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It is not unusual for people to underestimate the Bushfire Attack Level by completing self assessments of the bushfire risk, according to Catherine Gorrie from Bushfire Consulting Services.
“They are often shocked when their developments are approved to find an increased level of bushfire protection is required, and then find themselves facing increased construction costs, which sometimes means people can’t proceed with their projects.
“This is usually the result of not understanding the methods required to work out the bushfire attack level. Sometimes when planning developments, bushfire risk is the last thing on people’s minds, but it should really be the first, as some types of development are not allowed at higher levels of bushfire risk, such as granny flats.”
Ms Corrie said Bushfire Consulting Services applies the latest methods of determining the bushfire attack level to projects which can sometimes reduce that level, potentially saving thousands in construction costs.
“Our knowledge of compliant building materials can also result in cost savings for construction.
“Some of our staff have worked at Blue Mountains Council in Development Assessment roles so our knowledge of Council requirements is second to none,” she said.
Bushfire Consulting Services will be at the Bushfire Building and Community Expo and will have their mapping system so people can get a rough estimate of their bushfire risk.