By Jesse Graham
THOUSANDS of Yarra Ranges properties are expected be added to the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) by the Victorian Government, triggering more planning permits for owners wishing to build.
The Yarra Ranges Council has announced that more than 18,000 properties in the municipality are being considered to be added to the BMO, under a government proposal.
The BMO applies to properties that may be significantly affected in a bushfire, and requires owners to plan out bushfire protection measures for developments as part of their application process.
The council released a fact-sheet on the potential changes on Thursday 22 September, but Acting CEO Troy Edwards said some details had yet to be announced.
“Future changes to the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) have been proposed by the State Government as a recommendation following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission,” Mr Edwards said.
“Council has been provided with the proposed mapping, but the timing and proposed controls applying to township areas are unknown.”
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s website on the BMO lists a five-step process for owners who may be affected by the overlay – finding out if the BMO applies to the property, identifying how to apply for a permit, assessing the bushfire hazards, including bushfire protection measures in an application and understanding how the council will assess the application.
The council said properties in Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Tecoma and Upwey were expected to be added to the BMO.
The Mail contacted Planning Minister Richard Wynne for comment about the proposed extension of the BMO, but did not receive a response.
For more information about the BMO and planning applications, visit www.dtpli.vic.gov.au and visit the Planning page.
