New laws governing property protection in bushfire-prone areas have been
passed in both Houses of Parliament, giving residents in these areas additional
powers to protect their homes.
The sensible laws allow residents to more easily clear trees and
vegetation from around their property.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said the new
laws allow homeowners to take the required precautions to protect their
property in case of a bushfire.
The introduction of the new laws follows the devastating impact of
bushfire observed last summer. Residents, whose homes are located in designated
areas close to bushland, can now clear trees and vegetation from their property
without the usual red tape hassles.
According to Mr Ayres, people with homes in a bushfire zone will be able
to clear trees within 10 metres of their house. The designated bushfire zone
areas will be determined by the Rural Fire Service. Homeowners will also be
able to clear shrubs and other vegetation, except for trees, within 50 metres
of their house.
Minister for Planning Pru Goward said the new rules will also apply to
high-risk facilities such as schools, childcare centres and hospitals in
designated zones.
Blue Mountains MP Roza Sage commented that residents should be given
every reasonable opportunity to protect their homes and families against
devastating bushfires.