Click here if you are experiencing difficulties viewing this email.

AFAC Logo

AFAC News title
Monday, 31 August 2009




Dear Member,

Brian Welch, Executive Director Masters Builders Association Victoria (MBAV)

MBAV is concerned that people thinking building to the new standard, means they are safe from fire. They believe this is a dangerous perception – houses are not bunkers.

On Bunkers
  • Does not support mandatory bunkers in bushfire areas as they do not believe it guarantees safety. It will lead people to believe bunkers are safe.
  • Does not support regulation of bunkers because there are so many variables – it will be impossible to set satisfactory minimum standards.
  • MBAV believes safety in fire is a personal responsibility and choices on standards, use of bunkers, evacuation plans and fall back positions must be based on an individual’s personal choice.
On AS3959
  • Using 100FDI and flame temperature 1090K were not supported by MBAV, as it added costs to construction.
  • Believe “deemed to satisfy” is needed to provide builders with clear guidelines and allow faster decision making.
  • MBAV members have given feedback that it is hard to meet BAL FZ, as many of the required products are not yet on the market.
  • It is difficult to do a BAL assessment in areas were the vegetation has been burnt – it is hard to assess the potential, so some assessment may be to low.
  • MBAV is concerned about all of Victoria being prescribed as a bushfire-prone area.

Christopher Watson, Municipal Building Surveyor Latrobe City Council
Gave an overview of Latrobe City Council’s activities after the fires and issues surrounding building permits.


Sue Gunningham, Lay witness
The Commission heard testimony from Ms Gunningham who lost her partner in the fires at Humevale. Her partner died while sheltering in a home made fire bunker.

This information is for use by all interested parties in AFAC member agencies. Please ensure when sharing this information, AFAC is acknowledged as the original author.

Transcripts of the day and a link to watch live via web cast are available at:
http://www.royal commission.vic.gov.au/Public-Hearings.

 

Last updated 3.00pm August 31, 2009