Draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy

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Asset Protection Zone Policy

Tweed Shire Council has prepared a draft policy for Asset Protection Zones on Public Land and is seeking input from the community.

An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is an area of land surrounding a home or built structure that is clear of any potential fuel for bushfires and therefore provides a buffer zone between a bushfire hazard and the building (asset). It also provides a space where firefighting operations can be carried out.

The APZ includes a defendable space within which firefighting operations can be carried out. The size of the required APZ varies with slope, vegetation and Forest Fire Danger Index.

Council often receives developer requests to use on public land to meet APZ requirements of proposed developments however this can potentially affect the use of a range of public land including operational land, parks and reserves, bushland reserves, road reserves and Council managed Crown land. The APZ requirements apply to all forms of development including subdivision, infill, special fire protection and other development in accordance with the Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 legislation.

This draft policy seeks to ensure that all Planning for Bushfire Protection requirements are located wholly within the boundaries of the development site, rather than relying on public land. The policy also requires the owner/occupant to maintain the APZ area on their property in perpetuity.

Policy Objective

The objective of the draft APZ is to provide a clear and consistent policy for the community to ensure that they are compliant with the latest version of the State Government's Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 (External link) guidelines.

Have Your Say

The draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy is on public exhibition until Wednesday, 7 October, 2020 and you are invited to make a submission by using the online submission form below to tell us your thoughts on the policy. Please be as specific as possible with your answers. All submissions will be considered in formulating the final version of the policy.

Written submissions must be received by 4pm on Wednesday 7 October, 2020.

  • Online using the submission form below
  • Email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject Heading: Draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy Submission
  • By mail
    Draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy Submission
    General Manager
    Tweed Shire Council
    PO Box 816
    MURWILLUMBAH NSW 2484

It should be noted that in accordance with Council policy and the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – ‘GIPAA,’ confidential information contained within submissions may be released upon a request being made by a third party.


Tweed Shire Council has prepared a draft policy for Asset Protection Zones on Public Land and is seeking input from the community.

An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is an area of land surrounding a home or built structure that is clear of any potential fuel for bushfires and therefore provides a buffer zone between a bushfire hazard and the building (asset). It also provides a space where firefighting operations can be carried out.

The APZ includes a defendable space within which firefighting operations can be carried out. The size of the required APZ varies with slope, vegetation and Forest Fire Danger Index.

Council often receives developer requests to use on public land to meet APZ requirements of proposed developments however this can potentially affect the use of a range of public land including operational land, parks and reserves, bushland reserves, road reserves and Council managed Crown land. The APZ requirements apply to all forms of development including subdivision, infill, special fire protection and other development in accordance with the Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 legislation.

This draft policy seeks to ensure that all Planning for Bushfire Protection requirements are located wholly within the boundaries of the development site, rather than relying on public land. The policy also requires the owner/occupant to maintain the APZ area on their property in perpetuity.

Policy Objective

The objective of the draft APZ is to provide a clear and consistent policy for the community to ensure that they are compliant with the latest version of the State Government's Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 (External link) guidelines.

Have Your Say

The draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy is on public exhibition until Wednesday, 7 October, 2020 and you are invited to make a submission by using the online submission form below to tell us your thoughts on the policy. Please be as specific as possible with your answers. All submissions will be considered in formulating the final version of the policy.

Written submissions must be received by 4pm on Wednesday 7 October, 2020.

  • Online using the submission form below
  • Email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject Heading: Draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy Submission
  • By mail
    Draft Asset Protection Zone on Public Land Policy Submission
    General Manager
    Tweed Shire Council
    PO Box 816
    MURWILLUMBAH NSW 2484

It should be noted that in accordance with Council policy and the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – ‘GIPAA,’ confidential information contained within submissions may be released upon a request being made by a third party.