There are a number of essential steps that landholders will need to undertake to safely plan and manage bushfire fuel. If you’re unsure about any step, contact the CFA or your local council before starting works.

1. Understand Your Bushfire Risk

• Check if your property is in a BREA, BPA or BMO. Review planning zones via VicPlan.
• Consider land use, local fire risk, and areas needing fuel management.

2. Check Planning Rules and Constraints

• Confirm planning exemptions, permits, covenants, and environmental or heritage considerations. 
• Check Landata and consult your council.

3. Define Your Approach

• Identify values on your land.
• Set objectives such as defendable space, fuel reduction, environmental outcomes, APZs, weed management, or livestock safety.

4. Map Your Property

• Create a base map including vegetation, slopes, access routes, and assets.
• Divide land into management zones.
• Create a fire map

5. Plan Your Works

• Planned burning: check fire intervals and history.
• Mechanical works: consider impacts on soil, water, and habitat.
• Develop a land management plan

6. Manage Native Vegetation

• Confirm exemptions or permits for vegetation removal.
• Use NVIM system and prepare reports if required.

7. Maintain and Monitor

• Inspect treated areas regularly and maintain fuel levels over time.