1650 homes escape fire-risk rating

Removing 1652 local housing lots from maps of bushfire-prone areas will save their owners an average $3200, according to Victoria’s Planning Minister.
Matthew Guy said City of Greater Geelong had the state’s most properties removed from bushfire-prone area (BPA) maps after a review found “previous mapping anomalies”
Most of the lots were in new housing estates at Armstrong Creek, Highton, Clifton Springs, Leopold, and Ocean Grove.
“As development progresses, bushfire risk, including grass fire risk, is often reduced,” Mr Guy said.
“We are removing unnecessary red tape for landowners and removing the cost burden of complying with these regulations.”
He said buyers of blocks in new estates should still check the status of their properties because some might still be designated as in bushfire prone areas.