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Bushfire Buy-back Scheme
Bushfire Buy-back Scheme submissions open
The State Government's Bushfire Buy-back Scheme is a voluntary land acquisition program.
From 1 March 2012, Victorian landowners in high bushfire risk areas can submit an application form to have their property bought by the State Government.
Landowners who have already registered their interest will be sent an application form.
The scheme
By acquiring land, the program will ensure that residential properties are not re-built in areas of high bushfire risk, and will enable those landowners to re-settle elsewhere.
Eligible properties for the scheme will be determined by the following criteria:
- owner occupiers whose principal place of residence
- was destroyed by the Victorian bushfires of early 2009
- who have not commenced rebuilding on the property, and
- a site is not available on the property that will enable a replacement dwelling to be located at a distance greater than 100m from forest vegetation, and that vegetation adjoins a large area of forest such as a national park, state park, state forest or private plantation.
Application process
Applications for the Bushfire Buy-back Scheme open on 1 March 2012 and close on 31 May 2012.
The Bushfire Land Acquisition Panel chaired by Patrick McNamara will oversee the operation of the scheme. The Panel will determine eligibility and make recommendations on the best possible future use for land that is acquired, ensuring that the bushfire risk for neighbouring landowners does not increase.
Landowners who are undecided or not sure whether they meet the criteria are encouraged to submit an application for consideration by the panel. The panel will advise if the criteria are met, and if not, will try to suggest alternative options for applicants.
The department will send out a letter upon receipt of applications. This will notify applicants of the next steps and provide expected timeframes for the assessment process.
Download a copy of the Bushfire Buy-back Scheme Application Form from the menu on the right hand side.