Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed the commencement of new laws which allow residents in designated areas to protect their homes from bushfires. The new laws make it easier to clear trees and vegetation from around homes.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Stuart Ayres along with NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons announced the new 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement laws apply from today (1 August).
Mr Ayres said the NSW Government was committed to removing regulatory obstacles for home owners to allow them to adequately prepare their home ahead of the 2014/15 bushfire season.
“The new laws allow people in the designated areas to clear trees within 10 metres of their home, and clear vegetation other than trees within 50 metres of their home, provided they comply with the RFS Code of Practice,” Mr Ayres said.
Mr O’Dea said removing the need for assessment or approval will empower home owners to minimise fuel loads around their home in an environmentally responsible way.
“A well-prepared property, along with a completed Bush Fire Survival Plan, can minimise the risk of loss of life and property,” Mr O’Dea said.
From today, the NSW RFS will have an online tool available on its website where people can check if they’re in a designated 10/50 vegetation entitlement clearing area. People can enter their address or lot number into the online tool to see if the new arrangements apply to them.
Copies of the Code of Practice can be obtained from the RFS or downloaded from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Mr O’Dea also welcomed the introduction of higher penalties for 18 fire-related offences.
RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons noted the new laws and increased fines have come ahead of what could be a challenging season.
“Across some areas of the State we have already seen windy and dry conditions leading to difficult fires,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
