People living in areas of high bushfire risk have to balance the need to protect native vegetation with wildfire safety. It is an issue facing people in existing houses and those lodging planning applications for new dwellings in areas of high bushfire risk.
CFA recommends a risk management approach to wildfire that avoids unwarranted removal of native vegetation in the name of wildfire protection.
Residents should be aware of new planning permit exemptions for native vegetation removal in place from 14 November 2006.
The new exemptions allow for more flexible vegetation management for wildfire protection, to cater for individual site conditions. They are consistent with CFA's Wildfire Management Overlay arrangements which already apply to new developments.
There are now certain conditions under which people can remove native vegetation (other than trees) as part of their bushfire survival plan without having to apply for a planning permit.
New exemptions have been put into the Victoria Planning Provision that deals with native vegetation protection: clause 52.17 Native Vegetation. The revised exemptions apply to the permit requirement for native vegetation removal for wildfire safety and are in force from 14 November 2006.
The new exemptions reflect the objective to build community safety through greater community self reliance. The changes to the exemptions are summarised below:
Before 14 November 2006
Prior to this amendment, clause 52.17 Native Vegetation of the Victoria Planning Provisions provided exemptions from the requirement to have a planning permit to:
After 14 November 2006 - current
The new exemptions increase the area of vegetation that may be modified up to a maximum of 95 metres from a dwelling or building used for accommodation where there is a high fire risk (as described by the Wildfire Management Overlay site assessment method).
The new exemptions allow:
Note 2: Planning Schemes may have local controls that override the exemption. Contact your local council to see if this applies to your property. |
Calculating the maximum allowable distance to manage/remove vegetation around the house
Native vegetation (other than trees) within 30 metres of a dwelling or building used for accommodation may be removed, lopped or destroyed provided native grasses are kept to a height of 10 cm, and no more than 50% shrub cover is cleared.
The distance for managing vegetation more than 30 meters from a dwelling or building used for accommodation must be calculated using the site assessment method contained in CFA’s Building in a Wildfire Management Overlay Applicant's Kit (2002) (pdf 852k). Find out more about this kit...
Where can residents get advice on their site assessment?
Instructions for the site assessment method can be found on pages 2 to 5 and 10 to 12 of the Applicant's Kit, which is designed for self assessment. If residents are unsure about their self assessment, they may contact CFA regional offices for advice. CFA and DSE will be able to assist people to prepare a plan.
Do residents need to produce a record of their site assessment?
Yes. The management of vegetation for distances greater than 30 metres from a dwelling or building used for accommodation must be recorded in a plan. A copy of a Bushfire Survival Plan and Risk Assessment Attachment (pdf 34k) must be lodged with the relevant regional DSE office prior to commencing works.
Residents do not require permission to undertake the work or obtain approval of their plan from DSE. However, works undertaken without lodging the plan with DSE would be in breach of the Victoria Planning Provisions, and subject to possible action under the Planning and Environment Act.
Residents should also be reminded that this exemption only applies on their own property. It does not authorise vegetation removal on adjoining public or private property.
What does a plan look like?
Instruction for what to include in a plan are provided in clause 52.17 Native Vegetation of the Victoria Planning Provisions in the table of exemptions 52.17-6 under the heading 'Buildings' (up to 10 metres) 'Fire'. The distances are provided in the table 52.17 -7.
Can a resident incorporate this plan into an existing bushfire survival plan?
Yes. CFA views regulatory compliance and community development as complementary approaches to wildfire risk management. Residents who already have a bushfire survival plan will need to send a copy of their plan and risk assessment attachment to DSE.
