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).


Got a question for us?  Fire away!

You can ask these publicly or privately, it's up to you. Public questions will be posted on this website for others to see and note our response. If you prefer that our response to you is kept private then please mention this in your message to us. Alternatively email wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au


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    Currant arrangement is practical. For larger properties the green bins provided are insufficent for the accumulated garden waste.

    anthony2 asked about 9 years ago

    Thanks for your comments. Please complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/wscbackyardburning to provide further information.

    (External linto have additional information captured for our reports.
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    Thanks for asking about backyard burning. For me it is easier to store my green waste until it is dry and fire season is here. That way I don't have to drive half an hour to Moss Vale and pay money to dispose of it. Simple and free. The green waste bin is great but does not cater for larger properties. The Southern Highlands is a green belt that has significant green areas. These green areas produce significant amounts of green waste. Hedge cuttings and lawn clippings will quickly fill the green waste bin to overflowing. Private properties in Canberra can drop their green waste for free at Mugga and Parkwood. How about the same here in the SH. Also, I am waiting for the day when they start to question wood burning to heat houses. I heat my house for free during winter using good clean dry wood. Dont force me to go to gas or electricity by banning burning. By all means close your windows if smoke annoys you, I do the same when it rains. How about some common sense and remembering that the Highlands is as much about the rural properties that surround our towns as the 1/4 acre block in Shepard St. Your solution may not be mine.

    Happy with the current arrangements asked about 9 years ago

    Thanks for your comments. Please complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/wscbackyardburning to have additional information captured for our reports.

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    I have completed this survey from a form i collected from the Library, i think this should have been a letterbox drop as it is a fairly important topic in some areas, and i knew nothing about it, i also gave forms to my neighbours

    koolithali asked about 9 years ago

    Hi Koolithali, thanks for sharing the survey with your neighbours. Besides advertising and placing copies in the libraries and Civic Centre, we are issuing a postal survey to 2000 randomly selected residents. There will also be information in the next issue of Wingecarribee Today which is distributed to all households. Thanks for your interest and support :-)

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    I am sorry I don't back yard burn, around there are a few backyard burners, I have to shut up the house because of the smoke and the bad smell, and I didn't think you were allowed too. We are now provided with great bins, so I don't see the need to burn. It could prove danagerous as well to properties

    Grandma asked about 9 years ago

    Hope you also completed the survey to provide some additional feedback.