Alpine Shire Council will hold a free green waste weekend at its Mount Beauty, Myrtleford and Porepunkah transfer stations on 14 and 15 November 2026, from 10am to 2pm. Mayor Sarah Nicholas urged residents to clear their properties before the declared fire season. The Country Fire Authority advises moving flammable items away from houses, clearing dry debris, keeping grass under 10cm and cleaning gutters. Each customer may bring up to two cubic metres per day. Branches must be 200mm or less in diameter, and stumps will not be accepted.
Southern Grampians residents are invited to the official opening of a new Organics Processing Facility at the Hamilton Transfer Station on Thursday 12 November. Community members can visit between 4:00pm and 6:00pm to tour the site and see how green waste becomes compost. The facility will process about 2,500 tonnes of local green waste each year, combined with 2,500 tonnes of dry organic material from the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange. Mayor Dennis Heslin said the project shows how household sorting makes a difference. No registration is needed. Visitors should wear closed-toe shoes and will be given high-vis vests.
Council says illegal dumping harms the parks, reserves and open spaces that everyone shares, and officials expressed disappointment at such conduct. A person was recently caught leaving mulch in the Chelsworth Park car park, a seemingly minor act that still required clean-up, restoration and an investigation. Council's Local Laws team traced the repeat offender, who received a fine of more than $10,000. Because dumped mulch may be contaminated, it cannot be reused or handed out. Residents are urged to report dumping.
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Southern Grampians Shire Council is urging residents to prepare their properties before the Fire Danger Period. Free green waste drop-off will be available at all Transfer Stations from 2 to 8 November 2026, limited to one cubic metre per household each day. Loads with stumps, treated timber, soil, fencing wire or plastic will be rejected, and commercial loads are not eligible. Fire Prevention Officers will begin property inspections in the coming weeks, and owners may receive a Fire Prevention Notice setting out required works and a due date.
Ararat Rural City Council is urging residents to start preparing their homes, gardens, farms and rural properties for the coming fire season. Suggested steps include clearing long grass, removing leaves and bark, pruning branches and testing water tanks, pumps and firefighting equipment. Council will carry out annual fire prevention inspections later in the season. Eligible properties in high to extreme fire risk areas can receive green waste vouchers to help with clean-up costs. Residents can contact the council's Customer Service team for eligibility advice.
The stockpile of green waste at the Transfer Station has reached capacity and will be burnt off during October, subject to favourable weather. DFES, a volunteer brigade and shire officers will attend the activity. Notice will be posted on the Shire Facebook page 24 hours beforehand. The stack is small, so the Transfer Station is not expected to be affected. The Container Deposit Scheme will stay open, depending on wind direction.
Ipswich residents can prepare for storm season with free green waste disposal weekends in October and November. Mayor Teresa Harding announced drop-off events at Riverview and Rosewood centres on 24-25 October and 7-8 November. The initiative, part of Get Ready Queensland Week, encourages residents to trim trees and remove garden debris to mitigate storm risks. Last year, over 2,007 residents disposed of 900 tonnes of green waste during similar events. Councillor Jim Madden emphasised the importance of community preparedness to reduce severe weather impacts.
Glenelg Shire Council is offering free green waste disposal at all its waste management facilities from Saturday 24 October to Wednesday 4 November. Mayor Karen Stephens said the service helps residents clear dry vegetation and reduce fire risks around their homes. Council's Local Laws team is also starting its annual fire prevention inspections across the shire, and residents are reminded to keep properties free of excessive vegetation. Only household garden waste from Glenelg Shire residents and ratepayers is accepted, up to one cubic metre per customer.
