Vic: Bushfire victims slugged more to build new fire-proof homes
By Catherine Best and Xavier La Canna06 Mar 2009 7:48 PM
CALLIGNEE, Vic, March 6 AAP - Bushfire survivors rebuilding in Victoria's worst fire risk areas will be slugged an extra $22,000 to make their homes safer.
The Victorian government has brought forward new national building standards to avoid a repeat of the destruction of the February 7 firestorm that killed at least 210 people.
>From March 11, every new or modified home will have to comply with tough new building standards based on a six-point level of risk.
The new code would add an extra $22,108 cost to the average home in the state's most fire prone areas, the government said.
Victorian Premier John Brumby ruled out government assistance to help pay for the extra cost of rebuilding, which he said would most likely be covered by the appeal fund.
But he said the toughest standards would only apply to about one in 10 Victorian homes, while 80 per cent were low risk and would not be affected.
"What we've done today is about making properties safer, that's what it's about. It's about protecting lives, it's about protecting property, it's about protecting communities."
Homes will be risk rated as part of the building permit process.
Those most at risk of bushfire damage will have to be built up to 51 metres from vegetation, on concrete foundations and have fire-proof outside walls and roofs.
Other requirements include ember-proof wall and roof joints, shutters made from non-combustible materials, door frames made from fire-resistant timber and metal-only external trimmings.
The government will also review its controversial native vegetation policy, which bans some land clearing and has been blamed for creating fire hazards.
The Master Builders Association (MBA) said the new building codes alone would not save lives and homes.
"We support them but we also welcome the comments from the premier about a strong focus on native vegetation," MBA director Brian Welch said.
The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) agrees and says the most important safeguard against bushfires is managing the environment around private property.
Mr Brumby admitted land owners may need to be given more control over clearing vegetation on their blocks.
The review is expected to be completed before the bushfires royal commission hands down its interim report in August.
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Ryan said vegetation laws should have been addressed before new building codes, which will be introduced nationwide in May 2010.
He wants a moratorium on any new laws which would further restrict land clearing.
Mr Ryan also said there should be some form of government assistance on the table for people rebuilding their homes under the new code.
Mandatory fire bunkers are off the agenda but Mr Brumby has urged the federal government to implement standards for people seeking extra security.
"I think it is appropriate for the federal government to take the lead in developing a national standard so that if people do wish to put a bunker in place, well, they know that what they're putting in place is safe and will protect life."
