2009 will forever be marked as the year when this stark reality was fully driven home to Victorians. The widespread tragedy, loss and chaos of Black Saturday were a sobering reminder of what is possible in the climate and landscape in which we live.
Australia is a dry country. Much of it is in a state of ongoing drought. Global warming is likely to see temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns to be erratic. Victoria has always been prone to bushfires and this is true now more than ever.
Bushfire risk assessment requires caution and planning, not panic
Bushfire season should not deter you from building. It should simply help you seek the necessary advice to proceed with care and caution. KWA has an expert alternative solution assessor on staff who is highly skilled and experienced at accurately assessing risk. So if you are planning on building in a bushfire declared area, a consultation with KWA should be one the first step on your list (Note as of 11th March 2009, the Victorian State Government has declared the whole state as a bushfire prone area).
What is involved in bushfire site assessment?
In order to comply with the Building Code of Australia, you first need to identify the level of risk. You then need to ensure that your building design complies with relevant BCA and Australian Standards. A bushfire site assessment will go through the following steps:
- Establish whether there is a Wildfire Management Overlay on your site
- Determine the category of bushfire attack in accordance with Australian Standard 3959 – Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas (AS 3959)
- Often the CFA will determine whether they agree with the bushfire risk assessment during the planning permit process
- Apply for a building permit – again noting the bushfire risk category so that all plans and design comply with construction risk category -one of the 6 Bushfire Attack Levels (Bal’s)
- Construct your building in full compliance with AS 3959 and Building Code Australia (BCA)
Bushfire risk assessment is too complex and expert for most people to navigate. Even if you go through all of the required steps it is likely that you may miss out on crucial information or details.
The bushfire risk assessment is onerous and time consuming. Recent events may contribute to it being highly charged and more complicated than ever.
Despite the tragedies of Victoria’s bushfires, there are certain areas that will be labeled with a bush fire attack level of flame zone when in fact they are not. Having your site incorrectly labeled can restrict what and how you build.
A full assessment will take into account things such as: local environment, tree types, other buildings, level of development, tracks and roads – to name just a few.
You cannot afford to leave such a vital area as bushfire risk assessment to anyone but the most experienced and knowledgeable of experts. Please contact KWA before embarking on any investigations or planning in this regard and talk to us about how our experience can save you time, money and doubt.