Program Overview

Planning for Bushfire Prone Areas Course

Course Overview

This course explores the relevant requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Rural Fires Act 1997, and AS 3959 (Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas). It covers the essentials for designing, planning, and building in bushfire prone areas.

Course Content

• Duration: Five sessions (40 hours in total)
• Dates:
  • Class code: PBPA1, Mon 25 - Fri 29 May, 2026
  • Class code: PBPA2, Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
• Location: UTS City Campus
• Cost: $3,245 (GST free)

Target Audience

This course is suitable for planning and development professionals.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand bushfire behaviour and approaches to protection of property and human life
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the legislative frameworks and contexts
• Apply an understanding of the current status of planning for bushfire-prone areas
• Identify and assess issues in bushfire protection and regulation
• Conduct bushfire assessments
• Consider issues related to biodiversity
• Identify key elements in case studies and best practice

Delivery Style

This course will be delivered as an interactive workshop consisting of an instructor-led lecture, group and individual activities. The course is delivered across four intensive workshop days and one practical field trip.

Presenters

• Colin Wood: Environmental Health and Building Surveyor with over 40 years' experience
• Mark Chladil: 30 years of experience at the Tasmania Fire Service
• Dr Grahame Douglas: Research Fellow and course advisor for the Postgraduate Bush Fire Protection program
• Stuart Little: 13 years of experience in bushfire and natural resources policy at the NSW Department of Planning

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