Answers to Questions

FIREFIGHTING TANKS

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (10 November 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Minister for Planning has been advised:

A standard already exists in Minister's Specification SA78, Additional requirements in designated bushfire prone areas, which requires water tanks for bushfire fighting purposes to be of non-combustible material as determined by the Australian Standard AS 1530.1. Compliance with this Specification and the Australian Standard should be checked as part of the development approval process.

As it would appear that there is some inconsistency in applying these provisions in at least two councils, it is proposed to issue an Advisory Notice to all councils and private certifiers who are required to check compliance.