Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO)

Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO)

The Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO) is a planning control designed to ensure that protection measures are included where new development occurs, to reduce the risk of wildfire threat to people and property.  As a result of heightened wildfire awareness municipalities across Victoria appear to be introducing more and more WMOs in areas previously not considered substantial fire risks.

The areas covered by the Overlay are generally identified by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) as being land capable of supporting a wildfire which would pose a significant threat to life and property. The main factors which determine the level of risk associated with wildfire include contour, orientation, vegetation density and type.

Where the WMO has been applied, a planning permit is required for new development seeking to construct a building or to construct or carry out works associated with land uses which will contribute to an increase in the number of people within the area. These land uses include;

  • Accommodation
  • Child Care Centre
  • Education Centre
  • Hospital Industry
  • Place of Assembly
  • Retail Premises
  • Timber production

A permit is also required for Subdivision. The permit requirements and exemptions are set out in Clause 44.06-1 of the Planning Scheme.

As part of a planning permit application under the WMO, a Wildfire Management Statement (WMS) is required. The WMS needs to address issues of water supply, access for emergency vehicles and evacuation, ongoing management of vegetation, the design and siting of buildings and works, and where the application is for subdivision, all these matters plus public open space location.

To assist applicants in the planning permit process, the CFA (in collaboration with Councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Department of Infrastructure, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Building Commission) have developed Building in a Wildfire Management Overlay: Applicant’s Kit 2007, available at http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au. The Kit assists in developing a WMS, including the drawing of a Plan to illustrate how these main issues have been addressed and to set out vegetation management zones around the new buildings and works. The kit is a useful tool which helps to identify the relative fire risk and respond accordingly through siting, design, access provision, water supply and vegetation management.

All planning permit applications for development or subdivision on land affected by a WMO will be referred to the CFA for review. As a referral authority the CFA has the authority to specify their requirements to the Responsible Authority and may request additional information if required.

For more information on the Wildfire Management Overlay, including additional guidelines for building in fire prone areas, visit the Department of Sustainability Environment website www.dse.vic.gov.au

The above mentioned processes are just a brief outline to provide readers with an introduction to the WMO requirements and the assessment tools available to create a WMS.  If applicants are unsure of the requirements you should seek professional advice and assistance to prepare your Wildfire Management Statement.

 
Seek Professional Advice: Information contained in this publication should be considered as a reference only and is not a substitute for professiional advice. No liability will be accepted for any loss incurred as a result of relying on the information contained in this publication. Seek professional advice in specific circumstances.
Copyright: If you would like to reproduce or use for your own purposes any part of this publication please contact enquiries@clause1.com.au for assistance.
Clause1 Pty Ltd
Phone: 03 9370 9599 
Fax: 03 9370 9499 
Email: enquiries@clause1.com.au 
Web: www.clause1.com.au
Last updated 060710

Tags: ,