Landowners whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires will be able to rebuild and stay in temporary accommodation without a permit after the Andrews Labor Government extended measures to support fire-affected communities.
Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne said the Andrews Government would extend planning permit exemptions for homes devastated by fire. The previous exemptions were to expire April 30.
Homes built to replace destroyed or damaged homes will not need a permit until 30 September, 2017. Temporary accommodation on those properties will not need a permit until 30 September, 2018. Further exemptions will not be granted after those dates.
Isolating these permit exemptions to just property owners whose homes were destroyed or damaged in the 2009 fires means the government is supporting fire-affected residents while ensuring new homes are now built to bushfire construction and planning standards.
In the parts of Victoria considered to be at extreme risk of bushfires, a planning permit is needed to develop land so that building standards, water supplies and property access is ensured if a fire was to break out.
Bushfire planning requirements prioritise lives and makes sure safety standards are consistent with the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission report.
The exemption extensions were gazetted 30 April, 2015.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne
“The Victorian Government understands recovery from the 2009 bushfires is ongoing and complex. Planning exemptions can make the rebuilding process easier by cutting red tape for people wanting to rebuild their homes.
“We want to give residents certainty to rebuild and recover, but will make sure new homes built in risky areas meet construction standards that prioritise safety.”
Key Facts
- The exemption allowing residents to rebuild damaged or destroyed dwellings after submitting a site plan to the satisfaction of the responsible authority, but without requiring a planning permit, has been extended until 30 September 2017.
- The exemption allowing residents to live in a temporary building without a planning permit, provided the building was built by 31 March 2011 for the purpose of bushfire recovery, has been extended until 30 September 2018.
- Current exemptions expire on 30 April 2015.
Reviewed 19 August 2020