Backyard Burning

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Consultation has concluded

Share your thoughts to assist in the review of our Backyard Burning policy.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking feedback on the issue of backyard burning.

The current Backyard Burning Policy was adopted in 2002. A lot has changed in our Shire over the past 12 years and it’s now time to review the policy.

At present, backyard burning is not permitted in the major town areas of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale on properties less than 4,000 square metres or in medium density zones.

A community survey on backyard burning is available for completion until the end of March 2015. This is the first opportunity for the community to have a say on the issue and results from the survey will guide our policy review process.

  • Click here to complete the survey online (now closed).

  • Click here to update your knowledge of existing rules around backyard burning or take a few minutes to read through the fact sheets on this page (right column).
  • To complete a paper survey, visit your local library or the Civic Centre in Moss Vale for a copy of the reply paid survey (now closed).

There will be another opportunity to comment on the draft policy, during the public exhibition later in the year. If there are any changes to rules around backyard burning, they would be introduced gradually during 2015.

For further information about the survey or the backyard burning policy review process, contact the Environment and Health Policy Officer on (02) 4868 0828 (Monday to Thursday).

Consultation has concluded

Share your thoughts to assist in the review of our Backyard Burning policy.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking feedback on the issue of backyard burning.

The current Backyard Burning Policy was adopted in 2002. A lot has changed in our Shire over the past 12 years and it’s now time to review the policy.

At present, backyard burning is not permitted in the major town areas of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale on properties less than 4,000 square metres or in medium density zones.

A community survey on backyard burning is available for completion until the end of March 2015. This is the first opportunity for the community to have a say on the issue and results from the survey will guide our policy review process.

  • Click here to complete the survey online (now closed).

  • Click here to update your knowledge of existing rules around backyard burning or take a few minutes to read through the fact sheets on this page (right column).
  • To complete a paper survey, visit your local library or the Civic Centre in Moss Vale for a copy of the reply paid survey (now closed).

There will be another opportunity to comment on the draft policy, during the public exhibition later in the year. If there are any changes to rules around backyard burning, they would be introduced gradually during 2015.

For further information about the survey or the backyard burning policy review process, contact the Environment and Health Policy Officer on (02) 4868 0828 (Monday to Thursday).


  • Survey closed. Thanks for your interest!

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    Thanks to those who completed the survey, we have had a fantastic response with over 1000 completed surveys collected online and through the returned paper surveys.

    Council's backyard burning web page has been updated to reflect the end of the bush fire danger period. Residents need to be mindful of the rules around burning and must minimise smoke pollution. For more information, refer to the General Notices of Approval, the Clean Air Regulation Fact Sheet or the FAQ online.

    We will keep in touch regarding the outcomes of the survey, however the analysis and reporting will take some time (we estimate that it will be finalised by the end of May - early June 2015).

  • Residents invited to have their say on backyard burning

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    Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking views and comments on the issue of backyard burning in a bid to amend the current policy.

    “The current Backyard Burning Policy applicable to the Shire was adopted back in 2002,” said Council’s Manager of Environment and Sustainability, Barry Arthur.

    “A lot has changed in our Shire over the past 13 years, and so it is an appropriate time to review the policy”.


    At present, backyard burning is not permitted in the major town areas of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale on properties less than 4,000 square metres or in medium density zones.

    Details of all current backyard burning restrictions can be found online at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/backyard-burning.

    “Council has subsequently put together a brief online survey that asks residents theirviews and preferences on how we should fairly manage the issue in the future,”Mr Arthur said.


    “Following the close of the survey, results will be collected and in consultation with the Rural Fire Service and other stakeholders, will then form the basis for a review of the policy.”


    Once drafted, the amended policy will be placed on public exhibition where further comments will be invited before the final version is presented to Council for adoption.

    The online survey can be found at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au from Wednesday 11 February until Tuesday 31 March 2015.

    “We encourage as many people as possible to take a moment to respond to the survey,” Mr Arthur added.

    “Because as is the case with all our community projects, the greater the initial input we receive from our residents, the more informed the decision-making process will be when the issue is brought before Council.”