Anyone planning a new build, renovation or home-based business should check how the updated map might affect their property.
What’s Changed in the 2025 Bushfire Prone Land Map?
The updated map includes the introduction of Vegetation Category 3, which classifies unmanaged grasslands and pastures as bushfire-prone. This adds a new layer of medium-risk classification that was not previously included in the 2011 mapping.
Certified on 15 July 2025, the revised map is now used to assess all relevant development applications, including those submitted but not yet determined before that date.
How Does This Affect Property Owners?
If your land is now mapped as bushfire-prone, don’t panic; this doesn’t prevent development or affect existing buildings.
It does, however, mean that any new development applications, such as building a new home, adding an extension, or starting a home-based business, will need to meet specific safety requirements under the Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 guidelines.
These include design and construction standards that aim to increase the resilience of homes and structures in bushfire risk areas.
What is Vegetation Category 3?
Category 3 is a medium-risk vegetation classification, now included in the map to reflect unmanaged grasslands and pastures. This aligns Wingecarribee with updated NSW RFS guidelines and ensures that development is properly assessed in these newly identified risk areas.
This additional vegetation type means more properties may fall within the mapped area, particularly in semi-rural or peri-urban zones.
Planning for New Developments in Bushfire-Prone Areas
All new developments within mapped Bush Fire Prone Land must comply with the NSW Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019. These standards cover everything from building materials to landscaping and evacuation access, all aimed at keeping people and property safe.
The map plays a crucial role in how local government, planners and emergency services prepare for and respond to bushfires in our region.
“The updated Bush Fire Prone Land Map is an important tool to ensure that new development is planned and built in a way that enhances the safety of residents and buildings from bush and grass fires,” said NSW RFS Superintendent Daniel Osborne.
Council’s Message to the Community
Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager Lisa Miscamble reinforced the importance of the update for long-term community safety.
“We know how important it is to protect our community, property and the environment from bushfires,” Ms Miscamble said.
“This updated map is a critical tool to ensure appropriate development in at-risk areas across Wingecarribee Shire.”
Lisa also notes that while the changes apply to development applications, they don’t affect existing properties or approvals already granted.
Where to Check if Your Property is Affected
A new interactive mapping tool will be available soon on the NSW RFS website and NSW Planning Portal. In the meantime, Council has released a temporary online mapping tool to help residents check whether their land is now classified as bushfire-prone.
You can visit Wingecarribee Shire Council’s website to read more about Bush Fire Prone Land.
Let’s Keep the Highlands Safe This Bushfire Season
Visit our handy guide to learn how you can prepare for the bushfire danger period.