The Kulin Shire Council exists to sustain, improve and develop the Kulin region through the provision and facilitation of infrastructure, services and opportunities in a manner which will instill community pride while giving a vibrant, socially and economically sustainable environment for businesses and families.
Harvest & Machinery Movement Bans
Please be aware that Bans are only placed after scientific measurements have reached a critical point. ie: combination of temperature, wind strength and humidity, applied to a proven rate of fire spread chart at several points throughout the Shire.
A Harvest Ban and a ban on the movement of all vehicles and machines and the operation of internal and combustion engines is imposed on Christmas Day and New Years Day each year.
For information on Bans and Fires ring your nearest FCO or the Shire Office on 9880 1204 (Not the CBFCO as that point is under considerable pressure during these times.) Shire CEO after hours contact 0408 945 011.
Harvest Ban Information
The Shire of Kulin provide a daily updated message covering harvest ban information. The number to ring is 98801511.
Listen to local radio stations for announcements on Harvest Bans during the season.
Harvest Ban Guidelines
The following is a list of guidelines developed to enable primary producers to know what and what is not permitted when harvest and vehicle movement bans are imposed by the Shire of Kulin.
Definitions
The following definitions shall apply to the guidelines on the ban of vehicle and machinery movement and the operation of internal combustion engines under Regulation 38A and 32B of the Bush Fires Act.
Laneway/Roadway (non gazetted)
A laneway/roadway is defined as having a trafficable surface, free of all inflammable material, a minimum of 4 metres wide. Overhanging vegetation has to be pruned back so as to not come into contact with parts of a vehicle.
Mobile Fire Fighting Unit
A mobile fire fighting unit is defined as having a minimum water carrying capacity of 500 litres, fitted with a suitable fire fighting hose and pump capable of delivering water through an adjustable nozzle in the spray and jet configurations.
Harvest Ban
A ban on the operation of all grain harvesting machines within the Shire or part of the Shire and during a time, as specified in a notice or broadcast (Reg 38A).
A Ban on the Movement of all Vehicles and Machinery and the Operation of Internal Combustion Engines
A ban on the movement of all vehicles and machinery and the operation of internal combustion engines within the Shire or part of the Shire and during a time as specified in a notice or broadcast (Reg 38A & 38B) with the exception of the movement of vehicles and machinery on constructed and gazetted roads and laneways.
Permitted Activities
The following activities are permitted, provided these comply with specified conditions.
Authorisation of Harvest Bans
Following is the order of authorisation to issue harvest bans in conjunction with and authorisation from the Fire Weather Officer.
Harvest Ban Zones
Zone 1 - Kulin North & Kulin South Brigades
Zone 2 - Jilakin/Pingaring Brigade
Zone 3 - Holt Rock/Little Italy Brigade
Harvesting Operations - Mobile Fire fighting Units
It is compulsory that an operational mobile engine powered fire fighting pump unit with not less then 500 litres of water be in attendance during grain harvesting operations. If the unit is trailer mounted the trailer must be attached to a vehicle at all times during harvesting operations and the unit must be in the paddock, or adjoining paddock, where the harvesting operation is being carried out.