What we do
Planning For Fire provides the following bushfire planning and assessment services throughout Victoria:
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments
When building in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) there may be requirements relating to bushfire. The Building Regulations 2018 and the National Construction Code require some new buildings meet AS3959-2018 (Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas). AS3959 has a number of Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL's) with progressively higher construction requirements as the level of bushfire exposure increases.
We can help you by preparing either a Method 1 (simplified) or Method 2 (complex) BAL assessment for your project.
We can assist with simple projects like houses or complex projects like class 9b school buildings and compliance with Specification 43!
Bushfire Management Statements
The Victorian planning system includes specific requirements for buildings and works within the Bushfire Management Overlay, such as a new dwelling, a large extension or some outbuildings. An application will typically require a Bushfire Management Statement, Bushfire Hazard Site Assessment, Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment and Bushfire Management Plan. In some circumstances, a Bushfire Emergency Management Plan may also be required.
We prepare the required bushfire planning documentation and explain how the proposed development responds appropriately to the broader landscape, the hazards affecting the property and the specific requirements of the application.
Pre-purchase bushfire assessments or pre-design advice
About to purchase land or build your dream home? There are many areas of Victoria's bushfire building and planning systems that can have a significant impact on your project. This includes cost, timeframes and even whether what you want to do is permissible or not.
Contact us early in the process for clear advice about potential constraints, opportunities and practical design responses before significant time and money are committed.
Strategic bushfire planning
Strategic planning can involve studies, investigation, research and amendments to planning schemes - including the rezoning of land to allow for different uses.
We can help you undertake bushfire aspects of those activities.
This could be a response to Clause 13.02 (Bushfire Planning) of the Victoria Planning Provisions, engaging the views of the fire services (CFA, FRV or DEECA) or even help preparing explanatory reports.
Bushfire Emergency Management Plans
If you operate a business in an area at risk from bushfire then you should have a plan in place for all credible emergencies - including bushfire.
We can help put a plan in place to help you plan, prepare, respond and recover from a bushfire.
Other services
Our experience includes the development of assessment tools and policy, performance solutions, responses to the bushfire decision guidelines at Clause 53.02-6, professional training and advocacy involving government agencies and departments in Victoria and interstate.
We also assist with unusual or complex bushfire planning matters that do not fit neatly within a standard BAL assessment or Bushfire Management Statement.
Contact us to discuss your needs.
Who we are
The people behind Planning For Fire:
Andrew Ganey (MPIA)
Principal consultantAndrew has more than 15 years of experience across the areas of bushfire planning, statutory & strategic planning, natural resource management and fire prevention.
His experience includes roles in local government, the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria as well as private consulting. This provides an informed understanding of how bushfire matters are assessed by consultants, responsible authorities and the fire services.
Andrew has developed policy and assessment tools, delivered professional training, worked with government agencies on various projects and presented evidence at Planning Panels and VCAT.
He holds a Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection and a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management. He is a Full Member of the Planning Institute Australia and a member of the International Association of Wildland Fire.
What people say
We love helping people and here's what some of those people say:
Useful resources
Useful resources developed by Planning For Fire:
Bushfire Tested
Bushfire Tested is the No. 1 free source for architects, building designers and other building professionals to find products tested in accordance with AS1530.8.1, AS1530.8.2 or AS1530.4!
Fire Danger Rating data
A database of daily Bureau of Meteorology Fire Behaviour Index and Fire Danger Rating forecasts (typically at 5:30am) during the Summer period. The earliest forecast being from October 2022 as that is when the current Australian Fire Danger Rating System went live.
Contact
Please contact us for an obligation-free discussion about how we can assist with your project.
Call:
Mail:
Planning For Fire
PO Box 4223
Frankston Heights VIC 3199