New hazard reduction powers for Farmers

 The State government has announced that it will introduce laws to simplify rules for landowners seeking to mitigate bushfire risks on their properties and give the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner sweeping new powers to direct hazard reduction activities.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott says that the Rural Fires Act 1997 would be amended to allow rural landowners to clear up to 25 metres on their property from the boundary without onerous approvals.

He says that the NSW RFS will also be given stronger and clearer powers to audit and address bushfire risks, ensuring public lands are treated the same way as private land holders.

The NSW RFS Commissioner will have the power to issue Bushfire Hazard Reduction Notices to public authorities in circumstances where vegetation should be cleared to protect lives or property.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers has welcomed the additional powers.

Meanwhile, the local Rural Fire Service are reminding residents that they MUST have a permit for hazard reduction burns now that the bushfire danger period in our area has commenced.

Crews were called to a number of reported fires over the long weekend, white those fires being control burns that were not registered and did not have a permit in place.

Permits can be obtained from the Cudgegong Fire Control Centre on 6372 44 34.