BUSHFIRE INFORMATION

Latest News: First Private Bushfire Shelter Accredited   Private Bushfire Shelter Accreditation Update (90KB)

Please note an updated  Community Information Sheet - Private Bushfire Shelters - Update December 2010 (57KB) is now available to view.

New regulations on private bushfire shelters (bushfire bunkers)

The Victorian Government has introduced new interim regulations about the construction of private bushfire shelters (bushfire bunkers).

Under the new system, those intending to construct a private bushfire shelter will be required to obtain a building permit. Manufacturers of bushfire shelters can apply for accreditation of their product.

The Building Commission has worked in partnership with the Building Regulations Advisory Committee to develop the regulations and accreditation process. Further information about the regulations and accreditation process is available on this website, and seminars for building professionals will be held this year.

The Building Commission will shortly publish a Practice Note which will provide further information for Municipal Building Surveyors, Private Building Surveyors, Registered Building Practitioners and building design professionals.

What changes have been made?

Private bushfire shelters (bushfire bunkers) are now the subject of new regulations which mean that it is necessary to obtain a building permit prior to construction.  Bushfire shelters have to comply with performance requirements regarding design and construction. The performance requirements relate to things such as accessing and exiting the shelter and facilities to be provided, including fire safety systems. The regulation can be viewed here.

The Building Regulations Advisory Committee will utilise the accreditation system to support the new regulations.

What are my obligations under the new system as a manufacturer?

You can apply to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for accreditation of your product.  This will assist consumers who are seeking to obtain a building permit to construct your accredited private bushfire shelter.  This is because accreditation means that the building surveyor cannot refuse to approve the proposed building work to construct a bushfire shelter on the ground that what has been accredited is unsatisfactory. You can get more information about the accreditation process here.

You can also choose not to seek accreditation of your product and you may still sell products that do not have accreditation.  However, if the product is not accredited, the building surveyor will as part of the building permit process need to rely on a certificate by a registered fire safety engineer or a determination of the Building Appeals Board which states that the product complies with the new performance requirements.

How will the accreditation process work?

While there is no Australian Standard for private bushfire shelters as a whole, there are Standards that set out design and testing requirements for some components, eg concrete structures and doors. A private bushfire shelter can be designed using this data, and an application can then be lodged with the Building Regulatory Advisory Committee (BRAC) for accreditation. BRAC will then assess the application including whether or not a building product appraisal is required.

If BRAC is satisfied that the product meets the performance requirements of the Regulations or BCA and is suitable for accreditation then a Certificate of Accreditation is issued.

The supporting documentation submitted needs to identify the building product material, the method of construction and design of the components for the work.

Evidence that the product is fit for the purpose for which it is intended is also required. For private bushfire shelters this may need to include information in relation to the tenability of occupants within the shelter, along with other matters specified in the performance requirements of the regulations.

How long will it take before bunkers are approved under the accreditation system?

The first private bushfire shelter was approved on 11 March 2010. For more information please read the Media Release  Private Bushfire Shelter Accreditation Update (90KB)

 Manufacturers can seek assistance from the Building Commission technical team about the accreditation process, telephone 1300 815 127