THE SUNSHINE Coast Council is being asked to consider clarifying rules around backyard burning after residents across Glasshouse Country raised concerns that fires were causing acute health issues.
The introduction of green waste bins earlier this year signalled a potential reduction in backyard burning, but residents said they were concerned that there had been no change in the level of burning.
One reader shared: “In the past I’ve contacted council and received conflicting advice, and also met with a designated investigating officer at my property.
“According to council, in a rural/residential designated zone the whole issue of what constitutes ‘nuisance smoke’ is ambiguous at best, and laughable at worst”.
Another reader shared similar thoughts: “One council officer informed me I was too far away from the smoke to be affected (200m). Then another told me that for smoke to be a nuisance an authorised officer must be within my house and detect smoke throughout”.
GC&M News sought clarification from the Council on the matter, with a spokesperson stating fires must not cause a smoke nuisance and those that do may be investigated by council officers under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, or by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service to determine if the necessary permit was issued. “When having a fire, only use dry, untreated wood, to minimise smoke for yourself and your neighbours,” the spokesperson said. “Green waste, plastics, treated wood and paper must not be burned.”
Council’s advice prior to lodging a formal complaint, residents are encouraged to take steps to try and resolve the issue with the person causing the smoke nuisance, such as writing a letter or speaking directly with them. In a recent You Said It letter, Division One Councillor Rick Baberowski stated that while burning is legal, he encouraged the use of the green bins.
“Some garden waste would be considered unsuitable material and it is likely that they would be unlawful due to nuisance odour and or smoke. If you suspect a fire isn’t lawful then reporting it is the best option for it to be logged to become part of a body of evidence and assessed by an officer of Council’s Environmental Health Team,” he wrote.
Residents who witnessed thoughtless or careless open fires were encouraged to call council on 5475 7272.