The current by-law prohibits the burning of any garden waste, material or substance in an incinerator or by on-the-ground burning.
The prohibition of outside burning of waste materials is designed to improve the air quality of Hobart. Any reduction in the sources of atmospheric pollution, especially in urban areas, will be beneficial to the residential environment.
There should be a significant reduction in nuisances caused by smoke, odours, ash and embers that impact on clean washing, on homes with open windows and on people spending time in their gardens and outdoor recreation areas.
The health impact on individuals suffering from asthma, allergies and respiratory ailments should also be significant with any reduction of smoke in the atmosphere.
Open air burning of garden waste for fire hazard reduction purposes may be permitted during any fire permit period, as declared by the Tasmanian Fire Service. Permits for this purpose must be obtained from the Tasmania Fire Service.
This will apply to heaps of waste greater than one cubic metre in volume. Incinerators are still not permitted to be used for this purpose.
Outside of any declared fire permit period a written request can be made, under the by-law, to the General Manager for a permit to light a fire, that would otherwise be prohibited. The General Manager may, subject to legal requirements, issue such a permit with or without conditions. This applies to both incinerators and on-the-ground burning. The by-law is not designed to prohibit legimate fire hazard reduction burns.
The by-law allows for infringment notices (or on-the-spot-fines) to be issued by Council officers to a person who commits an offence under the by-law. A penalty of $200.00 per offence applies.
For further information contact Council's Development and Environmental Services Division on 6238 2715.
