Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings explained
Building in a bushfire prone area means a BAL assessment. Here's what that involves.
Hidden Valley, like much of the Mid West coast, is in a designated bushfire prone area. That’s normal and manageable.
What a BAL is
A Bushfire Attack Level measures how much a building could be exposed to ember attack, radiant heat and flame. The rating depends on the vegetation, slope and distance from the building.
How it affects your home
The BAL rating sets the construction standard your home must meet, such as ember screens, materials and window specifications.
Who does it
A BAL assessment is usually arranged by your builder or designer as part of the building application to the Shire.
Good design helps
Where you place your home in the building envelope and how you manage the vegetation around it can affect the rating.
Annexure in the contract The Hidden Valley contract includes a bushfire prone area annexure. Your settlement agent can explain it.
What comes with every lot
Power, water, NBN, fencing and clearing, all included. See the inclusions →
Common questions
Is Hidden Valley in a bushfire prone area?
Yes, like much of the Mid West coast.
Who arranges the BAL assessment?
Usually your builder or designer.
Questions? Talk to Terry.
Ask about lots, the contract, building or visiting and Terry will call you back.
- $10,000 deposit secures your lot
- Nothing more to pay until settlement in mid-2027
- Construction commences October
Keep reading
Designing a home for the Dongara climate
Orientation, shade, breezes and wind protection: passive design basics for the Mid West coast.
Read the guideWhat is a building envelope?
Every Hidden Valley lot has a building envelope of up to 4,000m². Here's what that means.
Read the guideModular homes on acreage: how they work
Building off-site can mean faster builds and fewer surprises. Here's how modular homes work on a rural lot.
Read the guide