NSW Bushfire Environmental Assessment
Review of
Environmental
Factors
Fast-tracked, professional REF preparation for hazard reduction burns across NSW. Backed by emergency management expertise and deep ecological knowledge.
"We handle the documentation burden so land managers can focus on what matters — reducing fuel loads and protecting communities."
2,000+Environmental Assessments
98%Approval Rate
14 daysAvg Turnaround
Trusted byState Government AgenciesLocal Government CouncilsCrown Land ManagersConservation AuthoritiesEnvironmental Consultants
The Legal Context
What is a Bushfire REF?
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is a statutory document required under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 before carrying out hazard reduction burns and fuel management works.
It assesses environmental impacts, satisfies requirements under the Rural Fires Act 1997, and provides the legal pathway for your works to proceed.
01
EP&A Act 1979 — Part 5
Requires environmental assessment of activities likely to significantly affect the environment.
02
Rural Fires Act 1997 — s.100B
Authorises hazard reduction works and provides the REF pathway for compliant operations.
03
Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 — Schedule 1–3
Requires assessment of impacts on threatened species, populations and ecological communities.
04
National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 — s.90
Governs Aboriginal heritage impact assessment requirements for ground-disturbing works.
The Platform Process
From application to approved REF
in days, not weeks
A
📋
Step A
You complete the application
Enter project details, define your site on our interactive map, upload spatial files and answer the structured REF questionnaire — all online.
B
🔍
Step B
We review your submission
Our environmental team reviews every response, checks uploaded mapping data, and may request clarification via the portal.
C
⚡
Step C
Professional REF preparation
Our environmental team prepares a professionally structured REF document from your submission data, applying specialist ecological and legislative knowledge.
D
✅
Step D
Download your completed REF
You're notified by email, log in to your portal, and download the final REF as both PDF and DOCX.
Our Services
Environmental assessment
expertise you can rely on
🔥
Core Service
Hazard Reduction REF
Complete REF documentation for prescribed burns, mechanical slashing, and fuel management programs under the Rural Fires Act 1997.
🦎
Specialist
Threatened Species Assessment
Biodiversity impact assessment, Seven-Part Test preparation, and Species Impact Statements for sensitive project areas.
🪃
Specialist
Aboriginal Heritage Review
AHIMS searches, community consultation facilitation, and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report preparation.
🌿
Extended Service
Vegetation Management REF
REF preparation for roadside vegetation, utility corridor and reserve management activities.
🗺️
Extended Service
GIS Mapping & Spatial Analysis
Professional spatial analysis, constraint mapping, and GIS deliverables to support your REF and project planning.
📊
Extended Service
Compliance Documentation
Compliance reporting, Flora and Fauna reports, and post-works documentation for completed activities.
Who Uses This Platform
State Fire Authorities
Crown Land Managers
Local Government Councils
Conservation Agencies
Utility Corridor Managers
Environmental Consultants
Private Land Managers
Infrastructure Operators
Ready to start your REF?
Create an account, complete the online application, and receive your REF document in days.