How to Get a BAL Report in Razorback — Step-by-Step
Building or renovating in Razorback often means dealing with bushfire rules. If your block sits in a bushfire-prone area, you’ll likely need a BAL report Razorback (Bushfire Attack Level). But how do you actually get one?
Step 1: Check if Your Land Needs a BAL Report
Not every property in Razorback requires a BAL assessment. The quickest way to check is through your council’s bushfire-prone land maps. Wollondilly Council has an interactive map that shows which areas fall under bushfire risk.
I remember checking one for a mate who bought land on the edge of Razorback. At first, he thought he wouldn’t need one because the block looked clear. But the map showed that the surrounding vegetation put his site in a bushfire zone. Ever had that moment where you think it’s simple, then the fine print changes everything? That’s what happened.
Step 2: Find a BPAD-acclaimed Consultant
Look for a BPAD (Bushfire Planning and Design) accredited consultant. BAL report Razorback professionals are the experts trained to assess risk and prepare reports councils will accept.
This is also where a proper bushfire hazard assessment comes in. It ensures that all vegetation types, distances, and potential fire behaviours are considered before your rating is finalised.
Why does accreditation matter? Would you trust an unlicensed mechanic to fix your car? It’s the same logic here.
Step 3: Book a Site Visit
The consultant will need to visit your property. During the visit, they’ll look at:
The type of vegetation around your land
The distance between your building site and that vegetation
Any other features that might change fire behaviour
This part might feel a little technical, but it’s really just common sense once you see it in action. When my neighbour had his assessment done, the consultant explained how even a small patch of scrub could push his BAL rating higher.
Step 4: Receiving Your BAL documented Report
It will state your property’s BAL rating, which could be:
Low BAL Low — it means lesser risk
Medium BAL report 12.5 / 19 / 29 / 40 — increases levels of ember risk and heat
BAL FZ (Flaming area) — it has the highest fire risk
Each level comes with different building criteria.
Final Thoughts
Getting a BAL report in Razorback isn’t as tricky as it sounds. You just need to check if your land falls within a bushfire-prone zone.
Check if your land is in a bushfire zone.
Hire a BPAD-accredited consultant.
Book the site visit.
Receive your report.
Lodge it with your building plans.
It’s one of those processes that feels stressful at first, but once you break it down, it’s straightforward. And honestly, knowing your home design is safer in the event of a fire is worth the effort, don’t you think?
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