Published on Friday, 6 November 2026 at 10:03:50 AM
Over the past five years, the number of non-compliant properties identified during the City of Greater Geraldton’s annual firebreak inspection has fallen significantly, reflecting the ongoing efforts of property owners to reduce bushfire risk.
Initial inspections this year identified a 36.9% decrease in the number of non-compliant properties compared to last year and a 57.3% reduction since 2022/23.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the ongoing reduction reflected the community’s increasing commitment to protecting lives, homes and property during the bushfire season.
“It’s encouraging to see more property owners taking their firebreak responsibilities seriously with the number of non-compliant properties continuing to fall year after year,” he said.
“The steady improvement over the past five years is a positive outcome for the whole community and reflects a greater understanding of the important role everyone plays in bushfire readiness.
“While these figures show significant improvement there are still hundreds of properties that did not meet the deadline so there is more work to do.
“A well-prepared community is a safer community and the City thanks the many residents who have taken the necessary steps to comply with the requirements,” he added.
With warm weather on the way and bushfire season near, the City is encouraging the community to be prepared.
Residents can begin preparing now by cleaning gutters of leaves and debris, removing dry vegetation, pruning trees and shrubs, and reducing fuel loads around buildings and structures.
The City’s annual firebreak program requires landowners to have all firebreak measures in place and maintained from 5 October 2026 to 1 May 2027.
Property owners who do not comply could receive fines up to $5,000.
For more information about bushfire preparedness and firebreak requirements, visit the City's website here or refer to the Annual Firebreak Notice.
This service aligns with the Liveable theme of the City’s Strategic Community Plan which reflects the organisation’s commitment to community wellbeing.
The number of non-compliant properties at first inspection over the last five years.
|
Year
|
No. of non-compliant properties
|
Change from previous year
|
|
2022/23
|
1,260
|
-
|
|
2023/24
|
1,010
|
↓ 19.8%
|
|
2024/25
|
867
|
↓ 14.2%
|
|
2025/26
|
853
|
↓ 1.6%
|
|
2026/27
|
538
|
↓ 36.9%
|
Photo Caption: Compliant residential fire break.
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