People planning to build homes in bushfire-prone parts of Caboolture and Morayfield could face additional construction requirements under changes to Moreton Bay’s planning scheme taking effect in November.
Read: Morayfield South Set for 26,000 Residents as New Planning Rules Move Forward
The changes form part of Major Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4, adopted on 28 October 2026 and scheduled to commence on 2 November. They remove zoning exemptions that previously prevented bushfire-specific National Construction Code (NCC) requirements from applying to certain new buildings on land identified as bushfire-prone.
For prospective homeowners, the changes could influence building materials, design and construction costs, depending on the location of their property and its assessed bushfire exposure. Existing houses, however, will not automatically require upgrades simply because their land falls within a designated bushfire-prone area.
Four planning zones lose bushfire exemptions
The amendment removes exclusions covering the General residential, Township, Centre and Industry zones, including their applicable precincts. Relevant new building work on land identified by the planning scheme’s bushfire hazard mapping may now need to meet NCC bushfire construction requirements.
The changes affect more than detached houses. Relevant residential buildings, including apartments, are covered, along with specified healthcare facilities, schools and residential care buildings. Certain associated structures, such as garages and sheds, may also be subject to requirements depending on their classification and relationship to the main building.
Not every property in Caboolture or Morayfield will be affected. A property’s zoning alone does not determine whether bushfire construction standards apply.
Council has retained its existing bushfire hazard overlay maps, although the amendment changes how designated bushfire-prone areas are treated under building rules.
The council has acknowledged that its existing maps do not reflect the current State Planning Policy bushfire mapping. A separate city-wide bushfire hazard risk assessment is underway, while further state mapping updates remain pending.
Windows, roofs and building costs
Bushfire construction standards aim to reduce damage from burning embers, radiant heat and direct flame contact. Depending on a property’s assessed Bushfire Attack Level (BAL), requirements may affect roofing, external walls, windows, doors and the sealing of gaps where embers could enter.
A BAL assessment takes account of surrounding vegetation, land slope and the distance between vegetation and the proposed building.
Queensland uses Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 for residential construction in bushfire-prone areas, with the applicable measures varying according to the assessed exposure. Higher bushfire exposure can require more protective construction materials and design features.
Additional measures may increase construction costs for some projects, although the financial impact will depend on the property, building design and applicable standards. No overall cost estimate has been established for the amendment.
Existing homes do not face automatic upgrades
Homeowners will not be required to replace existing roofs, windows or external walls solely because their property falls within a designated bushfire-prone area.
However, owners undertaking extensions, rebuilding or certain repairs may need to comply with applicable bushfire construction standards, depending on the work proposed.
Queensland Government guidance identifies new homes, rebuilding, repairs and additions among the types of building work potentially covered by residential bushfire requirements. Property owners should confirm what applies to their project before beginning construction.
Morayfield South growth brings building requirements into focus
Morayfield South is among Moreton Bay’s designated growth areas, with an updated structure plan adopted through the same planning scheme amendment.
The structure plan identifies future residential areas, roads, schools, community facilities and environmental corridors intended to support development as the area grows.
Although both changes are included in Amendment No. 4, the Morayfield South Structure Plan and the city-wide bushfire designation changes serve different purposes.
Future building projects in Morayfield South will need to meet the applicable bushfire construction standards where the property’s designation and proposed building work trigger those requirements.
The available council material does not establish which individual Morayfield South lots or proposed housing developments will be affected by the removal of zoning exemptions.
Read: Moreton Bay’s growth test: Is flood infrastructure keeping pace?
How to check your property’s bushfire designation
Residents considering a new home or building alterations can consult the Moreton Bay online planning scheme to review property zoning and bushfire hazard mapping.
A building certifier can help determine whether a proposed project requires a bushfire assessment and which construction provisions apply. Property owners can also contact council’s Planning Scheme team on (07) 3205 0555 for information about the amended planning scheme.
Published 29-Oct-2026
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