E88. What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating and how can it affect your home? with special guest Leanne Jordan

In this eye-opening episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by special guest Leanne Jordan, a qualified Bushfire Practitioner, to unpack everything you need to know about Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings and how they impact your build.

Whether you're planning a new home, an extension, or converting an existing building like a church into a residence, understanding BAL ratings is essential if you're in a bushfire-prone area. Leanne walks through what a BAL rating actually is, how it's determined, and why it's more than just a checkbox for council approvals. She explains the factors that influence a rating—from slope and vegetation type to the distance between your home and the nearest fuel source—and reveals how land management can help reduce your BAL rating over time.

Frank and Amelia discuss with Leanne the challenges of building in areas close to bushland, including how hazard management zones are calculated and what it takes to design a compliant home. From gravel-covered clear zones to strategic vegetation removal, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert advice to help you feel more informed, and a little less overwhelmed.

A must-listen for homeowners, designers, and builders alike!

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004.  Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at [e-mail]

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.