Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans

Harvest and vehicle movement bans are declared by the City and limits the operation of machinery, vehicles and plant equipment likely to cause a fire when operated over or near flammable material, dry grass, stubble or bush.

These bans are imposed when the expected weather predictions indicate that if a fire were to start, it would be dangerous, destructive and difficult to stop.  Bans are only declared when the readings of the following conditions are above a certain level:

  • Wind
  • Wind Gusts
  • Humidity
  • Temperature
  • Fuel Load/Curing

Penalties Apply

If you ignore a Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban and cause a fire you could be fined up to $25,000 or imprisoned for 12 months, or both.

There is no time frame for a Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban as conditions can change without warning so it gets reviewed regularly.

Receiving Notifications of Harvest and Movement Bans

It is your responsibility to find out if a ban is in place.

To be notified of current Harvest and Movement Bans, via SMS please register here

Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban Icon

When a ban has been declared you must not:

  • Light a fire in the open air
  • Cook outside in the open air using an open fire (this includes under verandas and patios)
  • Operate or move internal combustion engines (motor bikes, quad bikes, excavators, chain saws, ride on mowers, generators, plant equipment) used off-road in bushland or paddocks.
  • Harvesting
  • Undertake ‘hot works’ such as welding, grinding or activity that may cause a spark or ignition unless you have an exemption issued by Department of Fire & Emergency Service (DFES) for a total fire ban on a total fire ban day.
  • Use fireworks or hot air balloons.

Backyard bonfire

 Motor bike

When a ban has been declared you can still:

  • Use or operate any vehicle on gazetted roads, lanes, driveways, yards, or other areas that provide access to, or a parking facility at, any residential, farming or business premises, if the area has been sufficiently cleared of inflammable material to prevent the escape of fire.
  • Use a gas cooker or barbeque with an enclosed flame on your own property or in a public recreational area designated for that purpose
  • Undertake essential feeding and watering of stock
  • Use electrically powered mowers, chainsaws, line and hedge trimmers, and similar plant, but not where such use may cause sparks e.g. mowing where rocks are present.
  • Smoke cigarettes, provided cigarettes or cigars are properly extinguished and discarded.
BBQ

Van on gravel road