About this project

GeoLINK prepares a Bushfire Hazard Assessment for a tricky site to support a development application for a proposed architect designed dwelling.

GeoLINK worked with renowned architect, Dominic Finlay-Jones (DFJ Architects), to prepare the Bushfire Hazard Assessment for a tricky site on Coolamon Scenic Drive in the Byron Shire.

The planned off-grid house is designed to wrap around the front of the crown of a small hilltop in the Byron hinterland. The main rooms will enjoy vast views to the coast. The secondary spaces engage with a triangular courtyard full of stone, plants, water, light and shade.

Scope of the project
The scope of works for the Bushfire Hazard Assessment included:

  • Detailed site assessment in accordance with the requirements of Planning for Bushfire Protection (PBP) 2019. This included analysis of the vegetation and effective slope to determine the levels of bushfire risk.
  • Analysis of GIS (slope and setbacks).
  • Preparation of a Bushfire Hazard Assessment including recommended bushfire protection measures for the proposed development, such as asset protection zones, landscaping, construction standard (BAL), access and service requirements in accordance with PBP 2019.
  • Liaison with the project team regarding proposed design and recommended bushfire protection requirements.

When is a BHA needed?
If your proposed development is on mapped bushfire prone land, you’ll need to get a bushfire assessment report to accompany your Development Application (DA). This is the principal document that assesses all aspects of design and construction in bushfire prone areas.

But a BHA shouldn’t be considered as something you need done to tick off the list so you can gain approvals. The BHA determines the appropriate construction levels to give the development the best chance of survival in the event of a bushfire.

Challenges of the project
Set in a predominantly rural location comprising a mixture of grazing land, rainforest and rural lifestyle properties, the site presented a number of challenges when undertaking the BHA. This included access, slope and the surrounding vegetation.

The Bushfire Hazard Assessment took into consideration:

  • the nature of the proposed development
  • the vegetation creating a bushfire hazard
  • the effective slope and Fire Danger Index for the site in accordance with Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019.

Following a detailed assessment process, GeoLINK recommended that specific bushfire protection measures in relation to APZ, construction, access and water supply be applied to the proposed development and be included in the consent by Byron Shire Council.

Project outcomes
GeoLINK worked closely with the clients to ensure, the architectural development was not only approved but also included design features that would see it protected over the long term from bushfire.

The proposal has gained approval by Byron Shire Council and all of us at GeoLINK are looking forward to seeing the completed project.

Our Bushfire Consultants provide a range of services to help Councils, builders, land-owners, architects, planners and developers ensure they meet their bushfire safety obligations.

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