1344 properties affected by overlays

Property owners are being urged to consider state government updates to the bushfire management overlay which may affect future planning permit requirements.

The updated planning controls will be applied to 1344 properties in Baw Baw Shire, taking the total number of properties affected by the overlay to 3680.

Seventy four properties have had the overlay removed. The review identified that these properties were not considered to be affected by extreme bushfire under the existing criteria.

The bushfire management overlay applies to land with the potential to be affected by extreme bushfires.

The overlay triggers the need for a planning permit for certain developments and requirements to include appropriate bushfire protection measures.

The state government recently updated the bushfire management overlay mapping. The new planning controls came into effect across the state on October 3.

Although bushfire risk varies across the region, the bushfire protection measures in the overlay will require future developments to:

Build to current bushfire construction standards;

Site the building away from the bushfire hazard; Manage vegetation and fuel loads; Install water tanks and provide fire truck access; and, Refer your plan to the CFA, if required. A mandatory planning permit condition will require these measures to be implemented and maintained at all times by the landowner.

The update was a key recommendation of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and ensures consistent bushfire mapping and planning policies apply throughout Victoria.

The update has been led by the Environment, Land, Water and Planning Department in partnership with the Country Fire Authority and Baw Baw Shire Council for our local region.

Mayor Joe Gauci said the new bushfire controls imposed by the state government would make new homes, the community and the environment more resilient and safer from bushfires.

“The new planning permit requirements will ensure that bushfire hazards such as vegetation, slope and site access are assessed, and that safety measures are in place to manage bushfire risk.

“The update will impact approximately 2450 local properties, with updated bushfire planning controls either applied or removed to these properties.

“Properties now included in the BMO may require a planning permit for future developments, subdivisions and significant extensions on the property under the bushfire planning controls,” he said.

Cr Gauci said existing homes and approved developments are not required to make any changes.

He said if a property no longer falls in the updated BMO mapping area, bushfire planning controls will be removed and the property and additional planning permits under the BMO planning control no longer apply.

Baw Baw Shire Council has partnered with DELWP to send out letters and information packs to the affected properties.

Cr Gauci encouraged all residents to have a bushfire survival plan in place ahead of the warmer weather.

“This summer is again predicted to be hot and dry so it’s important to ensure all residents have a bushfire survival plan to protect their families and homes.

“We also recommend residents seek advice on appropriate building insurance, and prepare their homes and properties to reduce bushfire risk,” he said.

For more information on the update, visit www.planning.vic.gov.au/bmo or contact council on 5624 2411.