The Royal Commission has distributed draft interim recommendations to parties participating in the Commission regarding three matters arising from the topic of building in bushfire prone areas, which was the subject of evidence during the second hearing block. Those three matters are fast tracking:

(a) the regulation of bushfire bunkers /personal fire shelters;

(b) revision of certain aspects of AS3959-2009 – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas; and

(c) revision of Standards Australia handbook HB36 – Building in Bushfire Prone Area.

The recommendations regarding the revision of AS3959-2009 – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas will relate only to the following areas:

• Inclusion of unmanaged grassland in the vegetation types and classifications;
• Increased ember protection measures at lower BALs, in particular in relation to subfloor requirements and materials prescribed for doors, windows and wall barriers; and
• The use of sarking as a secondary ember protection measure.

AFAC has received the draft interim recommendations and is giving due consideration to them.  Written Submissions in response to the draft are due by 19 October 2009 with oral submissions to be heard on the 30 October.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) announced on 24 September that it will be developing a national standard for the design and construction of a bushfire bunker for personal use.  The ABCB indicated the standard will be available for use in 6 months.  The announcement can be read on the ABCB website

The Commission is not sitting this week.  It will resume next week.  The Commission will be sitting in the Victorian township of Traralgon to hear evidence on the causes and circumstances of the Churchill fire.  These sessions will not be webcast.

AFAC will advise members of its response to the interim recommendations in due course.