Fire break infringements

Journalist’s background: Media enquiry regarding local councils enforcing their various Fire Prevention/Hazard regulations under the Bush Fires Act 1954. 

Please attribute the following quotes to City of South Perth CEO Geoff Glass.

Since September 1, 2016, how many fire hazard infringements (sometimes referred to as fire break fines) have been issued by the council to residential properties?
For the 2016/2017 Financial year so far, the City has issued the following; (Please note that these figures may increase as we are still conducting fire hazard inspections as the period is 1 December 2016 – 30 April 2017)

• 175 notices to owners (Warnings prior to 1 December 2016)
• 7 infringements (Since 1 December 2016)

How much is the fine and are residents given a warning prior to a fine?
The Court penalty for not installing a firebreak is $5,000 under the Bush Fires Act, however the infringements issued by the City are $250. For non-compliance, the City will issue an infringement in the first instance and arrange the City's contractor to install the relevant firebreak. The owner of the property is then liable for the costs of the clearing by the contractor which is invoiced to the property owner by the City.

Yes, residents are issued with a warning notice (letter) first. The City also advertises its firebreak notice in the Southern Gazette newspaper, the Government Gazette and on the City's website.

What streets were the fines issued on (so I can determine if they are in a bush fire prone area) and how was each property in breach of the fire prevention regulations?
The following streets were issued infringements;

• South Tce, Como
• Ryrie Ave, Como
• Seventh Ave, Kensington
• Swan Street, South Perth