Bushfire Management Plan – Vehicular Access

The third required element addressed in a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) is vehicular access, which is described in the bushfire protection criteria in the guidelines to planning in bushfire prone region. The intent of this element in the Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) is to ensure that the property is accessible through a trafficable surface and can provide safe access and egress in case of a bushfire. It is broken down into several acceptable solutions which are the following:

1. Public Road

2. Two access routes; are to be provided that give safe access and egress to both site and public roads.

3. A cul-de-sac or battle-axe; this should generally be avoided as it only provides a one access route. However, if no alternative exists, they can used.

4. A private driveway; is required if the property is greater than 50 m away from the public road.

5. Emergency access way; this can be used as an alternative link to a public road but the safety/efficiency of it must be demonstrated by the proponent.

6. Fire service access routes; these are used within and around a subdivision to provide direct access to sites for fire fighters in case of a bushfire.

7. A firebreak; which is a 3-4 m wide trafficable surface can be made immediately within the boundary of site to provide access in all directions. This however is only applicable to lots greater than 0.5 hectare (site area is subject to change as per the preference of the local area government).

8. Emergency access ways; which connect roads from the site to the public road. They are not advisable but may be used as an alternative access during emergencies.

9. Fire service access routes or perimeter roads; that are to provide access for bushfire prone regions away from developed areas and to provide access all around a site in case of large subdivisions.

One of the above, or a combination may be used to create a safe road network for both the proponent of a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) of the site as well as the volunteer fire brigade. However, there are requirements that have to be met for each of the above. These requirements include:

• Minimum trafficable surface width.
• Vertical and horizontal clearance.
• Maximum grade.
• Minimum weight capacity.
• Maximum cross fall.
• Curve radius.
• Passing bays.
• Turn around points.
• Road material.

Not all requirements apply to each road type and not all road types are accessed the same way. If you know your property is in a bushfire prone region and that your bushfire attack level (BAL) level is above 29 (or BAL 12.5 in case of a subdivision), contact your local BPAD Accredited Level 2 Assessor to write a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP). The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessor will be able to apply the correct acceptable solution relevant to your property to ensure effective vehicular access to and from your site.

Contact Green Start Consulting’s experienced team for expert advice on everything building industry related including Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Reports, Bushfire Management Plan (BMP), Bushfire Management Statement (BMS) and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Contour Maps.

Due to constantly evolving legislation the information provided within this blog may no longer be valid. The advice given on this site is general in nature and does not take into account your specific circumstances. Please email one of our building surveyors to check what is right for you