AVGO Pty Ltd, a Geelong-based company, has been fined $15,000 by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for illegally burning cardboard on a farm during the height of the 2024 bird flu outbreak. The incident occurred in February 2024 at a property in the Geelong region, where the company was conducting poultry operations.
Details of the Incident
The fire, which involved a large quantity of cardboard waste, was lit without the required permit and in breach of CFA regulations. The burn-off took place on a day when total fire bans were in place due to extreme fire danger. The CFA inspectors discovered the fire during a routine patrol and immediately issued a notice of non-compliance.
Impact on Bird Flu Containment
The bird flu outbreak in 2024 led to strict biosecurity measures across the region, including restrictions on open fires to prevent the spread of the virus. The CFA emphasized that the illegal burn could have exacerbated the situation by creating smoke and ash that might carry contaminants. Authorities were particularly concerned about the potential for the fire to spread to nearby poultry sheds, which housed thousands of birds under quarantine.
- Fine Imposed: The company was ordered to pay $15,000 in penalties, including legal costs.
- Regulatory Breaches: The burn violated the CFA Act and local council bylaws regarding waste disposal.
- Biosecurity Risks: The incident highlighted the risks of non-compliance during animal disease outbreaks.
Company Response
AVGO Pty Ltd has since apologized for the incident, stating that the burn was a mistake made by a contractor who was unaware of the restrictions. The company has implemented new training programs for all staff and contractors to ensure compliance with fire and biosecurity regulations in the future.
Community and Industry Reaction
The Geelong community and poultry industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the lapse, particularly during a time when the region was under significant stress from the bird flu outbreak. Local farmers called for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent similar incidents, which could compromise containment efforts and put livelihoods at risk.
The CFA has reminded all businesses and residents that burning off without a permit is illegal and can result in significant fines. They urge anyone planning a burn to check local conditions and obtain the necessary approvals well in advance.
