What residents can do
Asset Protection Zones
An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is a low-fuel area immediately surrounding a building that is designed to reduce the impact of a bushfire. It provides a defendable space by limiting vegetation and other combustible materials close to a structure, helping to reduce radiant heat, direct flame contact and ember attack.
A well-maintained APZ can:
- Reduce the intensity of an approaching bushfire.
- Improve access and safety for firefighters.
- Increase the likelihood that a building can be successfully defended.
- Improve the chances of a building surviving a bushfire if left undefended.
To remain effective, an APZ should be maintained throughout the year by keeping grass short, removing dead vegetation and combustible debris, pruning vegetation where appropriate, and storing combustible materials away from buildings where practicable.
Read more in the Guidelines for planning in bushfire prone areas booklet.
Balancing bushfire safety and the environment
Creating an Asset Protection Zone does not mean removing all vegetation from your property. Trees and gardens can often be retained where they are appropriately located, well maintained and do not contribute to excessive fuel loads. The aim is to manage vegetation so that it is less likely to allow fire to spread rapidly or expose buildings to excessive radiant heat.
Property owners should also be aware that clearing native vegetation may require approval under State legislation or local planning requirements. Always check whether approvals are required before undertaking vegetation clearing