Brief Update on New Bush Fire Regulations
Further to the media release dated the 6th March, there has been a barrage of emails, faxes and phone calls from all directions (Building Commission, AIBS, HIA etc).
At KWA, we are working in overdrive to try and make sense of it all, so that the translation to our clients is clear cut and not too confusing. Information and interpretation advice will no doubt keep coming for some time as the authorities continue to assess and decide appropriate interpretations.
Yes, the State Government fast tracked through the new Australian Standard which came into force on the 11th March 2009. They also took the unusual step to declare the ENTIRE state of Victoria as bush fire prone which over rides the previous designated areas set by council.
This means that all residential applications, including any outbuildings within 6.0m of a dwelling, will need a site assessment to determine the level of protection required under the new Australian Standards. This, of course, will increase the construction cost in many cases.
Stay tuned while we develop an appropriate system to help assist you all through the building permit process.
Keep smilin’,
Ken.