Bushfires can result in significant economic, environmental and social impacts. The recent loss of 210 houses in the Blue Mountains, with damage sustained to a further 150, has afforded affected home owners the opportunity to build back better in line with legislation and
construction standards that address bushfire risk. Faced with the prospect of such a significant number of displaced residents, the NSW Rural Fire Services took a proactive role in the rebuilding process to minimise post fire economic and social impacts on affected communities.

Since August 2002, in NSW, the provisions of Planning for Bushfire Protection are applied to development on bushfire prone land to decrease the risk to life and property and increase community resilience. Treatments applied include the management of fuels around dwellings,
controlled landscaping, constructions standards, provisions of water, siting and design and ensuring appropriate access.

In January 2013, the loss of 53 dwellings in Coonabarabran initiated collaboration between the NSW RFS and the local Council to assist in the recovery phase by developing processes and procedures to assist residents during the approvals phase of the rebuilding process. This role was resurrected and further expanded following the Blue Mountains fires of October 2013.

The positively received service of walking homeowners though the process and requirements for bush fire standards and Council regulations has allowed homeowners to make informed decisions as well as provide certainty to the process. Where possible, the NSW RFS has taken a proactive approach to achieving a further setback from hazards to create a safer home and reduce construction costs.

The establishment of these processes and procedures during post fire recovery demonstrates that better engagement with residents early in the development process can contribute to a safer more resilient community and to minimise further post fire economic, environmental and social impacts.