Bushfire Management Overlay

On the 18 November 2011 the Victorian Planning Provisions were amended by Amendment VC83 to introduce new bushfire planning provisions to the Victorian planning system.

These changes included the introduction of the Bushfire Management Overlay and the associated particular provision clause 52.47 – Bushfire protection: planning requirements. These provisions replace the Wildfire Management Overlay.

Areas in the BMO are areas that have the highest fire risk and are likely to be particularly exposed to the impact of bushfire. The suitability of new development (including subdivision) in these areas must be fully considered before it proceeds. Where development does occur in these areas appropriate bushfire protection measures will be required.

What is the BMO?

The Bushfire Management Overlay consists of a map which shows the areas affected by the BMO and written provisions which set out:

the types of development which require a planning permit
the information that must be submitted with a planning permit application
the decision guidelines that the council must consider when they assess a planning permit application.

What is the purpose of the BMO?

Victoria has one of the highest levels of bushfire risk in the world. The planning policy objective for bushfire protection is to assist to strengthen community resilience to bushfire.

The purpose of the BMO is to:

identify areas where the bushfire hazard requires minimum bushfire protection measures for subdivision and buildings and works to be specified
ensure that the location, design and construction of development and the implementation of bushfire protection measures are considered
ensure that development does not proceed unless the risk to life and property from bushfire is managed to an acceptable level.

Does the BMO apply to my land?

The BMO applies to all land shown as BMO or WMO in a Planning Scheme.

To see if the BMO affects your property obtain a free Planning Property Report online at: www.land.vic.gov.au

Alternatively, you can view the BMO planning scheme maps at offices of your local council or online at: www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planningschemes

How do I apply for a planning permit if I live in a BMO?

You can apply for a planning permit through your local council. If a property is in a BMO, the permit will specify the minimum bushfire protection measures required for that site.

What guidelines apply to subdividing land in the BMO?

In addition to the requirements of the BMO and Clause 52.47 there are other requirements that are relevant to preparing and assessing an application to subdivide land in the BMO. Refer to Subdivision for more information and Practice Note 65: Bushfire Management Overlay and bushfire protection: planning requirements - pdf 949k

How do I find out more about the BMO and related planning provisions?

The planning provisions are contained in clause 44.06 - Bushfire Management Overlay and clause 52.47 - Bushfire protection: planning requirements of the planning scheme.

These provisions can be viewed at Victoria's Planning Schemes Online

To find out more about the BMO and related planning provisions see:

What if I have already applied for a planning permit under the Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO)?

The BMO only applies to planning applications submitted to a Council on or after 18 November 2011.

If you applied for a planning permit before 18 November 2011, your application will continue be processed under the Wildfire Management Overlay planning scheme.