Backyard Burning
The Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 came into effect on 23 July 2016, and prohibits burning in the open within townships (outside of the Fire Ban Season).
As per the EPA Policy, the following exemptions apply and are allowable within townships:
- Lighting or maintaining a fire using charcoal, dry wood or other dry plant material for the purpose of preparing food or beverages;
- Burning charcoal or dry wood in a brazier, chiminea or fire pit for domestic heating;
- Council has also approved the burning of dry fire wood
Please note that, as per the Policy, a fire will not be taken to be for the purpose of preparing food or beverages unless the fire is of a size, and has been built in a way, that reasonably corresponds to that purpose. Maps defining Township boundaries are available below.
The Policy does not affect burning practices outside of townships, provided that the person carrying out the burning activity;
- complies with any mandatory measures of a prescribed burning code of practice that apply in relation to the burning activity; and
- has regard to any recommended measures of a prescribed burning code of practice that apply in relation to the burning activity.
