The Victorian Government has allocated more than $900 million to implement all 67 recommendations from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

In a report to the State Parliament, it has detailed how it is responding to the recommendations. This will be followed by a progress report at the end of July.

Some actions have already been announced, such as replacing the fire services levy with a property-based system that will come into effect next year.

To reduce the risk of damage to property in bushfire zones, various Victorian authorities are working on producing new hazard maps for the state.

Those covering high-risk areas are expected to be completed by July next year and will clearly identify the different levels of bushfire hazard.

The maps will also be used to define areas where planning issues could arise, and will replace the current designation of the whole of Victoria as bushfire-prone.

The Government is also working on changes to building regulations and planning guidelines to assess whether a property can survive a bushfire. Various state bodies are working on a project to align site assessment methods with planning and building approvals.

A package of improved planning and building requirements will be delivered to Planning Minister Matthew Guy by September.

The royal commission called for new standards for preventing houses igniting from blowing embers. The state’s building commission is consulting with Australian Standards on this because it is seen as a national issue.

“With the implementation of the 67 recommendations and the co-operation of all government levels, emergency services agencies and the broader community, we can prepare Victoria to deal with the threat of fire better than ever,” Victorian Emergency Services Minister Peter Ryan said.

“Victoria will never let the lessons of the devastating 2009 bushfires be forgotten.”