This is considered under item 41 in the current Local Law, Fires in the Open Air.

It is currently expected that no person without a permit may burn in the open any material.

This Local Law does not apply to a barbecue used to cook food, tool of trade being used for the purpose for which is was designed, fire lit by a member of the Country Fire Authority or other approved agency, in the course of his or her duty, or fire lit on land zoned rural or rural conservation

The standards and guidelines state that permits to burn will generally not be issued as Wodonga is mainly an urban environment. However, there are some residential areas (eg. Baranduda, Patricevale, Barnawartha North) where wildfire threats exist and there is a limited need to burn off. The standards and guidelines also outline what council must take into consideration in deciding whether to grant a permit.

Residents wishing to reduce material should use existing resources including green organic collections and the Resource Recovery Centre. However, in urgent circumstances a permit maybe issued if the fire risk to surrounding property owners is significant

It should also be noted that under item 43 Nuisance Caused by Fire it is expected that a person should not burn any substance that may be dangerous to the health of any person, or offensive to any person who occupies adjacent or nearby land.

Most councils across the country are banning any burning off including braziers or similar type chimaeras, to help reduce pollution.

1. Establish options for this disposal of timber and clean materials other than burning.
2. Establish tighter guidelines around specific types of burning off including fires in the open