Mornington Peninsula Shire residents are being urged to reduce bushfire risk by disposing of green waste for free this weekend.

The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the severity of this year’s bushfire season had prompted the council to bring forward the bi-annual event and extend it by one day. It will take place at all the shire’s transfer stations from Friday 14 February-Monday 17 February.

“If you’re concerned about dangerous vegetation in the middle of this fire season this is a chance to clear your property of anything that might be a fire risk,” he said.

Green waste includes all types of garden waste and untreated timber, which can only be delivered from residential vehicles and trailers only. No commercial vehicles or commercial green waste will be accepted.

The event is open to peninsula residents or ratepayers only, with proof of residency required, such as a driver’s licence with a current address, or rates notice.

Mornington can only accept up to three cubic metres of green waste a trip.

Residents can also opt-in to receive a 240-litre fortnightly kerbside green waste bin collection if they live in the ‘urban area’ of the shire. There is a cost for this service.

Call 1300 850 600, 5950 1000 or visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/greenwaste

Transfer stations are at Truemans Road, Rye, McKirdys Road, Tyabb, and Watt Road, Mornington. Opening hours: 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am-5pm, Saturdays and Sundays.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 11 February 2020