Last week the Australian Building Codes Board unanimously agreed to adopt the new standard to replace the 1999 standard referenced in the Building Code of Australia.

The new standard takes a risk management approach and aligns construction requirements more closely to the assessed level of bushfire exposure for new building work.

It introduces a science-based method for assessing the potential level of bushfire attack at a building site, a more accurate and targeted way of determining the likely risk to life and property.

Board chairman Graham Huxley AM confirmed the policy intent to have the stringency of the new standard set at the highest option considered in its Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS).

The RIS found the option would provide a positive net benefit and be more cost effective than current arrangements.

The board also welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to inquire into all aspects of the recent bushfires, including questions relating to improving fire safety of housing and other buildings and materials used in construction.