Bushfire Management Overlay

Changes to the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) mapping in the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme have been introduced by the Victorian Government in October 2017 following a state-wide review. As part of the review, land with the potential to be affected by bushfires that was not previously included within the BMO has now been included and a small number of properties have been removed.

The changes require that new developments within the BMO implement bushfire protection measures relating to defendable spaces, access points, siting, and construction standards. The changes also apply to existing homes and other types of buildings to ensure that any modifications improve their resilience to bushfire attack. The new mapping was developed in partnership with councils and the CFA.

Council has directly notified residents whose properties have been included or removed from the Bushfire Management Overlay.

Bushfire Management Overlay mapping is reviewed regularly on an ongoing basis. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has committed to working with local councils, emergency services and other key stakeholders to ensure the mapping is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. For more information on the process by which to request the removal of the BMO from a property, visit Bushfire Management Overlay.

Maps for the Bushfire Management Overlay (and other overlays) are accessible via the state government portal.

If after viewing the above information you have queries regarding the Bushfire Management Overlay, contact Council's Planning and Building Liaison Officer Steven Polak on (03) 5421 9676 or spolak@mrsc.vic.gov.au.

For information on how you can prepare yourself and your property for the bushfire season, visit Fire Ready or call Council’s Fire Management Officer on (03) 5422 0333.