Bushfire Management Overlay

Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) is a planning overlay applied to properties in Australia that can potentially be affected by bushfires. This overlay ensures development is only allowed where the risk to the community, human life and property from bushfire can be minimised.

A planning permit is required for any developments on properties covered by the BMO to ensure bushfire protection measures are in place. Bushfire hazards, slope and site access need to be assessed.

In this article, we discuss the importance of a BMO and how to use Landchecker to see if your property is in a designated bushfire prone area.

Why Use a Bushfire Management Overlay

Meeting the requirements for BMO can add another layer of regulatory complexity for property professionals and homeowners. However, following the necessary guidelines offers several benefits, including reduced risk of property damage and differentiating your project in the market. Below are some of the benefits of using BMO.

1. Enhanced Property Value and Appeal

The bushfire protection measures in the BMO require developments to build to the latest bushfire construction standards, construct buildings away from bushfire hazards, manage vegetation, provide fire truck access, install a water tank, and give the planning permit application to fire authorities.

Building properties that meet some of the bushfire management overlay guidelines mentioned above gives the assurance of a safer living environment enhancing a property’s value and appeal.

2. Market Differentiation

Incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly designs that work with the natural environment is one of the many considerations when building and designing in bushfire prone areas. This can make your projects stand out in the market, especially to environmentally conscious buyers.

3. Reduced Risk and Liability

Complying with the bushfire management overlay standards reduces the risk to life and creates a safer community. Adhering to the BMO requirements also minimises property damage which can lead to lower insurance premiums and long-term maintenance costs for future property owners.

4. Facilitation of Planning Approval Processes

If planning permits are required under the BMO, meeting these specific requirements early on helps facilitate smoother planning approval processes. Timeframes for applications depend on the type of development.

For example, single dwellings in Victoria under a bushfire prone area that do not meet all the bushfire protection measures will be assessed under a standard assessment process and will be referred to the local fire authority, if required.

5. Long-Term Sustainability

Adhering to the BMO guidelines supports the long-term sustainability of property developments through sustainable practices. This also ensures that developments can survive the increasing threat of bushfires in the country.

Key Features of Landchecker's BMO Functionality

1. Comprehensive BMO Mapping

Landchecker provides up-to-date BMO maps across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland allowing you to check whether your property falls within a bushfire prone area.

2. Detailed Requirements and Guidelines

Understand the specific requirements needed, such as construction standards, vegetation management and fire prevention measures.

3. Planning and Permit Support

Combined with Landchecker’s planning and permit data, you can identify how you can comply with bushfire safety objectives.

Benefits of Using Landchecker for BMO Planning

Landchecker allows you to apply a Bushfire Prone Area visual overlay to confirm if your property or the nearby area is in a bushfire zone. Here are some of the benefits of using Landchecker for BMO planning:

1. Informed Decision Making

Using Landchecker for BMO planning, you’ll have a clear understanding of the risks and mitigation strategies needed to make informed decisions regarding property developments.

2. Streamlined Planning Process

The Landchecker platform helps reduce delays in the planning and approval process by giving property professionals or homeowners access to comprehensive BMO information all in one place.

3. Enhanced Property Value

Another advantage of using Landchecker for BMO planning is enhanced property value. With Landchecker’s bushfire prone area overlay, you can see if your site is in a bushfire prone area and prepare the necessary permits to meet safety requirements. This makes your property more attractive to buyers due to its enhanced safety features.

Conclusion

Bushfire management overlay (BMO) is essential for any property developer in Australia. This is to ensure development is permitted if it meets the requirements needed for maximum safety, reducing the risk of bushfires to communities, human lives and properties.

There are many tools available to help you identify if your site or its nearby properties are in a bushfire prone area. Create your free Landchecker account to access the bushfire management overlay.