Program Overview

Introduction to the Planning for Bushfire Prone Areas Course

The Planning for Bushfire Prone Areas course is designed to provide participants with the necessary skills and understanding to apply the relevant requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Rural Fires Act 1997, and AS 3959 (Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas). This course explores the critical essentials for designing, planning, and building in bushfire prone areas, enabling participants to understand the legislation, planning, and design principles that protect property and human life from bushfires.

Course Overview

The course covers the following key areas:

• Bushfire behaviour and approaches to protection of property and human life
• Legislative frameworks and contexts, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Rural Fires Act 1997
• Planning for bushfire-prone areas in NSW, including the application of AS 3959 (Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas)
• Conducting bushfire assessments and considering issues related to biodiversity
• Identifying key elements in case studies and best practice

Course Outline

The course is delivered as an interactive workshop, consisting of instructor-led lectures, group and individual activities, and a practical field trip. The topics covered include:

• Bushfire behaviour
• A multi-faceted approach to bushfire protection
• Provisions of the Environment and Planning and Assessment Act and Rural Fires Act
• 'Planning for Bushfire Protection' manual
• Biodiversity considerations
• Undertaking bushfire assessments
• Using covenants
• Legal issues and cases
• Requirements of AS 3959 (Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas)
• Designing safe and attractive buildings in bushfire prone areas

Delivery Style

The course is delivered across four intensive workshop days and one practical field trip. This training approach allows participants to work through concepts introduced by the trainer in an application-focused teaching environment.

Price and Discounts

The full price of the course is $3,245 (GST-free). Discounts are available for UTS staff, alumni, and students, with a 10% discount applicable.

Requirements

To complete this course, participants will need a personal computer with adequate internet access and sufficient software and bandwidth to support web conferencing.

Enrolment Conditions

Course purchase is subject to UTS Open Terms and Conditions. Enrolments close at 9am on the Monday before the course start date, or when all places have been filled, whichever occurs first.

Who is this Course For?

This course is suitable for planning and development professionals, particularly those in local government, requiring the necessary skills and understanding to apply the relevant requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Rural Fires Act 1997, and AS 3959 (Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas).

Expert Facilitators

The course is facilitated by experts in the field, including Colin Wood, Grahame Douglas, and Stuart Little, who bring extensive experience and knowledge in bushfire protection and planning.

Digital Badge and Certificate

A digital badge and certificate will be awarded following the successful completion of the course, demonstrating acquired learning and skills in planning for bushfire prone areas.