Fire risk raises costs

Owners of new homes being built in areas identified as prone to bushfires may pay between 4 per cent to 10 per cent more to meet fire protection building standards under a plan by Busselton Shire officers.

Fire risk mapping for Busselton and eastern shire areas was complete, and property owners may have to adjust their building standards when building new homes or take steps to reduce fire risk, according to Busselton Shire Council planning and development services acting director Paul Needham.

“The [new] mapping has … identified bushfire prone areas,” he said.

“More detailed assessments will be completed on the sites and depending on the outcome, property owners may have to build houses to higher standard of fire protection.”

Mr Needham said measures could include installing guards on gutters, ensuring the underside of houses were not open and regulating the timber used in construction.

The report estimated the added cost to landowners or developers building in bushfire prone areas could range from four to 10 per cent.

“Shire officers have recommended council adopt the new mapping, some planning policy and what the mapping means for consultation as a draft,” he said.

“Over the next few months we will hold information sessions with building and development representatives, bush fire consultants and the public in general so we can explain what we are proposing to do.”

Mr Needham said council would then consider the feedback before deciding whether to adopt the measures.

The results of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission were also considered in the Shire report, and officers recommended a further report be presented reviewing its implications for bush fire planning in the Shire by November this year.