New permit for locked down residents to travel to regions for fire season preparation

From today, regional property owners from restricted regions can apply to the relevant council where their second property is located for written formal approval ahead of the fire season.

They will need to provide information about location, type of work to be undertaken and date of travel.

Permits can be issued by local councils and effective from 11 October.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not discern between primary and secondary residences - such as holiday homes.

However, data from the 2016 Census shows Warrnambool had 12,629 occupied (88.8 per cent) and 1588 unoccupied (11.2 per cent) private dwellings on Census night.

Moyne had 5898 occupied (77.8 per cent) and 1679 unoccupied (22.2 per cent) private dwellings in 2016.

Residents traveling from locked down areas have to adhere by the rules from their primary residence. They're also encouraged to use local contractors or neighbours to determine if preparedness work is required ahead of making travel plans.

Local contractors should also be used to undertake preparedness work, wherever possible.

Local councils will continue to issue Fire Prevention Notices where it is deemed necessary to place an obligation on property owners. Residents issued with a Fire Prevention Notice are legally bound to comply and can travel to their property to clean it up.

For more information on the permit scheme visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

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