We maintain a number of areas between council bush land and properties known as Asset Protection Zones (APZ) to reduce bushfire risk. We also manage a network of fire trails on council land across the region to ensure firefighters can access fires and safely contain them.
If you think there are bush fire hazards along our fire trails or Asset Protection Zones (APZ), report them straight away.
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Bush fire hazards are any materials which can fuel a fire, such as leaf litter, grass, garden mulch and woodpiles. Overhanging trees are not necessarily considered a fire hazard. Other hazards include solid combustibles or flammable liquids and gases such as petrol, kerosene, alcohol, LPG, natural gas, and acetylene.
We maintain a number of Asset Protection Zones (APZ) in urban areas and fire trails across the region. These are important in ensuring firefighters can access fires and safely contain them. It is important that these are kept clear of any vehicles, infrastructure, gardens and materials that can fuel a fire.
It is the responsibility of the landholder to manage bush fire hazards on their property. If there is a concern of bushfire risk with your neighbour's property, talk to them about it or drop a friendly note in their letterbox. You can also report this issue to NSW RFS.
An Asset Protection Zone is a 'buffer' between Council bushland and residential areas or buildings. It's purpose is to:
We are responsible for over 100 Asset Protection Zones on bushland reserves in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton, Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. We maintain these 1-3 times per year through removing potential bushfire fuels.
Our hazard reduction works will mitigate risk, but won’t eliminate it.
If you live close to, or adjacent to, a bush area or asset protection zone, prepare your home from the threat of bushfire. The NSW Rural Fire Service website offers advice and plans to get your property prepared.
Keep an eye out for these hazards:
Our hazard reduction works will mitigate the risk, but it won’t eliminate it.