Bushfire Assessment Level details

After we learned about the new building regulations, Eric gave us some documentation about the key steps to assess where our property falls as regards bushfire risk.

We spent some time during our visit to go through it... Below is what we came up with based on our measurements:

• Relevant FDI = 100
• Classified vegetation types: Woodland at rear of house (the state forest) is Group A forest , Low Open Forest 04
• Distance of site from classified Vegetation: 60m
• Effective Slope under classified Vegetation: Upslope

The map below is not to scale but shows measurement of where the ridgeline (change from upslope to downslope) occurs in the woodland, position of house, fences etc.



As to what this means for our Risk level however, I haven't a clue. Cleverly, Eric didn't give us the section that tells you how to calculate it - as he didn't want that to sway our estimations! We'll just have to wait and hear back what he says... fingers crossed!

Romantic Vineyard

While we were at Amherst in April, we stayed at the Romantic Vineyard. It was the perfect base - just 10 minutes walk.

We rented the cottage which had fabulous views over the vines, as well as wonderful open fire and small kitchen. Not that we used the kitchen often given Renee's fabulous cooking and Dave's amazing home-brewed beer... and that's before we got to the wine. :-)

Overall, highly recommended as a place to stay, we will be back!





This was the view we had every morning at sunrise, watching kangaroos hopping through the vines.

Bay window

For our Christmas present a few years back, Dad got us a lovely bay window - most likely to go in the old house in the bedroom. I've only just got round to getting a photo - here it is: