What we do
Planning For Fire can assist with the following across all areas of 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) which require escalating construction requirements.
We can help you by preparing either a Method 1 (simplified) or Method 2 (complex) BAL assessment for your project.
Bushfire Management Statements
The Victorian planning system has requirements for when you do works within the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO). Such as building a new shed or extending a house. This typically requires the preparation of a Bushfire Management Statement, Bushfire Hazard Site Assessment, Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment and a Bushfire Management Plan. In some instances even a Bushfire Emergency (Management) Plan may be required.
We can help you by preparing all the required bushfire planning documentation for your project.
Pre-purchase bushfire assessments
About to purchase land and 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.
We can help you by providing clear pre-purchase advice so that you are aware of any potential complications or opportunities with your project.
Strategic bushfire planning
Strategic planning can involve study's, 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 Planning
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
With experience in development of assessment tools, policy development, training and advocacy to multiple different State Government agencies and departments (not just in Victoria), we'd love to chat with you about how we can help you.
You tell us what you need!
Who we are
The people behind Planning For Fire:
Andrew Ganey (MPIA)
Principal consultantAndrew has worked in the bushfire, planning, natural resource and fire prevention sectors for well over a decade. This includes experience firefighting, at local government, industry bodies and at both the Country Fire Authority (CFA) & Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
In his career Andrew has led the development of policy, delivered training, prepared and presented submissions at Planning Panels, prepared and presented submissions at VCAT and much more.
Andrew has extensive training in bushfire planning, including but not limited to, a Diploma of Conservation & Land Management and a Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection. Andrew 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 on how we can assist you planning for fire:
Email:
Call:
Mail:
Planning For Fire
PO Box 4223
Frankston Heights VIC 3199