It’s been a wonderful year for Bushfire Risk Consultants and we couldn’t have done it without you.

As we enter into the Christmas holiday once again, we will be keeping an eye toward changes to Planning for Bushfire Protection in 2018, to continue to provide quality, professional bushfire reports and services to our clients.

We would like to extend warm wishes to you and your families. Please make the most of the holidays to prepare for 2018.

Always remember, we welcome you to contact us with bushfire related queries and projects, as we are always happy to assist.

From us all at Bushfire Risk have a fabulous and safe holiday season.

Melanie Jackson and the Bushfire Risk team, Natascha, Karina and Jo

Please note that we’ll be CLOSED from 18th December 2017, returning 22nd January 2018.

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• New Planning for Bushfire Protection 2017 is still many months away and unlikely to be released before April 2018; however will be more regularly updated in future.

• Bushfire building design showcased Earth Berm houses (Baldwin O’Bryan Architects) affording occupants significantly more benefits due to minimal heating, cooling and maintenance requirements.  They can be more easily designed to provide protection against natural elements such as hail, cyclones, bush fires and flooding. They provide a more efficient use of land in urban settings and will be great for larger properties.

• RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers presentation mentioned Local Council requirements to consult with RFS currently and in the future Councils may no longer be required to consult in relation to infill developments e.g. 79BA; existing lots, (new builds & alterations etc.) The result for BushFire practitioners will be a greater importance on professional BPAD accredited consultants reports.

Grace Period Announced by RFS:

As a result of the recent Planning for Bushfire Protection 2017 conference, the RFS have decided to provide a grace period Flame Zone situations.

When constructing a new building in the “Flame Zone” (BAL-FZ) be advised that the NSW RFS generally uses the requirements of Australian Standard 3959-2009: Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas as a guide for what is acceptable.

As you would be aware the previous dispensation to allow a non-combustible shutter over BAL-40 windows at BAL-FZ was recently removed.

We have been notified that there will now be a grace period to allow projects that are/were currently underway to proceed where commitments have been made in good faith based on previous window protection requirements. This grace period will cease on 1 January 2018.  Tested flame zone windows and doors will be required for FZ rated buildings after this date (1 January 2018).

Please see this link below for the full RFS communication:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/69748/Community-Resilience-Fact-Sheet-flame-zone.pdf

Bushfire Risk Consultants are based in the Northern Rivers Area of Northern NSW and provide quality, professional bushfire reports and services in planning for bushfire protection with an environmental, ethical & customer service focus.

We seek a balanced, positive development application result: reconciling the needs of all parties in bushfire prone areas, delivering a sustainable environment, and mandated bushfire legislation. To discuss your project needs please call Melanie Jackson, Grad.Dip (Bushfire Protection); B.App.Sc (ERM); BPAD-Level 3 FPAA Certified Bushfire Consultant (Accreditation No: BPAD-21977); on 0447 211 375

The post Bushfire Protection 17 Conference Highlights appeared first on Bushfire Risk Consultants.

A major change to PBP is a restructure of the document for ease of use and clarity.  It’s further anticipated that the following will change:

• simplified approach for grasslands
• simplified access requirements
• clarification on residential infill
• a section on special fire protection purpose developments (for example, home based child care) restructured and different criteria provided for specific uses
• improved alignment with Australian Standard 3959-2009
• greater emphasis on strategic planning, which considers state, regional and local level plans.

The Conference will also include many other highlights, which will be shared and an update of the major changes to Planning for Bushfire Protection 2017.

Contact us if you want more information about Planning for Bush Fire Protection (PBP) 2017.

DRAFT PBP 2017

The post News: Planning for Bushfire Protection 2017 appeared first on Bushfire Risk Consultants.

Members of the public are invited to make submissions prior to this date.

This is a DRAFT and must not be used in any development applications. Until the official release date, continue to use Planning for Bushfire Protection (PBP) 2006.

DRAFT PBP 2017

The post Planning for Bushfire Protection 2017 – Public Exhibition appeared first on Bushfire Risk Consultants.

Lismore CBD in flood – Cnr: Molesworth & Magellan (31-03-17)

Business as Usual

Bushfire Risk remains predominantly unaffected by the recent lismore flood event. We’ve assisted others where able to. Our thoughts are with those during this difficult time. I encourage all to support our local businesses and residents get back up and running. Even the smallest gestures count.

Bushfire Risk Assessments

Order your Bushfire Attack Level Certificates (BAL), Reports and Site Assessments as soon as possible to ensure we can act in a timely manner.

The post Bushfire Risk: Business as usual despite Lismore flood appeared first on Bushfire Risk Consultants.

Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) administers the Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme was first developed and implemented in 2006 in response to demands from the community, government and industry to establish a recognition program for bushfire planning and design (BPAD) Accredited Practitioners to assist the community undertaking development on land subject to bushfire impact.

The Scheme was designed for individuals (practitioners) delivering bushfire assessment, planning, design and advice services. It accredits practitioners who meet criteria based on specific accreditation and competency requirements, including a detailed knowledge of and ability to practically apply the relevant planning, development and building legislation and policies, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standard AS3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas.

The Scheme provides an enhanced level of confidence for government and the community that practitioners providing bushfire planning and design services are accredited by a suitably robust scheme that complies with the State Government’s accreditation framework and is administered by the national peak body for fire safety.

BPAD Accredited Practitioners are recognised by industry, regulators, fire agencies, end-users and the community as providers of professional bushfire assessment, planning, design and advice services.

“ Bushfire Risk Consultants are BPAD Level 3 qualified and your trusted bushfire experts. With our expertise, knowledge and personal service we’ve helped hundreds of clients realise their development dream, avoiding costly mistakes, refusals or reductions in development yield often attributed to misguidance. ”

Melanie Jackson – BPAD Certified Practitioner (Level 3), Grad. Dip. (Bushfire Protection), B.App.Sc. (EnvResMgt)

Accreditation is a formal acknowledgement by FPA Australia that an Accredited Practitioner has met the requirements of the BPAD Accreditation Scheme. In addition to meeting all of the competency requirements, applicants must ensure key requirements are also met as per diagram below.

BPAD Categories

BPAD Level 1 – BAL Assessor

This qualifcation recognises practioners who determine Bushfire Attack Levels using simplified methods and provide advice on the appropriate design and construction requirements.

BPAD Level 2 – Bushfire Planning Practitioner

This qualifcation recognises practioners who develop planning and building applications by applying perscribed design requirements in accordance with the local regulatory requirements. This is in addition to the activities described for a Level 1 Practioner.

BPAD Level 3 – Bushfire Planning and Design Practitioner

This qualifcation recognises practioners who develop planning and building applications by developing alternative design solutions (excluding construction provisions) in accordance with the local regulatory requirements. This is in addition to the activities described for a Level 1 and 2 Practioner.

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