Bushfire Consulting Services

Aqua Fire Protection Pty Ltd established its FlameZone Consulting division in response to a growing need for bushfire assessment and management services.  
 
All FlameZone Consultants are experienced Senior Volunteer Bushfire Fighters, who have completed the Rural Fire Service/University of Technology, Sydney course ‘Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas’.  
 
We provide services throughout New South Wales, the ACT and Northern Victoria. Check out details of our Regional Consultants.  
 
 
 
 

• Bushfire Risk Assessment Reports for Development Applications (NSW)  
   
  As a result of changes to the Rural Fires Act and the Environmental Protection and Assessment Act in 2002, local councils in New South Wales were required to prepare maps detailing bushfire-prone land in their council area. Any new development or significant additions/alterations to a dwelling that falls within a bushfire-prone area now requires that a Bushfire Risk Assessment Report be prepared and attached to the Development Application.  
   
  New development or additions/alterations within bushfire prone areas are assessed according to the controlling document, ‘Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006’ This latest version introduces a performance based approach and identifies objectives and detailed performance criteria to satisfy desired outcomes. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, construction may be required to conform to Australian Standard AS 3959 ‘Building in Bushfire Prone Areas’ appropriate to the level of risk.  
   
  FlameZone can prepare reports for both new construction and alterations/additions and subdivisions. Complete our online form & receive a quote/fee proposal.  
   
  We may need to discuss your project with you to determine the scope of works involved before a fee can be finalised. We provide a fast response and aim to deliver cost-effective recommendations. We believe in working closely with owners and builders/architect to find effective solutions to maximise yield and to meet construction and hazard mitigation requirements.  
   
   
  We offer a flexible price schedule for subdivision and “integrated development” reports and reasonable rates for new construction and additions/alterations.  
   
  Note: The ACT are introducing a parallel system to NSW.  
   
   
   
  
• Bushfire Mitigation Strategies  
   
   
  Whether the decision is to 'Go Early or Stay and Defend' FlameZone can provide advice to householders and builders/developers regarding active and passive bushfire mitigation strategies.  
   
   
   
  
• Hazard Reduction Programs  
   
   
  We advise on appropriate hazard reduction for your property. We strive to achieve a balance between the requirement to protect a property from bushfire and the need to conserve the environment.  
   
   
   
  
• Liaison with Councils and Fire Services  
   
   
  We liaise with local councils and fire services regarding bushfire issues for Development Applications and for householders generally.  
   
   
   
   
  
 

• Bushfire Evacuation Plans  
   
   
   
  We can prepare these plans as required for ‘special purpose’ developments.
 

New construction and alterations/additions

New construction in existing areas or significant alterations/additions to an existing dwelling require a report to be prepared under Section 79BA of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. Check out details of our completed jobs.  

Subdivisions

New subdivisions and new construction that is characterised as “integrated development” (such as schools, child care centres, hospitals, hostels and tourist accommodation) require a report to be prepared under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act, which allows the commissioner of the RFS to issue a Bushfire Safety Authority. Check out details of our completed jobs.  
 

You can also view this page in a print-friendly version