Bushfire Report

    Different types of vegetation (for example, forests, rainforests, woodlands,
    grasslands) behave differently during a bush fire. For example, a forest with
    shrubby understorey is likely to result in a higher intensity fire than a woodland
    with a grassy understorey and would therefore require a greater APZ width.

    A key benefit of an APZ is that it reduces radiant heat and the potential for direct
    flame contact on homes and other buildings. Residential dwellings require a wider
    APZ than sheds or stockyards because the dwelling is more likely to be used as a
    refuge during bush fire.

    Subdivided land or construction of a new dwelling
    If you are constructing a new asset, the principles of Planning for Bushfire
    Protection should be applied. Your Development Application approval will detail the
    exact APZ distance required.

    Existing asset
    If you wish to create an APZ around an existing asset and you require
    environmental approval, the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code provides
    a streamlined assessment process. Your Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate
    (or alternate environmental approval) will specify the maximum APZ width
    allowed.

    For further information on APZ widths see Planning for Bushfire Protection or the
    Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code (available on the RFS website), or
    contact your local RFS Fire Control Centre.

    STEP 4. DETERMINE WHAT HAZARD REDUCTION
    METHOD IS REQUIRED TO REDUCE BUSH FIRE FUEL IN
    YOUR APZ
    The intensity of bush fires can be greatly reduced where there is little to no
    available fuel for burning. In order to control bush fire fuels you can reduce,
    remove or change the state of the fuel through several means.

    Reduction of fuel does not require removal of all vegetation, which would cause
    environmental damage. Also, trees and plants can provide you with some bush
    fire protection from strong winds, intense heat and flying embers (by filtering
    embers) and changing wind patterns. Some ground cover is also needed to
    prevent soil erosion.

    Fuels can be controlled by:

    1. raking or manual removal of fine fuels
    Ground fuels such as fallen leaves, twigs (less than 6 mm in diameter) and bark
6   should be removed on a regular basis. This is fuel that burns quickly and
    increases the intensity of a fire.

    Fine fuels can be removed by hand or with tools such as rakes, hoes and shovels.

    2. mowing or grazing of grass
    Grass needs to be kept short and, where possible, green.

    3. removal or pruning of trees, shrubs and understorey
    The control of existing vegetation involves both selective fuel reduction (removal,
    thinning and pruning) and the retention of vegetation.

    Prune or remove trees so that you do not have a continuous tree canopy leading
    from the hazard to the asset. Separate tree crowns by two to five metres. A
    canopy should not overhang within two to five metres of a dwelling.

    Native trees and shrubs should be retained as clumps or islands and should
    maintain a covering of no more than 20% of the area.