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 0429 201 350.

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

 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.

1. Water carting for stock and domestic purposes on roadways as defined above.
2. All necessary travel to and from and within piggeries, sheep or cattle feed lots on roadways as defined above.
3. All necessary carting of livestock on roadways as defined above.
4. Activities which received specific exemptions from Council or Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.

Authorisation of Harvest Bans

Following is the order of authorisation to issue harvest bans in conjunction with and authorisation from the Fire Weather Officer.

1. Noel Mason, CEO Shire of Kulin
2. Judd Hobson, Manager of Works Shire of Kulin
3. Garry Strother, Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
4. Rod Diery, Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control 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.