The program is designed to mitigate the potential for bushfires in what is considered to be a high-risk area.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said safety was of utmost priority and reminded residents responsibility for bushfire preparation required a whole of community approach.

“The City of Kalamunda is a bushfire prone area. Property owners need to act now to reduce the risk to themselves, their property and their neighbours by making sure their property is well prepared and that a realistic bushfire survival plan has been put in place.”

The City has also been rolling out a comprehensive bushfire awareness engagement plan to educate the community and quash complacency.

“Bushfires can start suddenly and often without warning. We need to be real about the potential danger and have these serious conversations with our community. We’ve been out and about on the streets, at community events, all over social media, meeting one-on-one with residents, writing to residents and hosting free forums and information nights to help reinforce the importance of being bushfire ready.”

“Planning for and talking to your children about bushfires can help them cope and feel safe should you or your home come under threat this summer.”

It is important to note that we have also now entered the Restricted Burning season, which comes into effect in October each year.

Residents are reminded they can only legally burn off a small garden refuse pile (1m x 1m x 1m) between 6pm and 11pm –  without a permit to burn if the Fire Danger Rating is not Very High or above. Running water must be on hand to extinguish fire exceeding the pile. An adult must be in attendance of the fire at all times. All piles must be fully extinguished by midnight and checked the next day. Additional firebreaks or hazard reductions around the burn area may be required and residents should ensure all neighbours are notified. 

Owners and occupiers within the City of Kalamunda are required to ensure they have prepared their properties in compliance with the ‘Fire Hazard Reduction Notice’. Failure to meet the minimum requirements of the ‘Fire Hazard Reduction Notice’ may result in penalties being issued.

The Walliston Transfer Station remains open, and green waste is free and unlimited for residents. Skip Bins are also free and available. All available mechanisms should be utilised in property preparedness activities being undertaken between now and the next fire season.

If you would like to learn more about being bushfire ready, arrange a Five Minute Fire Chat or find more information about being prepared here.