New planning guidelines for bushfire protection

The State Government has released new planning guidelines designed to help reduce risk to life and property from bushfires.

Planning Minister John Day said 'Planning Guidelines: Planning for Bush Fire Protection' would ensure bushfire hazards were considered at all stages of the planning process.

"We have all seen the personal and community devastation that can be caused by uncontrolled bushfires, including inappropriately located or designed land use and development which can put people at greater risk," Mr Day said.

"This has become even more of an issue in recent years as increases in rural subdivisions and expansion of the urban fringe mean more people and facilities are located closer to and within bushland and forests."

The guidelines cover important fire risk management and planning issues, including:

• the planning process relating to fire protection

• bushfire hazard assessment

• definition of bushfire prone areas

• fire protection requirements for subdivision and development

• strategies to limit the vulnerability to fire.

Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson said the guidelines were a welcome initiative.

"Earlier intervention when planning land developments and establishing new communities will ensure fire protection is properly considered," Mr Johnson said.   

The guidelines, published jointly by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA), are available on the Planning WA website at http://www.planning.wa.gov.au

For further information about fire safety, visit the FESA website at http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au

Office of the Minister for Planning - 9213 6600

Office of the Minister for Emergency Services - 9222 9211