Summary
- Most applications made under the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) will need a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP).
- Applications made using a schedule to the BMO require a BMP.
- BMPs show the required bushfire protection measures including defendable space, construction standard, water supply and access.
- Find a range of BMP templates for standard applications available on this page.
What is a Bushfire Management Plan?
A sample Bushfire Management Plan for a new dwelling in the schedule to the BMO. The Plan outlines defendable space and construction requirements.
A Bushfire Management Plan is an annotated map showing all of the bushfire protection measures that must be implemented as part of a development to reduce the risk from bushfire to an acceptable level. The BMP must be endorsed and adhered to as part of the planning permit.
The bushfire protection measures addressed in a BMP will normally include:
- Construction standards - the required Bushfire Attack Level
- Defendable space - how much and how far vegetation around the building must be managed
- Water supply requirements - for firefighting purposes
- Vehicle access requirements - to allow emergency vehicle access
Learn more bushfire protection measures and how they form the standard planning permit conditions.
When to submit a Bushfire Management Plan
Most planning permit applications made to council for land within the BMO must include a Bushfire Management Plan, including when complying with a schedule to the BMO.
CFA strongly encourages applicants to submit a Bushfire Management Plan as part of any application made under BMO.
Bushfire Management Plan examples
The following examples have been provided to demonstrate how to fill out a bushfire management plan.
Bushfire Management Plan templates
The following templates have been created by CFA, and can be used when preparing a simple planning permit application under the BMO.
Note: More complex applications, including those requesting tailored requirements will need a more detailed plan. If this is the case, CFA suggests you engage an accredited Bushfire Consultant to help you prepare your application.
Download and fill out the relevant bushfire management plan template
More information
Learn more about building in the bushfire management overlay at Planning Victoria.
Page last updated: Monday, 12 October 2026 3:02:36 PM