On 30 July 2019, the McGowan Government announced a three-stage plan to improve the bush fire policy framework, including the Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas (the Map).

The improvements will reduce the number of residential buildings required to comply with the bush fire construction requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Stage One will see a new edition of the Map come into effect on Wednesday, 31 July 2019 reducing the number of areas designated bush fire prone across 19 inner metropolitan local governments (from Stirling to Belmont to Fremantle). Another edition of the Map is expected to be released at the end of September 2019 that will further refine the designation of bush fire prone areas for these local governments.

To view the Map, or for further information regarding it, please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/bushfireproneareas

Stage Two will see the CSIRO engaged to develop a new bush fire prone area mapping methodology for Western Australia, with a new edition of the Map expected to be released in late 2020. Stage Three will amend relevant policies in line with the new mapping methodology.

View the media statement for more information about the announcement or visit the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website.

Read the general guidance for home owners about what the changes to the Map mean for the building approval process.