1. Bushfire Compliance– October 3rd 2018
An expert eye on meeting bushfire safety criteria the first time

2. Saving time - streamlined building approvals Resources
BCC Bushfire Overlay
Resources
BAL
Attack levels and info
MP2.4
Qld standards
AWA
Guide – windows and doors in bushfire prone areas
Logan City overlay codes
Moreton Bay Region Bushfire Overlay
Building approval
A retaining wall is regarded as a 'class 10b' (non-habitable) structure under the Building Code of Australia (forming Volumes 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code).
According to Queensland building regulations, you do not need building approval for a retaining wall if it fulfils the following criteria:
there is no 'surcharge loading' over the 'zone of influence' for the wall (refer to definitions in the Building Regulation 2006 (Schedule 1 Section 3))
the total height of the wall and of the fill or cut retained by the wall is no more than one metre above the wall's natural ground surface
the wall is no closer than 1.5 metres to a building or another retaining wall
it does not form part of the fencing for a pool.
If your project does not meet all of these requirements, you must prepare a building application and have it approved by a building certifier. You must give the certifier scaled and detailed plans prepared by a draftsperson or architect.
The Queensland Development Code recommends that retaining walls up to one metre that require filling or excavation are constructed in accordance with an accepted industry standard publication, depending on the materials used to construct it (e.g. timber, concrete masonry).
​​The code also requires minimum clearances from roads and side and rear boundaries. Your certifier can seek an alternative setback from the front, side or rear boundary by applying for a siting variation.

3. Construction in bushfire prone areas
Bernard Trembath
BAL requirements related to BCC and surrounding councils
Overcoming common challenges
Site inspections- what to expect
Fire safety standards open for public comment – updates
Designing bushfire safe homes and buildings in Queensland – tips/ tricks
AS3959
Construction in bushfire prone areas

4. Additional resources Timber Qld design guide
Information for home owners – rural fire service
Bushfire shelters
Queensland Globe
Calculator tool
Colourbond Fact sheet
Arcpanel whitepaper

5. We appreciate your feedback!
Please get in touch on or via with your comments and questions.
Further inspiration – links below