The Bushfire Prepare planning and mapping tools suite
The tools are currently in testing. They are designed to help landowners prepare for bushfire risk management and planned burning activities. Note that these are provided to provide guidance and support in undertaking planning for bushfire management works. They do not constitute official advice and are not a substitute for formal guidance.
Bushfire Prepare Maps
Planning Map (Desktop)
The web-based Planning Map is designed for detailed property planning using a larger screen. It is ideal for mapping buildings, treatment plots, access routes, water sources, and hazards before visiting the site.
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Bushfire Planning Map
What it does
The Planning Map is the foundation of the Bushfire Prepare system. It allows you to create an accurate map of your property, including your house, treatment areas, access tracks, water points, and hazards.
Why it matters
All distance, slope, and fuel hazard calculations are measured from the mapped dwelling footprint. A correctly drawn house outline produces more accurate risk assessments and planning outcomes.
Key features
- Search for your property address
- Draw the main dwelling footprint
- Map treatment plots and fuel management areas
- Record water supplies, access routes, and hazards
- Save maps to your Bushfire Prepare profile
- Export data in GeoJSON or KML format
Best used for
Property owners creating or updating the base map that supports all other planning tools.
Prepare Map (Mobile Field App)
What it does
Prepare Map is the field mapping companion to the desktop system. It allows you to verify and update property information while on-site using a phone or tablet.
Why it matters
Desktop assessments are based on available mapping and the information entered by users. Field inspections often reveal details that cannot be seen on aerial imagery, such as changes in fuel hazard, water access, fencing, locked gates, or infrastructure.
Key features
- Same login as the web tools
- Load maps saved from the Planning Map
- Create new field surveys
- Record fuel hazard observations
- Map water points and access routes
- Record hazards and operational notes
- Save information back to your Bushfire Prepare profile
Best used for
Field verification, property inspections, and updating planning information while on-site.
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Property profile tool
What it does
The Property profile tool helps identify and prioritise bushfire risks around a property using vegetation, fuel hazard, slope, and proximity information.
Why it matters
It provides a structured assessment of where fuel management is most needed and helps determine treatment priorities.
Key features
- Automatic planning information lookup
- Bushfire Planning Overlay and Bushfire Prone Area checks
- Fuel hazard assessment using Overall Fuel Hazard Guide categories
- Slope and separation distance calculations
- Priority ranking and supporting risk scores
Best used for
Understanding where treatment is most urgent and creating a documented basis for future management actions.
Important note
The Property profile tool provides a bushfire profile assessment only. It is not a legal BAL rating and should not be used as a building compliance assessment.
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Land Management Plan
What it does
The Land Management Plan translates the risk assessment into an actionable property management strategy.
Why it matters
Before undertaking fuel reduction work, landholders often need to understand planning requirements, vegetation constraints, ecological considerations, and treatment options. The Land Management Plan brings this information together.
Key features
- Planning and vegetation control checks
- Ecological Vegetation Class information
- Tolerable Fire Interval considerations
- Treatment method selection
- Area calculations and justification of proposed works
Best used for
Developing and documenting a management strategy that can be discussed with neighbours, council officers, land managers, or permit authorities.
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Burn Plan
What it does
The Burn Plan creates an operational plan for a proposed fuel reduction burn.
Why it matters
It documents how a burn would be conducted safely, including weather conditions, resources, notifications, and operational controls.
Key features
- Treatment plot selection
- Burn weather prescriptions
- Lighting and ignition patterns
- Patrol and monitoring arrangements
- Notification records
- Fire intensity calculations
Best used for
Preparing information to support discussions with Fire Permit Officers and other approving authorities.
Important note
A completed Burn Plan is not a permit. Any required authorisations must still be obtained from the relevant authority.
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How the Tools Work Together
- Planning Map – Draw the property and define treatment areas.
- Property Profile tool – Assess and prioritise bushfire risk.
- Land Management Plan tool – Determine appropriate treatment options and constraints.
- Burn Plan tool – Document how planned burning would be undertaken.
- Prepare Map (Field map) – Verify and update information in the field.
Save to your profile at each step. Information saved in one tool can be opened in the next, creating a single workflow from planning through to field verification.