Mandatory Firefighting Tanks

I seek leave to make a brief and disgraceful explanation before directing a question to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations on the subject of mandatory firefighting tanks on residential properties. Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: The state planning requirements for firefighting tanks on residential properties are that they be 'non-combustible'. However, in one of the highest fire danger areas in the state, being the Adelaide Hills, the two councils in question have different standards. Mount Barker states that poly tanks up to 5,000 litres are acceptable, whereas the Adelaide Hills Council requires galvanised or concrete tanks. This is for the respective residential developments within medium bushfire zones. Will the minister investigate whether a standard is appropriate for safety and seek to communicate this to both these Hills councils?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:34): I thank the honourable member for her question. I do agree on one thing: it was a disgraceful question to ask me because that is not under my portfolio; it is a planning issue, but I think it is an important question. In the spirit of our bipartisanship, I will refer your question and ensure that you get an answer as soon as possible.

Wednesday 18 July 2012

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.