Review of 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement

NSW RFS in partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment, has commenced a formal review of the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement.

While the review is underway, the entitlement area will be reduced, effective immediately.

It will be reduced to 100 metres for Category One and 30 metres for Category Two vegetation. The previous area was 350 metres and 150 metres respectively.

More than 1,800 submissions have been received, detailing a wide range of issues including the 10/50 Code, legislation, planning, mapping and environmental matters.

The NSW RFS has advised issues raised in the many submissions are complex and deserving of careful consideration before a final position is adopted.

It is clear from some submissions and feedback that while the scheme is designed to reduce bush fire risk, there has been some abuse of the fuel reduction provisions for other purposes.

This review is expected to be completed in the first half of 2015.

The NSW Government takes bush fire preparation very seriously.

The laws introduced on 1 August this year, allow residents whose homes are located in designated bushfire prone areas to be able to clear trees and vegetation from their property, specifically:

• Clear trees within 10m from their house
• Clear shrubs and other vegetation, except for trees within 50m from their house

This change will help ensure that those who are most at risk from bush fires can still protect their properties, while minimising those who are abusing the scheme for their own purposes.

The online mapping tool on the NSW RFS website has been updated with this change.

Heavy penalties apply to people who clear vegetation without authorisation.

Anyone wishing to utilise the 10/50 Scheme must check their eligibility at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au