Busselton to trial fire ban SMS notification system over 22-23 summer season

Over the upcoming bushfire season Busselton residents can opt in to a new trial aimed to provide real-time updates on fire bans for harvest and heavy vehicles.

Following community feedback, the City of Busselton will be trialing a new SMS notification system to let residents know when a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is being issued.

These types of bans are issued by local governments based on local conditions, separate to the broader Total Fire Bans, which are issued by the DFES.

Acting chief executive officer Paul Needham said the text messages will be sent to residents and businesses who have registered, alongside the City’s formal notifications.

“The new free trial service will complement our existing communication methods, including the City’s website and Facebook page,” He said.

“A Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban restricts the use of engines, vehicles, plant and machinery during certain times of the day and is put in place for a local government area when these activities are identified by the local chief bush fire control officer as high risk.”

Residents can register for the SMS service online through the City of Busselton website.