It is illegal to burn any material in a residential area. Please see NSW Legislation regarding clean air.
The smoke from backyard fires can affect people with respiratory illness, as well as cause a nuisance in a residential area, by way of smell.
Council Compliance Officers respond to complaints about backyard burning, as do the NSW Fire Brigade and the Rural Fire Service.
There are heavy penalties for illegally burning waste and other material, including leaves and branches. This includes on the spot fines.
However, it is not illegal to have a barbeque, and it is not illegal to cook food in traditional manners, such as a hungi.
Council offers two free pickups per year for waste, so there is no need to burn rubbish in the backyard. Please contact council on 1300 362 170 to arrange a pickup.
For hazard reduction and other legal burns, please contact the Rural Fire Service, who may be able to issue a permit.
