THE latest map of bushfire-prone land has been released, updating the areas of Lake Macquarie where bushfire risk may need to be assessed as part of planning and building applications.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council’s sustainability manager, Alice Howe, said the new map had changed the bushfire rating for many properties.
Due to changes in vegetation cover and management, about 14,000 properties are no longer considered bushfire prone, while about 1500 properties are newly identified as being at risk of bushfire.
Development on land prone to bushfire requires a bushfire risk assessment, and construction may need to meet higher standards to protect people and their property.
“In areas at risk of bushfire, it’s important to build homes that are better able to withstand it,” Dr Howe said.
“ Anyone planning development is encouraged to check the new Bush Fire Prone Land Map available on council’s website.”
Bushfire-prone land maps are updated by council periodically and are certified by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Anyone who has lodged a development application with council since January 23 is encouraged to check the Bush Fire Prone Land Map, available at lakemac.com.au and contact council if the classification the subject property has changed.
The new map also changes the application of the 10/50 rules, which allow native vegetation to be removed within certain distances of houses due to bushfire risk.
Check the RFS online tool to determine if a property is still eligible for clearing under these rules: rfs.nsw.gov.au.
For more information, visit lakemac.com.au/city/emergencies/bush-fires.
