Prepare early for high risk weather season
Published on 24 October 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council and local emergency management organisations are working with the community to prepare for high risk weather season.
The term ‘high risk weather season’ encapsulates the tumultuous weather experienced between October and April Australia wide.
During this time, severe weather events such as bushfires, storms, floods and heatwaves are more likely to occur.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Luke Ryan, said Council is working hard to prepare the shire for high risk weather season.
“Our teams are out and about across the shire pruning trees and slashing roadside vegetation,” said Luke.
“We’re doing everything we can to mitigate bushfire risks and we’re asking the community to do the same.”
Council is offering free green waste disposal from Saturday 2 November to Sunday 17 November to help residents prepare their homes for high risk weather season.
“I encourage residents to take advantage of the free green waste disposal period,” said Luke.
“Things to do in your garden include pruning bushes, cutting overhanging branches, clearing out gutters and relocating piles of wood away from buildings.
“Clearing your property of fire hazards ahead of summer is incredibly important and free disposal makes it much easier to get done.”
Green waste disposal information
- Green waste includes garden waste such as grass, sticks and branches that are less than 10cm in diameter.
- The green waste must be free of contaminants such as rubbish and declared noxious weeds, and removed from plastic bags prior to disposal.
- Loads containing items other than green waste will be charged accordingly.
- Residents are also encouraged to compost as much material as possible at home.
- Proof of residence in the shire will be required.
- Normal green waste disposal fees will apply to businesses or residents acting on behalf of businesses.
- Normal gate fees will apply before and after the free green waste disposal period.
“Another way to make sure you’re prepared for high risk weather season is to have an emergency plan.
“Mount Alexander Disability Advocacy Group is running a free program for residents called the Emergency Planning Assistance program,” said Luke.
The program means a volunteer from MASDAG, Council, CFA, SES or the red Cross can meet you in your own home to give advice, answer questions and help create a plan for emergencies.
“This is a fantastic service that’s open to anyone, but is especially suitable for our most at-risk and vulnerable residents – those who face barriers accessing existing information, attending meetings and creating and implementing emergency plans,” said Luke.
“I encourage you to get in touch so we can make sure you’re ready in case of emergency.”
More information
Green waste disposal
www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/GreenWasteDisposal
Vegetation removal tips
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/clearing-trees-and-vegetation
Emergency Planning Assistance program
www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Emergency-Planning-Assistance
General emergency preparation
www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/EmergencyPreparation
To speak to Council’s Emergency Management team, call 5471 1700 and ask for Luke or Zac.