27-29 October 2026
Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour NSW
27-29 October 2026
Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour NSW
Across Australia and around the world, communities are confronting a rapidly changing bushfire landscape. Recent fires have once again impacted homes and landscapes, from major fire events across Victoria and Western Australia to more localised fires in Tasmania and New South Wales that have resulted in the loss of homes and threatened established communities. These events highlight that bushfire risk is evolving in increasingly complex and unpredictable ways. At the same time, governments and industry are responding with new planning frameworks, evolving building standards and a renewed focus on how communities are designed and developed in bushfire-prone areas.
The National Bushfire Conference 2026, presented by Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia), is the nation’s leading forum dedicated to practical bushfire planning, design and risk mitigation. Under the theme “Designing the Fire-Ready Future,” the conference will bring together practitioners, policymakers, researchers and industry leaders to explore how Australia can build safer, more resilient communities in the face of increasing bushfire risk.
Drawing on lessons from recent fire seasons and emerging policy reforms, the conference will examine how land-use planning, building design, emergency management and community preparedness must evolve together. A key focus will be on the role of the built environment in reducing risk highlighting how thoughtful planning, improved construction practices and innovative design can significantly improve safety outcomes for communities living in bushfire-prone areas.
The conference will also highlight the important work of BPAD practitioners, whose expertise continues to play a critical role in guiding planning and development decisions across Australia.
In addition to a dynamic program of keynote presentations, panels and technical sessions, the conference will feature a dedicated tradeshow showcasing the latest bushfire protection technologies, materials, systems and services. This exhibition will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore new solutions, engage with industry innovators and discover practical tools that support better bushfire outcomes.
The National Bushfire Conference 2026 is designed for professionals working at the forefront of bushfire risk management, including:
Together, we will explore how to design, plan and deliver communities that are better prepared for the fires of tomorrow.
as a bushfire planning professional
from Australian leaders and peers
toward your accreditation and professional development
Network with regulators, policymakers, and industry innovators
Discover the tools and technologies shaping the future of bushfire ready communities
Whether you’re preparing a Bushfire Management Statement, advising on BAL ratings, submitting applications, or designing entire subdivisions—this event is crafted with your work in mind.
Call for speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and case studies is now open. If your organisation, team, or practice is leading the way in bushfire planning, this is your chance to share your expertise with a national audience.
Let’s move from risk to readiness—and shape a more fire-resilient Australia, together.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their invaluable support and partnership.
Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) is Australia’s peak industry body for fire safety, which provides information, services, and education to the fire protection sector and the community.
Members represent every aspect of the fire safety community – manufacturers, suppliers installers and servicers of fire protection products and services, firefighters, building owners, insurers, designers and surveyors, government and legislators, educators and anyone else working as part of the fire safety community.
