What is a BAL Assessment?

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment measures the potential risk of bushfire to your property by considering vegetation, slope, and distance to surrounding fuels. The result determines your BAL rating, which ranges from BAL-LOW to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone). This rating is required for building approval in bushfire-prone areas across Western Australia.

Why do I need a BAL Assessment?

If you are building, renovating (subject to nature of works), or subdividing land in a designated bushfire-prone area, you are legally required to have a BAL Assessment. Local councils in the Southwest region, including Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and surrounding towns, will not approve development applications without a valid BAL Report.

How is a BAL rating determined?

A BAL rating is based on:

• The type of vegetation near your property.

• The distance from the vegetation to the proposed building.

• The slope of the land that fire could travel across.

These factors combine to produce a rating from BAL-LOW (lowest risk) to BAL-FZ (highest risk).

What are the BAL rating levels?

• BAL-LOW: Minimal risk, no special construction requirements.

• BAL-12.5 / BAL-19 / BAL-29: Increasing levels of bushfire exposure, requiring additional building measures.

• BAL-40 / BAL-FZ: Severe to extreme bushfire risk, requiring significant construction methods or reconsideration of design.

Please note, should the BAL assessment indicate that the proposed habitable building(s) will have a potential radiant heat impact exceeding BAL-29, then a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) should accompany the development application.

What is the difference between a BAL Assessment and a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP)?

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment determines the level of bushfire exposure that a dwelling or structure is subject to in the form of a BAL Rating.

A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) is a broader planning document that outlines how bushfire risk will be managed for a development to reduce the BAL Rating to BAL-29 or lower, where achievable.

What information do I need to provide before a BAL Assessment can begin?

All that will be required to proceed with a BAL Assessment is a site plan depicting the exact location and footprint of the proposed structure within the lot boundaries. At least two measurements to two different boundary lines will also need to be included.

How long after I request a quote will the BAL Report be completed?

Assessment of the site will be scheduled upon acceptance of the provided quote. The BAL Report will be issued within 3 business days of the site assessment being undertaken. Overall, you can expect the completed BAL Report within approximately 3–5 business days from quote acceptance.

How much does a BAL Assessment cost?

The cost varies depending on the property’s location, size, and complexity of the site. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your site.

Do I need someone on site (e.g., homeowner or builder) present for the assessment?

Attendance at the site is not required for the assessment, provided access to the property is unrestricted at the time of the site visit.

How long is a BAL Assessment valid for?

A BAL Report is valid for a period of 12 months.

How do BAL ratings affect building design and construction?

Generally speaking, as the BAL rating increases, the building must incorporate progressively more robust bushfire-resistant materials and construction methods to reduce the risk from ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact, which ultimately incur higher construction costs.

Which areas do you service?

We provide BAL Assessments across the entire Southwest of Western Australia, including (but not limited to):

• Dunsborough, Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta

• Bunbury, Harvey, Collie, Capel

• Manjimup, Pemberton, Bridgetown

• And surrounding areas.

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