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After a bushfire

Development in Bushfire Prone Areas

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Planning for land use and development in bushfire prone areas

Bushfire Planning Framework

The City is responsible for implementing the bushfire planning framework when considering development in designated bushfire prone areas. 

SPP3.7 & Guidelines

In November 2024, key updates to the bushfire planning framework were published by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, including new versions of:

  • State Planning Policy 3.7 Bushfire
  • SPP3.7 Guidelines for planning in bushfire prone areas
  • SPP3.7 Guidelines Explanatory Note 
  • Manuals for Bushfire Management Plans and Bushfire Emergency Plans 

Refer to State Planning Policy 3.7 Bushfire page on DPLH Planning Online website to access the latest versions of these documents and other supporting information.

Image showing a bushfire

City Documents
Council Policy - Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Public Land Management
Council Policy - Bushfire Management in Conservation & Rural Residential Zones

Other Planning Resources
Development Services - Planning Overview

Development Services - Applications & Property Zoning

Building requirements in bushfire prone areas

It is the purpose of the bushfire prone declaration to improve the level of protection of life and property in the event of a bushfire. This will be achieved by ensuring that all new buildings are constructed to a standard that will reduce the risk of ignition from any bushfire that may occur in the area.

Where buildings are assessed as BAL ‘low’ there are no specific construction requirements under the standard at this time.

Any buildings that are assessed as having a BAL above low will be required to meet the construction requirements of Australia Standard 3959. Construction requirements can range from prevention of ember attack through to withstanding a high heat flux and burning debris.

bushfire

It is recommended that you discuss the relevant AS3959 requirements with your builder, architect or designer. You can also purchase a copy of AS3959 by clicking on this link.

The City of Albany also has a copy available for viewing at the Library and at the North Road administration building.

Each proposal will be assessed by the City of Albany on its merits and we recommend that you seek support from an experienced consultant in the preparation of BAL site specific requirements.

For more information refer to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety - Commerce website (see links below)

Building & Energy WA information page - Building in designated bush fire prone areas  

Other Resources

Development Services - Building Permit Applications

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment

A BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessment may be required to determine the level of fire intensity that may impact on the building and the level of construction will be dependent upon this assessment. The assessment is based upon vegetation type, density and proximity to property.

A BAL Assessment is an assessment set out in Australian Standard 3959 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas (AS3959) which determines the BAL rating for a proposed building. A BAL is one way of determining a proposed building's potential for bushfire exposure and is used to establish the construction requirements you can use to improve the protection of your building from bushfire attack. 

A BAL Assessment is generally carried out by an accredited Level 1 BAL Assessor or Bushfire Planning Practitioner. There are a number of private consultants who have a considerable amount of recognised experience in this field who undertake BAL assessments.

Bushfire Prone Area Mapping

Property Map

Property Map

View your property's bushfire hazards, zoning, planning information and more in the City's Property Map

Open Property Map

 
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Other information

City of Albany Emergency Management

Community Bushfire Safety & Preparedness

Fire Management Notice

Fire Information

Department of Fire & Emergency Services 

Bushfire

Bushfire Prone Areas 

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