Designing the Fire-Ready Future

We invite submissions for the National Bushfire Conference 2026, Australia’s leading forum focused on advancing practical approaches to bushfire planning, design and risk mitigation.

As bushfire behaviour becomes more complex and unpredictable, the need for integrated, forward-thinking solutions has never been greater. This conference will bring together professionals from across planning, design, emergency management, policy and research to examine how we can collectively shape safer, more resilient communities.

Under the theme “Designing the Fire-Ready Future,” we are seeking high-quality papers that explore innovative ideas, evidence-based practices and real-world case studies. Contributions should address the evolving bushfire risk landscape and demonstrate how land-use planning, building design, construction practices, emergency management and community preparedness can work together to reduce risk.

We particularly encourage submissions that:

• Showcase lessons learned from recent bushfire events
• Highlight advancements in planning frameworks, policy or regulation
• Demonstrate innovation in building design, materials or construction in bushfire-prone areas
• Explore community resilience, preparedness and recovery strategies
• Present research, data or tools that improve risk understanding and decision-making
• Reflect the critical role of Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) practitioners

Selected presenters will contribute to a dynamic program alongside industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts, and will have the opportunity to share insights with a national audience committed to improving bushfire outcomes.

Join us in shaping the future of bushfire resilience. Submit your paper and be part of the conversation driving safer, smarter community design across Australia.

Submissions close 5pm Friday 10^th July 2026.