The investigations undertaken into the practical feasibility of an Asset Protection Zone in Wye River and Separation Creek included additional analysis of local vegetation conditions and likely fire behaviour.
This work has resulted in a reduction in the extent of BAL Flame Zone (FZ) for a number of allotments and, in some cases, the removal of FZ altogether. In all cases these adjustments resulted in the application of BAL40 where the FZ was previously identified.
For many lots, including lots that were BAL40 or less, the refined analysis did not result in any change.
Click here to download the new BAL diagram for Wye River and Separation Creek township.
This refinement to the BALs forms part of the Colac Otway Shire Planning Streamlined Planning Controls. The streamlined planning controls were introduced to support rebuilding, and to recognise and carry forward any individual BAL assessment that existed for a recent development impacted by the bushfires. This continues to be the case.
This week, Colac Otway Shire is distributing a letter and a detailed map outlining the BAL update and the outcomes to all fire-affected properties in Wye River and Separation Creek.
There will be a number of properties where part or all of a dwelling will be in FZ or more than one BAL designation. In some cases, for example where a small part of the structure (such as part of a deck) protrudes into FZ, and the balance of the structure is in BAL40, a Performance Solution can be considered as a means of enabling the overall bulk of the structure to be built to BAL40 requirements.
The Performance Solutions fact sheet outlines how this approach works.
To discuss your planning requirements, please contact a Bushfire Recovery planning officer at Colac Otway Shire Council on (03) 5232 9400.