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The BMO schedules pre-set bushfire protection measures ensures a simpler and faster application process, including no requirement for referral to the relevant fire authority.
Schedules generally apply to an area where the bushfire hazard is consistent, and where the wider bushfire hazard has already been assessed to determine development requirements up-front.
Find out if a schedule applies to your property and what it says by creating a Planning Property Report in VicPlan.
Speak with your local council if you are unsure if a schedule applies to your development.
When the fast track process applies
If your application meets all the pre-set bushfire protection measures in the schedule, it can be assessed through the Fast Track Pathway.
Do I have to use the preset bushfire protection measures?
You do not have to use the preset bushfire protection measures.
An application that does not meet all the bushfire protection measures will be assessed under a standard assessment pathway and will require referral to the local fire authority.
For more information refer to the following pages:
Planning permit application
There is no need to provide a bushfire management statement and bushfire hazard site assessment.
The only application requirement is for a Bushfire Management Plan.
The Bushfire Management Plan must include:
- The requirements set out in a schedule, which include:
- bushfire attack level (BAL) construction standard
- defendable space and vegetation management requirements
- on-site water supply
- emergency services vehicle access to the property.
- The mandatory permit conditions for the construction standard, defendable space, water supply and access are set out in the BMO planning provision.
Use the Bushfire Management Plan - Fast Track Pathway template to fill in the relevant information and submit to council.
- Help from a suitably qualified consultant may be necessary particularly for more complex applications. Your council may be able to recommend someone or you could contact Fire Protection Association Australia for a list of trained professionals. (note: this is not a comprehensive list)
- Prior to filling in a template, make sure you read the Planning Permit Applications Bushfire Management Overlay - Technical Guide provided above and do the relevant preparatory work.
More information
Standard planning permit conditions see CFA website.
How will my application be assessed?
Your local council will assess your application against the requirements in the planning scheme. If the council is satisfied that the application meets all requirements, they will issue a planning permit and endorse the Bushfire Management Plan.
The council will consider whether:
- all required documentation was submitted
- the development meets all the requirements specified in your BMO schedule
- proposed protection measures can be implemented and maintained alongside the ongoing use of the land
- the BMO schedule has any other matters to consider
- any other requirements in the planning scheme are met.
Page last updated: 09/06/23