New measures aimed at reducing the risk to life and property and cost to communities from
bushfire throughout Tasmania have been applauded by the state’s planning profession.
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) says the new planning standards for bushfire-prone
areas will mean consistent standards across the state.
PIA Tasmanian President Matthew Clark said the new Bushfire-Prone Areas Code is in line
with the overall planning reform process.
“Measures to protect communities against the impact of bushfire have been a part of the
planning system for a number of years, but this new Code is a significant step forward in
planning policy,” Mr Clark said.
“Apart from new measures that ensure vulnerable land uses such as schools and hospitals
aren’t located in areas prone to bushfire, the new code facilitates the use of accredited fire
assessors.
“This will free up the Tasmanian Fire Service from being used as the assessors which will
also reduce delays in development.”
The Bushfire-Prone Areas Code was issued yesterday by the Minister for Planning, the Hon
Bryan Green MP.
The new measure applies specific development measures to land identified as being
bushfire-prone. The Code has a range of standards depending on the different levels of
bushfire risk for specific developments.
Mr Clark said extra protective measures have been placed on more vulnerable or sensitive
land uses.
“Places such as retirement villages for example can’t be located in areas that might be
susceptible to bushfire hazard unless they incorporate appropriate bushfire hazard risk
mitigation measures, including emergency evacuation plans and staff education on bushfire
safety.
“Construction standards, appropriate vegetation management measures, access to an
appropriate water supply, emergency vehicle access and evacuation options are among the
issues covered.
“But the code is not just about sensitive land uses. For example extensions to existing
houses within one hundred metres of bush or grassland may be affected if they want to
extend the dwelling.
“In this case they will require a bushfire assessment unless they are operating under an
existing bushfire management plan or don’t extend in the direction of the source of a
potential bushfire.
“The new code represents a very important planning policy for Tasmania and PIA would like
to congratulate the Government.
“The code that came into effect yesterday, will implement consistent bushfire management
measures across the state for new subdivisions, buildings and extensions to existing
buildings.
“Guidelines for determining bushfire-prone areas are now being prepared which will help
with the application of the new Code.”
