Strategy 2 – Direct proposals to low risk locations

Directing the location of new use, development and subdivision based on bushfire considerations

The state bushfire policy strategies ensure new uses, developments and subdivisions are directed, wherever possible, to low risk locations and areas that can protect human life before, during and after a bushfire.

Low risk locations are areas that:

• will not be subject to large landscape-scale bushfires
• have safe areas, where people can safely move to and that provide protection from the harmful effects of flame contact and radiant heat
• have land that will receive radiant heat at lower levels
• can demonstrate that proposed bushfire protection measures can be adequately implemented. For example, vegetation can be managed on an ongoing basis
• can demonstrate that by applying bushfire protection measures, bushfire can be managed.

Deciding on a low risk location will mean a thorough assessment of all potential alternative locations for development. This needs to happen at the landscape and settlement scale.  For example, when undertaking strategic planning and large scale development proposals.

This will ensure that new use, development and subdivision are sited in appropriate locations. A bushfire hazard landscape assessment and bushfire hazard site assessment inform these decisions.