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Expert tips, guides, and insights on forestry mulching, fire safety, land clearing, and vegetation management across southwest Victoria.

Fire Safety

Beyond the Smoke: A Compassionate Look at Fire Risk Management

Across Victoria right now, skies are thick with smoke and hearts are heavy with concern. Fires ripping through communities, from the north-east to the Otways, are among the worst we have seen. This conversation is not about picking sides or assigning blame. Fire risk management in a landscape like Victoria's is shaped by many interconnected factors. The key point is that effective fuel reduction is multifaceted — prescribed burns, mechanical treatments, strategic fire breaks, defensible planning, community preparedness and ongoing risk assessment all contribute to a balanced, resilient approach.

Fire Safety

CFA Fire Safety Compliance for Lorne & Aireys Inlet Properties

If you own a bush block in Lorne, Aireys Inlet, or along the Great Ocean Road, you already know the drill — CFA compliance isn't optional. These premium coastal areas sit in some of Victoria's highest bushfire risk zones. That means strict fuel load requirements, defendable space rules, and annual maintenance. The good news? Forestry mulching makes compliance fast, clean, and hassle-free. We've helped property owners from Lorne to Fairhaven prepare their land for fire season — without the mess of burning or the damage of bulldozers. Protect your investment and your family with professional, CFA-aligned vegetation management.

Land Clearing

Preparing Your Lifestyle Property for the Otways: A Complete Guide

Buying a lifestyle block in the Otways is a dream come true for many — but it often comes with years of neglect to undo. Overgrown access tracks, blackberry infestations, fire hazards, and fence lines lost to the bush. Whether you've just purchased 5 acres near Forrest or 50 acres in the Gellibrand Valley, forestry mulching is the fastest way to reclaim your land. We work with tree-changers across Apollo Bay, Birregurra, Lavers Hill, and the Otways hinterland to create access, clear firebreaks, remove weeds, and prepare land for fencing and paddocks. One machine, one pass — and your property is ready to enjoy.

Commercial

Land Clearing for Rural Development in the Golden Plains & Ballarat Region

The Golden Plains and Ballarat region is growing fast. New subdivisions, rural residential developments, and agricultural improvements all start with one thing — clearing the land. For developers, farmers, and landowners with larger acreage, forestry mulching offers a cost-effective, environmentally responsible solution. We handle site preparation, paddock clearing, fence line access, and vegetation removal across Bannockburn, Meredith, Buninyong, Creswick, and greater Ballarat. Our equipment is built for big jobs — clearing 10, 50, or 100+ acres efficiently. No burning, no hauling, no multiple machines. Just clean, fast, professional land preparation ready for your next project.

Our Story

Why We Do What We Do — Our Story

Some people start a business to make a profit. We started ours to make a difference — and spend more time outdoors with our kids. Otway Forestry Mulching was born from countless weekends exploring the Otways, surrounded by the smell of eucalyptus and the sound of the wind through the gums. We saw the damage caused by burn-offs and bulldozers — blackened soil, erosion, native regrowth stunted. It didn't sit right. There had to be a smarter, cleaner way to restore land. That's where forestry mulching came in. One machine, one pass, no burn piles, no smoke — just regeneration. Our work is about more than clearing land. It's about caring for it.

Fire Safety

Fire Season Ready — The Smart Way to Protect Your Property

Every year before fire season, thousands of Victorians receive a notice from council or CFA telling them to reduce fuel loads. It's stressful, time-consuming, and sometimes confusing. Forestry mulching takes the hard work — and the guesswork — out of fire readiness. Instead of slashing or burning, we grind overgrown vegetation into mulch, reducing fire risk while improving soil. That means no piles to burn, no smoke, and instant compliance. We've helped landowners across the Surf Coast, Geelong, and Ballarat meet CFA requirements quickly — and sustainably. Whether it's a 10-acre bush block or a narrow firebreak along your fence line, we'll make sure your land is safe, compliant, and ready for whatever the fire season brings.

Land Clearing

Forestry Mulching vs. Burn-Offs — The Future of Land Care

Traditional clearing methods like bulldozing and burning were once the norm. But they come with problems — soil erosion, carbon emissions, and long recovery times. Forestry mulching is different. It's cleaner, faster, and environmentally responsible. The process uses a single machine to cut and grind vegetation, spreading mulch back over the soil. This mulch holds moisture, prevents erosion, and helps native plants regenerate naturally. For councils, developers, and private landowners, that means lower carbon footprint, safer properties, faster turnaround, no permits for burning, and immediate usability. It's the new standard in responsible land management — and we're proud to be leading the way across southwest Victoria.

Regeneration

Before & After — What Land Regeneration Really Looks Like

Every block tells a story. Some start wild and overgrown — full of blackberry tangles and fallen trees. Others just need a reset. Forestry mulching isn't just clearing — it's restoring. Within weeks, native plants start to return, wildlife follows, and the land breathes again. We've completed transformations across the Surf Coast and Otways, and the results speak for themselves — healthier soil, reduced fire risk, and land that finally feels like part of your property again.

Compliance

How Forestry Mulching Helps You Meet Council & CFA Requirements

If you've ever opened the mail to find a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice from council or CFA, you know the feeling — panic and confusion. The good news? Forestry mulching is one of the fastest, safest, and most compliant ways to meet those requirements. We work with property owners to create firebreaks, reduce fuel loads, and get you back within code — without scorched soil or smoke. Councils across southwest Victoria recognise mulching as a best-practice approach for fuel reduction. We make it easy, fast, and done right the first time.

Need Expert Help?

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