Published on Friday, 11 June 2021 at 11:30:02 AM
The City of Busselton is undertaking a review of the Bushfire Notice and has sought community feedback. The review has attracted significant community interest with over 1500 survey responses and more than 170 written submissions received during the consultation period.
The City is now very carefully working through all the feedback received which, given the volume of responses, will take some time. However, initial analysis of feedback indicates:
- Broad objection to the extent of vegetation clearing and the management of vegetation associated with proposed changes to the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) in areas designated Urban-Bushfire Prone, as well as in Rural-Residential and Rural categories.
- Concern regarding the amount of clearing and costs associated with the requirement for boundary firebreaks in Rural-Residential areas where they are currently not required.
- General concerns across all categories regarding the potential impact on amenity, the environment and financial implications.
City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said: “We understand this has been a difficult consultation, but it has highlighted some very important concerns. While Council is yet to consider the proposed changes to the review, I can assure people that the process will not be rushed. We have already committed to retaining the current Bushfire Notice for the 2021/2022 season and for more consultation to be undertaken in the forthcoming months prior to any Council decision.”
City of Busselton Officers will recommend that Council does not introduce additional boundary firebreak requirements for Rural-Residential properties or proceed with the APZ requirements set out in the proposed Notice. Officers will further recommend that Council considers alternatives that would reduce the potential amenity, environmental and financial impacts of requirements to manage vegetation near houses.
A report to the Council seeking their consideration of the above recommendations will be presented in July or August 2021. Following that the City will host a series of stakeholder workshops and seek additional external specialist advice. A revised draft/proposed Notice will be presented to Council in late 2021 followed by a further round of consultation in early 2022. This additional consultation will include face-to-face and online information sessions. In the first half of 2022, Council will be asked to consider the revised draft/proposed Notice. If endorsed the new Notice would come into effect for the 2022/2023 summer period.
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Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with Key Goal Area 1 the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (Review 2019): A community that is welcoming, friendly and healthy and Key Goal Area 3: Environment that is valued, conserved and enjoyed.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to media@busselton.wa.gov.au
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