The Victorian Government has streamlined the building application process for homeowners and businesses affected by last summer’s bushfire catastrophe and the Bunyip Complex fires in March last year.

Permit applications submitted after January last year will still be subject to basic requirements but they will be exempted from the public notice period and third party appeals to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Council.

The changes also allow for a CEO or a delegate to decide on applications instead of the full council.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has welcomed the changes announced by the Victorian Government.

“This will aid insurer-funded work and ensure bushfire-affected communities remain a key priority despite the impact of COVID-19,” spokesman Campbell Fuller told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“It’s encouraging to see the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will help guide councils and oversee the new planning process. ICA expects normal building code and planning requirements will be adhered to.”

The Victorian Government says more than 120 properties in East Gippsland and northeast Victoria that were affected by the last bushfire season have been cleared of debris.

The cleanup work on all affected properties is on track for completion by the end of August.