Tweed Shire Council has adopted a policy for Asset Protection Zones on Public Land at its meeting on 3 December 2020.

An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is an area of land surrounding a home or built structure that is clear of any potential fuel for bushfires and therefore provides a buffer zone between a bushfire hazard and the building (asset). It also provides a space where firefighting operations can be carried out.

The APZ includes a defendable space within which firefighting operations can be carried out. The size of the required APZ varies with slope, vegetation and Forest Fire Danger Index.

Council often receives developer requests to use on public land to meet APZ requirements of proposed developments however this can potentially affect the use of a range of public land including operational land, parks and reserves, bushland reserves, road reserves and Council managed Crown land. The APZ requirements apply to all forms of development including subdivision, infill, special fire protection and other development in accordance with the Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 legislation.

This policy will ensure that all Planning for Bushfire Protection requirements are located wholly within the boundaries of the development site, rather than relying on public land. The policy also requires the owner/occupant to maintain the APZ area on their property in perpetuity.

Policy Objective

The objective of the APZ is to provide a clear and consistent policy for the community to ensure that they are compliant with the latest version of the State Government's Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 (External link) guidelines.

It should be noted that in accordance with Council policy and the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – ‘GIPAA,’ confidential information contained within submissions may be released upon a request being made by a third party.

Have your say on the draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy