Australian Institute of Architects
Established in 1930, the Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architecture profession in Australia. They represent over 11,500 members globally and are dedicated to improving our built environment and the communities we call home by promoting quality, responsible, sustainable design. The built environment shapes the places where we live, work and meet. It affects how spaces and places function and has the potential to stimulate the economy and enhance the environment.
The resources section of their website gives a broad range of advice and guidance on good building design, sustainable design principles and examples of designs for high fire risk areas.
Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
The peak body for Registered Building Surveyors with focus on continuous professional development and information sharing.
Bushfire Building Council of Australia
The Bushfire Building Council of Australia Ltd is an independent, not-for-profit organisation.
They are a network of:
- bushfire scientists
- fire safety engineers
- bushfire architects
- community risk management specialists
- bushfire behaviour experts
- materials chemists, and
- policy and regulatory experts.
They are committed to radically improving the resilience of properties and whole communities through innovative, evidence-based approaches to community safety and are developing assessment tools to help landowners and communities assess and manage bushfire risk.
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides extensive advice for consumers of products and services.
Advice is provided in relation to:
- building contracts
- selecting a building team
- obtaining quotes, and
- many other aspects of undertaking a building project.
Information on planning for bushfires and how to create your own fire plan.
Guidance on bushfire planning requirements, templates for developing bushfire plans and practical measures to retrofitting existing houses to improve resilience to bushfire impact.
Australia's national science research agency, solving the greatest challenges using innovative science and technology.
They provide:
- Research on bushfires and impacts on structures.
- Useful publications on improving resilience to bushfire, including Joan Webster OAM’s Essential Bushfire Safety Tips.
They are currently developing enhanced guidelines for building resilience in bushfire prone areas in conjunction with the Queensland Government.
Department of Transport and Planning
The Department of transport and planning are the custodians of the Victorian Planning and Building Systems. They provide:
- Guidance on planning and building approvals and how the planning and building systems work, including templates and examples.
- Online search capability to check planning scheme zones and any other overlays or controls affecting land.
Design Matters is the peak body for the building design profession.
Their website offers search capabilities to find building designers, planners, and other skills.
Energy Safe Victoria is the state regulator of all electrical trades and activities.
Their website features an online register of all licensed electricians.
Engineers Australia is the largest and most diverse body of engineers in Australia representing around 100,000 professionals at every level, across all fields of practice.
Committed to advancing engineering and the professional development of its members.
Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
The Environment Protection Authority sets regulations and standards for activities that may impact the environment or human health.
This includes requirements for rainwater tanks for drinking water, and requirements for the installation and use of on-site waste systems including septic tanks.
The Fire Protection Association is the peak body for fire protection professionals.
Their website provides links to professionals able to provide bushfire risk assessments, bushfire attack level assessments as well as design of fire suppression systems.
The Housing Industry Association is a member-based association promoting excellence in building and continuous skills development.
Their website has a range of informative material, including industry standard contracts and other like information.
The Masters Builders Association is a member-based association promoting excellence in building and continuous skills development.
National Association of Steel-Framed Housing (Nash)
NASH is an industry association centred on light steel structural framing systems for residential & commercial construction.
They support the development of standards for steel framed housing construction in high fire risk areas and have a variety of information products and publications on the benefits of steel framing in the context of bushfire.
Planning Institute of Australia
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the national body representing planning and the planning profession.
Through education, communication and professional development, PIA is the pivotal organisation serving and guiding thousands of planning professionals in their role of creating better communities.
Their website has a range of topical information on bushfire planning and development issues and a members search tool.
PrefabAUS is the peak body for Australia’s off-site construction industry and acts as the hub for building prefabrication technology and design.
The Victorian Building Authority are the regulators of building and plumbing in Victoria.
They provide advice on registration currency as well as disciplinary matters.
Their website has a range of information on building in Victoria, and rebuilding after a bushfire including retrofitting existing structures.
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