With summer just around the corner, Manningham City Council is urging residents in bushfire prone areas to start preparing and protecting their homes.  

Council is providing affected households with up to four free vouchers to help remove garden waste.

Manningham City Council Director Assets and Engineering Leigh Harrison says garden waste vouchers are now available, free of charge and can be used from September through to the end of November. 

“The annual Garden Waste Program encourages residents to clear vegetation each spring in bushfire prone areas such as Wonga Park, Warrandyte, Park Orchards, South Warrandyte and parts of Donvale and Templestowe,” he says. 

“Clearing and removing excess vegetation from properties is an important part of reducing bushfire risk.” 

Vouchers for four standard trailer loads can be redeemed on Sundays between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm at Manningham’s Garden Waste Recycle Centre on the corner of Blackburn and Websters Road, Templestowe. 

Council encourages residents to prepare for the upcoming fire season, using spring as a great time to start preparations.  

“Managing vegetation around properties can help protect homes from the risk of bushfires,” Mr Harrison says.

“It is vital that all residents living within bushfire prone areas have an emergency plan in place. Residents can find more information about developing their plan on Council’s website.”

Proof of residence and conditions apply when vouchers are redeemed. To obtain your free garden waste vouchers, contact Council on 9840 9333.