Bushfires

Bushfire protection

The NSW Government is committed to helping protect homes from the threat of bushfires. Changes to laws allowing trees and vegetation that act as fuel for bushfires to be cleared around homes, tourist accommodation, schools, hospitals and child care centres located in bushfire prone areas, without the need to get approval were announced on 18 June 2014.

Key changes to the Rural Fires Amendment (Vegetation Clearing) Act 2014 include:

• trees and vegetation within 10 metres of specified bushfire prone buildings can be cleared
• undergrowth within 50 metres of specified bushfire prone buildings can be cleared
• areas able to be cleared will be known as ‘10/50’ vegetation clearing entitlement areas and will be determined by the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Changes to the legislation will make preparing for bushfire safety easier while making sure that the environment, personal safety and landowners’ rights are still protected.

More information

• Frequently asked questions (July 2014)
• Media release: New laws to protect property from bushfires (29 May 2014)
• Rural Fires Amendment (Vegetation Clearing) Bill 2014