A pilot study in NSW could help change the way bushfire risk is managed in vulnerable communities.

The University of Wollongong is conducting the trial with Wyong Shire Council on the Central Coast. It involves comparing the costs of retrofitting private houses with fire-prevention material or building fire trails and breaks.

The council’s Senior Planner David Lemcke told insuranceNEWS.com.au the project has fitted six cabins at the Norah Head Holiday Park with metal window screens, gutter guards and fine mesh underneath, to keep out embers.

“A lot of research shows that 75-90% of houses burn down due to ember attack or embers flying from house to house. If you can prevent ember attack, houses are less likely to be lost.”

Mr Lemcke says a draft report will be completed by October, with a final report to the council in December.

The study is also interviewing residents of 10 houses in Durren Durren and Toukley about possible retrofits, plus the benefits they gain from new fire prevention measures.

A fire trail was recently upgraded at Durren Durren and a new fire break built at Toukley.

“We’re talking to householders about the possible costs of them retrofitting their properties and looking at their willingness to pay for this, and whether local government or other agencies can offer any support,” Mr Lemcke said.

Councils could advise householders or bulk-buy fire-prevention materials and pass the savings onto consumers.

The research is being conducted jointly by the council and by the university’s Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires, which is co-funded by the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and the NSW Rural Fire Service.