BAL Assessment Mt Eliza Mornington Peninsula March 2026

When undertaking a BAL Assessment in Mt Eliza, the adjoining land particularly influenced the outcome of the BAL rating. The development site abuts a shire managed easement. Fortunately for the owners this treed easement had a designated Asset Protection Zone that was mown regularly and kept clear of fallen branches.

The reduction in the fuel loads by the removal of the under story shrubs and maintenance of the grass reduced the BAL rating down to a BAL 29. As there is reasonable reassurance that his Asset Protection Zone will continue to be maintained in low fuel condition, this area under certain zoning in a Bushfire Management Overlay, can be included as defendable space on adjoining land. This factor can also result in a lower BAL rating.

The opposite situation can also occur. Some steep vegetated reserves can carry a bushfire quickly upslope and if there is no enough defendable space or setback from the vegetation to the building a high BAL rating can occur. A building should always be sited to ensure the maximum separation distance between the bushfire hazard and the building.