Fee waiver process simplified for bushfire affected homes

A number of BASIX updates were deployed on 11 September, as outlined below.

BASIX certificate fee waiver for bushfire affected homes

The NSW Government previously announced that it would waive BASIX certificate fees for development applications related to homes that were damaged or destroyed during the 2019/20 bushfire season.

This process has been simplified so you can now apply for the fee waiver of your eligible project when completing the online BASIX assessment.

Check the BASIX website for more information about eligibility and the application process, or call the BASIX bushfire response line on 1300 054 464 if you need further assistance.

Revision to star ratings for refrigerators

To reflect the improvement in energy efficiency of refrigerators, the maximum star rating that can be selected in the BASIX Tool has been revised from 4.5 stars to 6 stars.

Password strengthening

To improve user security, the password requirements when creating a new account, or changing the password for an existing account have been strengthened. 

Streamlined process for most large boarding houses

There is a new streamlined process for the BASIX assessment of most large boarding houses (which includes student accommodation), provided they meet all the following criteria:

• it must be designed to accommodate more than 12 people, or the total floor area must exceed 300 m2
• at least 80 per cent of the dwellings must be less than 35 m2, and
• it may only comprise residential flat buildings.

Under the new process, you complete a standard online assessment and generate a BASIX certificate, without having to apply for an alternative assessment.

The current requirements for large boarding houses will continue to apply. That is, you do not have to assess the thermal comfort of the development as part of the BASIX assessment, and instead, you must assess the thermal comfort at a later stage (i.e. the construction certificate stage) against the Section J requirements of the National Construction Code – Volume 1.

If you have any questions about any of these changes or any other BASIX-related issues, please email [email protected].