Fire Management Plans

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (6 July 2016).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): As Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, I have been provided with the following advice:

Councils that currently operate a permit system in rural areas of the Mount Lofty Ranges include City of Onkaparinga, City of Mitcham, City of Burnside, City of Tea Tree Gully, City of Campbelltown, and City of Playford. The EPA is aware that Adelaide Hills Council and the City of Onkaparinga are considering community consultation to determine whether the use of notices is suitable for their rural areas in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Burning in the open is managed by councils and it will be up to individual councils to determine what is best for their local community. Councils will not be required to advise the EPA of their preferred method. Requiring councils to report to the EPA each time they amend their desired process would add unnecessary red tape. Individuals should access their council’s website or call their council’s offices for relevant information.