Current ban information:

The Shire of Ravensthorpe uses SMS to notify of Harvest and Vehicle Movement bans (HVMB), which is free of charge.

We strongly recommend all landowners/residents/contractors/workers register for the SMS service. 

To register, please complete our online form.

What is a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban?

HVMBs are declared by local governments when weather and fire conditions make activities such as harvesting and using vehicles or machinery in paddocks too dangerous because they could start a bushfire.

During a HVMB, certain activities must stop for the period of the ban.

❌What you can't do during a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban

During a HVMB you must stop harvesting and the off road use of vehicles or machinery powered by an internal combustion engine.

This includes using vehicles and machinery in paddocks, bushland, uncleared land and areas with stubble or long grass.

Examples include: motorbikes, quad bikes, excavators, chainsaws, ride on lawn mowers and generators.

✅What you can do during a Harvest and Vehicle Movement ban

During a HVMB, you can still:

drive on gazetted roads

  • use vehicles on sufficiently cleared lanes, driveways, yards and access or parking areas at homes, farms and businesses, provided the area is sufficiently clear of flammable material to prevent fire escaping
  • use a vehicle to protect people or livestock from an immediate and serious risk, provided you take all reasonable precautions to prevent starting a bushfire

Loading and offloading during a ban

You may continue to load or offload grain or fertiliser at an approved registered site during a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban.

If you need to use an ungazetted laneway to access the site, the site must be inspected, registered and approved by the Shire before each harvest. 

Register a loading and offloading site

What about a Total Fire Ban?

A Total Fire Ban and a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban are different restrictions and may apply at the same time.

Total Fire Bans are declared by the State Government and restrict activities that involve fire or are likely to cause a fire.

Check current Total Fire Bans and restrictions via DFES:  Total Fire Ban information via the DFES website.