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Planning for Bush Fire Protection

Following the Sydney bush fires in 2001/2002, which destroyed 109 homes and burnt more than 750,000 hectares, a Joint Parliamentary Inquiry was established. In its 28 June 2002 report, it endorsed the release of the 2001 version of PBP.

The 2001 version of PBP outlined the bush fire planning matters which needed to be considered at various stages of the planning process, including during the preparation of local environmental plans (LEPs), subdivision design, and building construction stages. A key feature was linking site-based bush fire hazards to planning and development controls. Controls included land use planning, siting and access considerations, vegetation management, water supply provisions and building construction requirements. The document also identified strategies for preparing for bush fire attack by residents and their responsibility in maintaining bush fire protection measures.

Since its introduction in 2001, PBP has seen several iterations including in 2006 and a pre-release version in 2018 that informed PBP 2019. Previous versions of PBP can be obtained by emailing development.policy@rfs.nsw.gov.au. Each version has reflected improved scientific understanding of bush fires, changes to building construction standards, and the findings from bush fire and other disaster inquiry’s and commissions.

The current legislated version, that was adopted in the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations on 1 March 2020, is PBP 2019.

Addendum to PBP 2022

To coincide with adoption of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, the RFS amended PBP through Addendum to PBP 2022. NCC 2022 includes technical provisions relating to the design and construction of buildings on bush fire prone land accommodating vulnerable occupants namely schools, childcare centres, hospitals and residential care buildings (Class 9 buildings).

The NCC operates in conjunction with the bush fire protection measures in PBP. Appendix B of the PBP Addendum contains specific requirements for Special Fire Protection Purpose (SFPP) Class 9 buildings that reflect the measures the subject of S43C10, S43C11 and S43C14 of Specification 43.

Appendix B of the PBP Addendum does not address the other measures in Specification 43.

The RFS has prepared a practice note to provide guidance on the application of Appendix B of Addendum to PBP 2022.

Addendum to PBP 2025

To facilitate the construction and delivery of primary and/or secondary schools (Class 9B buildings) located on bush fire prone land, the RFS has amended PBP through the Addendum to PBP 2025. Addendum to PBP 2025:

  1. Amends PBP to adopt and include the Addendum
  2. Amends Appendix B of PBP Addendum 2022 in relation to vehicular access by removing the applicability of the specific requirements in Table 3 (SFPP Development Access – Specific Requirements).
  3. Amends specification S43C9 (internal tenability) and S43C14 (Vehicular access) in Specification 43 as referred to in Section G5D4 of the NCC (NSW) (see Appendix A of this Addendum).

The RFS is finalising a supporting guidance document and will be available to download soon.

PBP - Review and Update

A comprehensive review and update of PBP 2019 is underway. Preliminary consultation with key stakeholders took place in early 2024 to better inform where improvements were needed. Stakeholder engagement is planned for 2025.

The key focus areas for the revision of PBP include:

  • enhance usability, ensuring it is fit for current and future needs
  • improve clarity for government, industry and councils
  • incorporate changes in government policy, industry standards, and technology
  • incorporate advancements to fire science and research from over the past 5 years, which included the 2019/20 Black Summer fire season
  • to advance considerations required for the built environment, including planning and building, to provide improved protection for people and property in bush fire prone areas.

The proposed timing of major milestones for the revision of PBP are:

  • Industry and agency engagement on draft document (March-September 2025)
  • Final draft PBP document (November 2025)
  • Public Exhibition/Consultation (first half of 2026)
  • Finalisation of PBP (first half of 2026)
  • Legislative and/or regulatory amendments second half of 2026
  • Development and delivery of Council and Industry training and education program (second half of 2026)

More information

Use the RFS online tool to determine if you are located on bush fire prone land.

Where can I get help?

If you have any questions about Planning for Bush Fire Protection please contact development.policy@rfs.nsw.gov.au. If you need assistance with your proposed development you can contact a qualified consultant.