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 that Apply
If you ignore a Harvest and 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 and Vehicle Movement Ban as conditions can change without warning, so it gets reviewed regularly.
Notifications of Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans
It is your responsibility to check whether a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is currently in effect.
To stay informed, you can:
- Receive SMS notifications by registering here.
- View current bans online via the City of Greater Geraldton’s official page here.
If you wish to be removed from the Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban list, please contact the City:
When a ban has been declared, what you cannot do?
- 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, paddocks or near vegetation (includes residential areas).
- Harvesting
- Undertake ‘hot works’ such as welding, grinding or activity that may cause a spark or ignition unless an exemption issued by Department of Fire & Emergency Service (DFES) for essential services work on a total fire ban day.
- Use fireworks or hot air balloons.
When a ban has been declared, what you can do?
- 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.