Victorians who choose to build a bunker or private bushfire shelter on their property will be required to adhere to new regulations.
Planning Minister Justin Madden today announced interim regulations and an accreditation process for construction of bunkers or private bushfire shelters which will come into effect immediately and provide clarity to Victorians until proposed new national are introduced next year.
The Victorian Building Commission has worked in partnership with the Building Regulations Advisory Committee to develop the regulation and accreditation process.
“It is absolutely vital that people considering building a bunker or private bushfire shelter are aware of the risks and requirements that they need to meet for such a bunker to be considered a safer place of last resort “ Mr Madden said.
“Bunkers or shelters cannot be relied upon to save lives.
“Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas should have a Bushfire Survival Plan and be practising it. We understand that there are some people who are considering installing bunkers or private bushfire shelters.
“That’s why we are putting in place interim regulations to provide Victorians who do decide to build a bunker or private bushfire shelter with a clear set of guidelines they need to adhere to. This is about ensuring people in bushfire-prone areas have all of the information and are aware of conditions they need to meet.
“If people do choose to construct a bunker or private bushfire shelter they will be required to obtain a building permit and adhere to regulations and an accreditation process.”
Under the accreditation system, manufacturers are able to apply to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for accreditation of their products.
The Committee will consider the application taking into account expert and test reports and appraisals. Products accredited by the Committee will receive a Building Regulations Advisory Committee Certificate of Accreditation.
“Our Government and agencies are rolling-out significant new measures and record resources for the firefighting effort – there has never been a greater effort to make our state as fire-safe and as fire-ready as possible,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Madden said in order to obtain a permit to build a fire bunker or private shelter residents would need to purchase a bushfire bunker or shelter which is accredited or satisfy a building surveyor that it meets the requirements contained in the regulations.
Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said Consumer Affairs Victoria would work with the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor the market to ensure consumers were not misled.
“We live in one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and we all need to work together to make our state as fire-safe and as fire-ready as possible.”
Fore more information on being Fire Ready visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au, for more information on the bushfire bunker or private bushfire shelter registration and accreditation process visit www.buildingcommission.com.au