Sydney Hoo Hoo Club 215 has organised a special dinner meeting later this month during which timber usage for building in bushfire-prone areas will be the main topic for discussion.
The club’s previous dinner meeting in July focused on changes to AS 3959 – Building in bushfire-prone areas. Part of the outcome of those discussions was the realisation that applications for construction and alterations to buildings in bushfire-prone areas are often passed on to the Rural Fire Service of NSW by local councils for final approval. It was also learned that the RFS can override the Standard when considering these applications.
As a result, the criteria that the RFS uses in making its decisions will have repercussions for timber usage in these areas over and above the design criteria covered by the Standard.
Patrick Schell, team leader of Development Assessment & Planning for NSW Rural Fire Service, will make a presentation to members, covering these issues with a view to both explaining the strategies used and outcomes sought by the RFS and also to hear from members, about concerns regarding the use of timber in bushfire-prone areas.
Sydney Hoo Hoo Club is very appreciative of the willingness shown by RFSNSW to discuss these issues.
The function will be held at Prosperos Restaurant, 310 Church Street, Parramatta, on 30 September 2009, 6.30pm for 7pm start. RSVP via email by 25 September or phone Chris White 0411 293 646 or Jason Howarth 0401 554 724.
