STRIKING A BLOW: Orange City Council’s Dave Farr cleans up leaves in Robertson Park. Council has urged residents not to burn leaves but to dispose of them correctly.
ORANGE residents who decide to put a match to burn the abundance of autumn leaves on their property could be exposing themselves to a fine of up to $1000, according to Orange City Council.
Orange Fire Brigade was called to a report of a backyard fire on Sunday night , but found it was a resident burning leaves.
Orange City Council spokesman Alan Reeder said the burning of leaves had a potential health and pollution impact in the community.
“People have options to dispose of their leaves in the correct manner,” he said.
Residents can either place their excess leaves in the garbage bin with a red lid or take them to the tip on Icely Road, according to Mr Reeder.
“We also have all our available crews out at the moment working their way through the city to collect the excess leaves,” he said.
Mr Reeder said a team from Wangarang Industries had also been employed to help with the leaf gathering exercise.
He said fines for burning leaves range from $500 up to $1000 and are part of legislation under the state government’s Clean Air Act.
Mr Reeder said the legislation was quite specific.
“It is one thing to stand around one of those ceramic outdoor heaters which has vegetation such as branches burning to keep people warm at a barbecue, and another thing to deliberately rake up leaves and burn them,” he said.
Mr Reeder said anyone having difficulty disposing of excess leaves should contact Orange City Council on 6393 8000 for advice.
