The spread of smoke across a neighbourhood can impact the health of residents and the environment.
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 enables Council to investigate smoke nuisances to ensure they do not irritate or annoy others.
Council's Local Laws require that landowners have a responsibility to ensure that their land, including vacant land, does not create a fire hazard to nearby or adjoining properties.
Check with your local fire warden
In Queensland, fires can be restricted by fire danger periods, local fire bans and a state of fire emergency bans. Before lighting a fire, check with your local fire warden to find out whether the proposed burning is prohibited or requires a permit.
For more information refer to Rural Fire Service website or contact your local fire brigade.
Council jurisdiction
Council only has jurisdiction to act on certain air pollution issues, and shares the responsibility of noise control with other government bodies.
Fact sheets
Further information is available in our fact sheets:
Smoke from chimneys [PDF 0.3MB]
Smoke nuisance - open air fires [PDF 0.2MB]
Air pollution - dirt and dust [PDF 0.2MB]
Related links
Air quality – Federal Department of Environment website