Blog - Surfcoast BAL Reports

Your Home, Your Fortress: Why Bushfire Building Codes Are Your Last Line of Defence

Devastating bushfires in Australia, and internationally, over recent years have left communities reeling, serving as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat across much of Victoria. While the focus is often on evacuation plans, a critical Australian Standard, AS 3959:2018, governs how we build our homes in these vulnerable areas. It’s not just red tape; …

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Prepare Your Property for Bushfire Season with Firewise Landscaping

Leave a Comment / Bushfire Season, Firewise Landscaping / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

Summer in Victoria has finally arrived. However, Summer is also a time when the threat of bushfires looms large, particularly for those living in high-risk areas. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) understands this threat intimately and, in response to Recommendation 44 from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, has developed comprehensive guidelines for “Landscaping for Bushfire“. …

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Understanding the Latest BMO Exemptions in Victorian Planning Scheme Clause 44.06-2 (Effective 14/12/2023, VC253)

Leave a Comment / BMO / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

In the latest update to the Victorian Planning Scheme, Clause 44.06-2 has been amended, introducing specific exemptions to streamline the planning process under the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO). Effective from December 14, 2023, amendment VC253 outlines several scenarios where certain requirements of the BMO do not apply. This article explains these exemptions, making it easier …

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When is a building project exempt from the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) planning requirements?

Leave a Comment / ., BMO / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

In this article we will discuss the planning requirements of the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) for building projects in Victoria, and more specifically, the circumstances in which a building project may be exempt from the regular BMO planning requirements. When should I start thinking about the Bushfire Management Overlay? The simple answer is, as early …

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Granny Flat Rules, Victoria, Australia: Bushfire Compliance for Your Second Small Home | BAL Report Requirements

Leave a Comment / . / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

Recent changes to bushfire regulations in Victoria have introduced a new perspective on the construction and use of granny flats on properties in bushfire-prone areas. Commonly known as secondary dwellings, or a second small home, these granny flats serve as an additional living space on a property. They can offer a solution for housing family …

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Decoding BAL Ratings

BAL Ratings / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

Along the Victorian Surf Coast, and throughout many non-metropolitan areas across the state, safeguarding homes and structures against potential fire hazards is of paramount importance. The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) report plays a crucial role in this endeavor. It classifies properties into different BAL ratings based on the potential risk they face during a bushfire. …

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When is a BAL Report Required in Victoria?

BAL Assessments, BAL Reports / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

Many Victorian property owners live in a bushfire-prone area. With the increasing threat of bushfires, the Victorian government has implemented regulations (such as the requirement for a BAL Report) to ensure that buildings in designated bushfire-prone areas are constructed to withstand potential fire hazards. If your property is in a bushfire-prone area you will need …

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The Crucial Role of Accurate Effective Slope Calculation in BAL Assessment

BAL Assessments / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

Living in a bushfire-prone area requires a thorough understanding of the unique challenges posed by bushfires. When it comes to protecting homes and buildings from the devastating impact of bushfires, a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment is essential. If your property is in a bushfire-prone area you will need to determine a BAL rating before …

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Your Comprehensive Guide to BAL Assessment Areas Serviced by Surf Coast BAL Reports

Leave a Comment / BAL Assessments, BAL Reports, Service Areas / By Matt @ Surf Coast BAL Reports

The picturesque landscape of western Victoria, with its rolling hills and unique flora, is undeniably breathtaking. But with beauty often comes the challenge of ensuring safety, especially from bushfires. If you’re wondering whether your property in western Victoria requires a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Assessment, Surf Coast BAL Reports is here to help. If your …

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