Firebreak requirements and fire management notice

Under Section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954, to assist in the control of bushfires, and/or prevent the spread, all owners and/or occupiers of land within the City of Joondalup’s district must, by 31 October each year, or within 14 days of becoming the owner or occupier of land if after that date, remove from the land all inflammable material and/or clear firebreaks in accordance with the following land areas and thereafter to maintain that land and firebreaks up to or including 31 May in the following year.

Inflammable material includes any substance likely to catch fire, as determined by authorised officers. Firebreaks must be clear of all inflammable material and constructed to allow unobstructed travel for fire appliances.

All land with an area of 2,000m²/0.2ha or less 

Landowners must maintain the grass height below 5cm using methods like slashing or mowing. Additionally, trees, shrubs, and cultivated plants overhanging property boundaries, footpaths, or verges must be trimmed back to the boundary line with a minimum 4m vertical clearance above ground level. 

All other land with an area of 2,0001m²/0.2ha or more 

Landowners must establish a 3m wide firebreak cleared of inflammable material along all external boundaries of the land. Any overhanging tree branches or shrubs must be trimmed to a minimum height of 4m above ground level within the firebreak. Vegetation height in the firebreak area must not exceed 5cm after mowing or slashing. 

Alternative firebreaks 

If a firebreak is impractical along your boundary for environmental or other reasons, property owners should notify the City in writing by 15 September each year to obtain permission for firebreaks in alternative positions or of a different nature. The above firebreak requirements will continue to apply to your property until and unless the City approves alternative firebreaks in writing. 

The City may issue a notice to property owners requesting additional works to enhance access and prevent bushfire outbreak or spread.

Failure to comply with a notice issued under section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 may lead to fines, and if necessary, the City will arrange for required works at the owner's expense.