Proposing a new BMO schedule

The BMO mapping update project anticipates that councils will want additional schedules to those currently proposed in the mapping.

Additional schedules can be developed by council or the CFA at any time. Council led schedules will be informed by CFA advice. Work will be programmed with regard to resources and priorities.

To commence development of new schedules an initial proposition should be discussed and prepared in consultationwith CFA and DELWP.

New schedules will be progressively developed and implemented.

A simple process for initial propositions for new schedules

An initial proposition for a new schedule should contain details on:

Where the schedule is being proposed

A map or description of the locality will suffice for the initial proposition.

What the schedule is proposing

Both the intent and the measures (such BAL) that the schedule is proposing apply to an area. If measures are not known the intent will suffice to commence discussions.

Example:

A single dwelling on a lot that meets specified bushfire protection measures will have a simple planning permit application process and no referral to CFA.

The rationale supporting the introduction of a schedule

There should be a clear justification for the proposed schedule including:

  • the issues that it addresses, such asa consistent response to areas of similar risk
  • why pre-set bushfire protection measures are appropriate for the place
  • the benefits that will flow from a schedule, such asincreased certainty and improved processing timesfor potential permit applicants.

The rationalefor a schedule should be based on one or more of the following criteria:

  • Lower risk areas within the BMO where the hazard is generally similar.
  • Areas where the most likely form of bushfire attack is through embers (i.e. not directly abutting the hazard).
  • Areas where there is a consistency in the bushfire protection measures applied in past decisions (eg. Similar BAL applied to parts of a township)
  • Areas where the bushfire site assessment is being replicated.
  • Areas where the bushfire hazard meets the criteria for being within the BMO, however the full BMO requirements are not necessary
  • Areas wherethe risk from the broader landscape will not impact on the ability of a site to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level.

It may be that there are other rationales for a schedule that have not been considered above.

Developing the schedules

Upon agreement with DELWP, CFA and council that a proposal for a schedule has merit, further discussions with the CFA will inform preparation of the schedule includingmeasures and mapping.

We expect that most schedules will be able to be progressed with technical support from CFA.

Where additional mapping or other support is required an application can be made to the Local Government Bushfire Planning Initiative Fund.

Overall methodology for new schedules

STEP / Objective / Task / Notes
Initial proposition / Identify location/strategic rationale/response for proposed draft schedules / Submit to DWELP or CFA for consideration
Resolving schedule requirements and mapping / Resolve schedules directly with individual councils (or potentially though workshops in each region where appropriate).
Use simple template where possible.
Cadastral map to show where the schedule applies. / Discuss with CFA and DWELP
Resolve requirements in plain language.
e.g.. No CFA referral if:
  • Single house
  • Bal 29 construction
  • Static water supply 5,000 litres

Review schedules for consistency / DELWP/CFA working group
Complete mapping of schedules / Transfer cadastre information into BMO maps data base / Preliminary information is available identifying properties to be within schedule in some cases
Prepare updated planning scheme maps showing schedules
Ensuring consistency / Summary of proposed schedules
Rapid Verification Team
sign off / Ensures oversight by DELWP, MFB, CFA, Building Approvals Board, and MAV
Transferring the requirements into the VPP template / Populate VPP schedule template / No local provisions specified if requirements not agreed and still being negotiated
Align current schedules in scheme with interim template
Schedules in planning schemes:
Amendment documentation and approval / Prepare amendment documentation
Introduce schedules into planning schemes with mapping