become complacent about increasing fire risk, as vegetation continues to dry out rapidly across the state.

CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said while the final municipalities to move into fire restrictions have seen adelayed start to the fire season, these areascan expecthigh fire risk conditions in coming weeks.

“We have already seen many of our crews respond to significant fast-spreadinggrassfires,and we can expect these incidents to become more frequent as we experiencewarmer and drierconditions throughout February,” he said.

“The run of warmer weather this month has led to the grassland curing across the state, which has contributed to increasing fire potential.”

Thelatestoutlook forVictoriasuggested the fire season is expected to be normal, except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoria, where the potential is below normal.

“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areasofthe world and even an average seasoncan result in dangerousand damaging fires,” CO Heffernan said CFA crews have also responded to anumberof illegalburn-offs out of control during thefire danger period so far this season, which serves as atimely reminder for people to make surethey understand what the restrictions mean for them.

“Make sure you know what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period, especially when it comes to barbecues,campfires, chainsaws, farm machinery, welders and other items that present afire risk.”

To learn more about ‘Can IorCan’t I?’ information, visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ warnings-restrictions/can or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without aPermit to Burn, which can be applied forthrough theFire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permitholder to ensure they always act safely.

Some simple actionsVictorians livinginbushfire risk areas can take to keep their property tidy include moving woodpiles away from yourhome or shed, pruning tree branches so they don’t overhang the roof or touch walls, clean up your gutters and keep grass shorter than 10 centimetres.

More information and restrictions are published at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/ firedanger-period-restrictions

CFA also encouragespeopletofamiliarise themselves the new, nationally consistent Fire Danger Rating System, found on the CFA website.

Fire Danger Period information:

 Awritten permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. You can apply for apermit at firepermits.vic.gov.au;

 Lighting afire in the open without apermit is an offence and can bring apenalty more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbecues and fires for cooking and warmth do not require apermit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/can;

 The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/ heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed;

 Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ farms -this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers, and;

 ATotal Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is aspecific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for agiven municipality. Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/ warningsrestrictions/can/ and pandemics. We cannot just react to crises as they unfold,because there may be anotherone right around the corner.

An example of this approach is the Minister for Agriculture,Fisheriesand Forestry, Murray Watt, opening anew $40 million grants program to supportdrought resilienceresearch. Theprogram aims to fill gaps in research and scientific data relating to farming practices that may prove effectivein building drought resilience.

On adifferent policy front, the Albanese Labor Government has opened applicationsfor grants to assist the agriculture sector in demonstrating its sustainability credentials. This is becoming more important in key export markets, but there are currently gaps in our data and frameworks. These grants will help the sector address these issues.

Ilook forward to working with rural and regional Australians and my parliamentary colleagues to advocate forforward-thinking policiesthroughout 2023

Senator Raff Ciccone is aLabor Senator for Victoria. He is Deputy Government Whip in the Senate.

Want to build the village?

THE state government has opened the expressionofinterest (EOI) process for the construction sector to build the Commonwealth Games villages across the regions, ahead of the 2026 Games.

The Games villages will be home to around 7000 athletes and officials in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Morwell, when the Commonwealth Games get underway in March 2026.

These projects will createopportunities for regional contractors to be involved in construction, supporting hundreds of jobs.

“The 2026 Games give us afantastic opportunity to partner with local businesses and contractors in creating athletes villages that aremodern, accessible, and energy efficient,” said Member for Eastern Victoria and Ministerfor Commonwealth Games Legacy, Harriet Shing.

Delivery partners are invited to submit an EOI to support delivery of: medium-density dwellings, including pre-fabricated relocatable dwellings; small apartment buildings and place making.

“Victoria 2026 will invest significantly in community infrastructure, including much needed additional housing in regional communities,” said Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan.

Victoria 2026 will leave alegacy of housing and new and upgraded sports infrastructure to attract future major events.

It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will create more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before they start, 3900 jobs during the Games, and afurther3000 jobs after the Closing Ceremony, and is expected to contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy.

Interested parties can registervia the Buying for Victoria websitebuyingfor.vic. gov.au, from which ashortlist of contractors will be invited to participateinaRequest for Proposal process.