8-2-3BushfireHazardOverlayCode_80_23-Mar-2026 · MCU26/0097

8.2.3	Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code
8.2.3.1	Application
This code applies to assessable development: subject to the Bushfire Hazard Overlay shown on the overlay maps contained within Schedule 2 (Mapping); and identified as requiring assessment against the Bushfire Hazard overlay code by the tables of assessment in Part 5 (Tables of assessment). All provisions in this code are assessment benchmarks for applicable assessable development.
Editor's note—PSP 8 - Natural Hazards provides guidance on preparing bushfire hazard assessments and mitigation reports.
8.2.3.2	Purpose and overall outcomes
The purpose of the Bushfire Hazard overlay code is to ensure that development avoids or mitigates the potential adverse impacts of bushfire on people, property, economic activity and the environment. The overall outcomes sought for the Bushfire Hazard overlay code are: Development in areas at risk from bushfire hazard is compatible with the nature of the hazard. The risk to people, property and the natural environment from bushfire hazard is minimised. Development does not result in a material increase in the extent and severity of bushfire hazard. Bushfire risk mitigation treatments are accommodated in a manner that avoids or minimises impacts on the natural environment and ecological processes. Development supports and does not unduly burden disaster management response or recovery capacity and capabilities. Community infrastructure essential to the health, safety and wellbeing of the community is located and designed to function effectively during and immediately after a bushfire event. Development avoids the release of hazardous materials as a result of a bushfire hazard event.
8.2.3.3	Assessment Criteria
Table 8.2.3.3.1 - Criteria for assessment
	 Performance outcomes	Acceptable outcomes	Comments  Safety of People and Property	 	 PO1 Development maintains the safety of people and property from the adverse impacts of bushfire.	AO1.1 Development which will materially increase the number of people living or congregating on premises, including reconfiguring a lot, is not located within a medium or high bushfire hazard area. AO1.2 Development maximises setbacks from hazardous vegetation to achieve an acceptable risk. Editor’s Note —PSP8 Natural Hazards provides guidance for assessing bushfire hazard risk and preparing a bushfire hazard management plan. Editor's Note - refer to State Planning Policy guidance material for Natural hazards, risk and resilience for details on reducing risks to vulnerable uses	Complies – The proposal does not materially increase the number of people within a bushfire hazard area. The use of a caretaker accommodation is considered akin to a dwelling house and relevant BAL ratings will apply as part of the Building Approval.  Impacts on Ecologically Important Areas	 	 PO2 Bushfire mitigation measures do not adversely impact on: biodiversity values, connectivity and ecosystem functioning; and the long term physical integrity of waterways, wetland and areas of native vegetation.	No acceptable outcome provided	na  Water Supply for Fire Fighting Purposes	 	 PO3 Development provides an adequate water supply for fire fighting purpose which is reliable, safely located and freely accessible.	AO3.1 Premises are connected to the reticulated water supply. Editor's note—For reconfiguring a lot, water supply needs to provide for a minimum flow and pressure of 10 litres a second at 200kPa at all times for fire fighting purposes. OR AO3.2 Where there is no available reticulated water supply, the premises has: an accessible dam, swimming pool or water tank available for fire fighting purposes with an onsite water volume of not less than 5,000 litres; and a water supply outlet pipe 50 millimetres in diameter fitted with a standard fire brigade fitting connected to the water supply (other than where the water supply is in a swimming pool or dam). Editor’s Note—Water supply capacity for fire fighting purposes is in addition to water supply capacity for other uses and activities on the premises.	Able to Comply  Essential Community Infrastructure	 	 PO4 Essential community infrastructure is able to function effectively during and immediately after bushfire events.	AO4.1 Development involving essential community infrastructure is not located within a medium or high bushfire hazard area. OR AO4.2 Where located in a medium or high bushfire hazard area, development involving essential community infrastructure is designed to function effectively during and after a bushfire event in accordance with a Bushfire Hazard Management Plan. Editor’s Note— PSP8 Natural Hazards provides guidance for assessing bushfire hazard risk and preparing a bushfire hazard management plan.	na  Hazardous Materials	 	 PO5 Public safety and the environment are not adversely affected by the impacts of bushfire on hazardous materials manufacturing or storing in bulk.	AO5 Hazardous materials are not manufactured or stored in bulk in a bushfire hazard area.	na  Access and Evacuation Routes	 	 PO6 Roads provide for easy and safe evacuation of residents of premises and access by emergency services.	AO6.1 The road layout provides for through-roads and avoids cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads. OR AO6.2 The development has a perimeter road reserve with a minimum width of 20 metres and maximum gradient of 12.5%. OR AO6.3 Cul-de-sacs or no-through roads are provided with fire trails or access easements, which are capable of being navigated by conventional vehicles and which link to through roads. AO6.4 Safe access and egress is available at all times to all of the development for emergency vehicles and personnel. AO6.5 Where an emergency access point is required, it complies with the relevant works codes and PSP6 Engineering Design Standards.	Complies – existing farm accesses  Lot Design	 	 PO7 Lot design and building siting minimises bushfire hazard risk to people and property.	AO7 Each residential lot: includes a building envelope, identified on a plan of subdivision; is of sufficient size and shape to allow for efficient emergency access to buildings for fire fighting appliances (e.g. by avoiding battle-axe/hatchet lots and long narrow lots with long access driveways to buildings); where more than 2500m2, achieves setbacks from hazardous vegetation in line with Bushfire Attack Level 29 requirements as per AS3959; and is designed so that buildings and structures are sited in locations of lowest hazard within the lot and elements of the development least susceptible to fire are closest to the fire hazard.	na  Firebreaks and Fire Access Tracks	 	 PO8 Firebreaks and fire access tracks provide: adequate access for fire fighting and other emergency vehicles; and adequate access for the evacuation of residents and emergency personnel in an emergency situation.	AO8.1 Where development involves the creation of a new road and lots, a firebreak is provided by providing a cleared road reserve not less than 20 metres wide and maximum gradient of 12.5% around the perimeter of the subdivision, between the created lots and surrounding vegetated lands. OR AO8.2 Fire access tracks are provided between the created lots and surrounding vegetated land that: have a cleared minimum width of 6 metres; have a maximum gradient of 12.5%; provide unbroken access for fire fighting vehicles; provide passing bays and turning areas; are located within an access easement that is granted in favour of Noosa Council and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. AO8.3 Bushfire management measures are carried out on the subject property and not any adjoining property.	na

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Print Date: 23/03/2026
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Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 8 Overlays \ 8.2 Overlay codes \ 8.2.3 Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code