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Review of Essential Urgent Bushfire Management at Noosa Civic - September 2019
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Attached to the e-mail FW URGENT Essential Bushfire Management - Noosa Civic.msg.
REVIEW OF ESSENTIAL URGENT
BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT
AT NOOSA CIVIC
by
L.S. Hawkes, B.Sc.(For), MIFA, MRFAQ
The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd
September 2019
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Page 2
Report on Review of Essential Urgent Bushfire Stockwell
Management at Noosa Civic
1. Introduction
Following the recent onset of the early, severe bushfire season there is a need to review
the existing threat at Noosa Civic.
Past recommendations have recognised the high risk to the site from the south.
The entire area burnt in 2003 and this fire started in the south.
2. Current Situation
There is a current application to develop further parts of the site including the southern
most section.
In 2018 the previous owners commissioned an update of bushfire maintenance schedule
and this resulted in the establishment of improved access and firebreaks. The
establishment of a firebreak along the southern boundary was listed for future action (see
Access Management Plan).
3. Urgent Essential Actions
The early severe fire season shows no signs of abating and the safety of the existing
Noosa Civic development would be greatly enhanced by the following actions:-
i). Ensure all existing access tracks are open.
ii). Establish a 20 metre cleared firebreak with access around the southern section
from the end of Hofmann Drive to Walter Hay Drive (see Aerial Photograph).
iii). Establish a vehicular access link out to the north.
iv). Review the fuel loads in Covenant J and remove any dead, dying or dangerous
trees and ground fuels.
19-042 Report Commercial-in-Confidence
Page 1
Page 3
Report on Review of Essential Urgent Bushfire Stockwell
Management at Noosa Civic
The most urgent actions are items 2 and 3 and these should proceed as urgent essential
management under the Emergency Legislation (Attachment 1).
Noosa Shire Council should be informed of the proposed actions and their concurrence
confirmed (see Attachment 2).
L.S. Hawkes, B.Sc.(For), MIFA, MRFAQ
Senior Associate
(CV attached)
19-042 Report Commercial-in-Confidence
Page 2
Page 4
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Covenant J — 1.3000 ha
Covenant K — 0.2000 ha SPIB2845
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Area 4 - 13.0432 ho
Area 5 - 12891 ho
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Page 5
Attachment 1
Office of the
Commissioner
22nd July 2019 Queensland Fire and
Emergency Services
Dear Landholder,
In this past year we’ve learned Queensland is no longer immune to the most devastating
bushfires.
We can’t know exactly where and when bushfires will strike, but we do know the next
bushfire season is just around the corner.
We also know how important it is that we work together to prepare.
Hazard reduction burns
Hazard reduction burns can be an effective way to prepare properties for bushfires.
Local fire wardens are there to help. If you’re planning to light a fire for hazard reduction, it’s
important you talk to your local warden to get a permit that coordinates timing and risk.
Permits are free. You’ll find contact details for your local warden at
www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Pages/fw_finder.aspx
Fire breaks
I want to be very clear that, under state legislation, as a landholder you can construct fire
breaks on your property to prepare for bushfires.
State Vegetation Management laws, under broad 'exempt clearing work' provisions set out
that for the purposes of bushfire mitigation landholders may clear to establish or maintain:
• a fire break to protect infrastructure (other than a fence, road or vehicular track) up to
1.5 times the height of the tallest adjacent vegetation or 20m (whichever is wider)
• a fire management line of 10m width, and
• clearing to establish or maintain a fence up to 10m wide – providing a fire
management line on the boundary of all properties.
However, it is recommended that before any clearing, land holders should check with their
local government for any planning approval requirements. Other local, state and federal
government laws may apply despite existing state exemptions.
For further information go to www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation, or
call 135VEG (13 58 34) to speak with a vegetation management officer.
Emergency Services Complex
125 Kedron Park Road Kedron
GPO Box 1425 Brisbane
Queensland 4001 Australia
Telephone 13 QGOV
Website www.qfes.qld.gov.au
ABN 93 035 163 778
Page 6
Attachment 1
It’s also important to have a bushfire survival plan. You’ll find all the information you need at
www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
Your local Queensland Fire and Emergency Services team is ready to work with you to
make your family, property and community safe this bushfire season.
Now is the time to get ready.
Yours sincerely
Mike Wassing AFSM
Acting Commissioner
Page 2 of 2
Page 7
Attachment 2
Exemptions for Protected Vegetation Overlay
(Biodiversity Overlay Code)
Vegetation is protected on all freehold land over the Shire so a permit is required unless an
exemption applies.
Further information is available on council’s website - Part 13 Biodiversity Overlay Code.
4 categories of properties:
Category 1: Lots up to 0.3 H (urban lots generally)
Category 2: lots between 0.3 and up to 2 H
Category 3: Lots equal or greater than 2H
Category 4: Lots with a Property Vegetation Management Plan (e.g. Farm Forestry)
NOTE: reasonably necessary means vegetation clearing for a particular purpose where there is no
alternative way of achieving the purpose that is prudent and feasible and that would avoid clearing
or significantly reduce the extent of vegetation clearing.
Exemptions (NO PERMIT): (Any doubts please check with Council (07) 5329 6500)
exempt clearing means—
a) clearing which is a property maintenance activity;
property maintenance activity means clearing protected vegetation which is
reasonably necessary for property maintenance including the following —
1. construction and maintenance of a farm track, fence and shed on site
2. maintenance of crops
3. slashing of grass
4. harvesting of crops
5. maintenance of pasture and cleared land areas
6. pruning, felling and clearing of orchard vegetation species
7. surveying purposes
8. collection of firewood for non-commercial purposes
9. removal of an exotic weed
10. removal of undesirable plant species (Refer end of document for list)
11. any other maintenance activity specified in a property vegetation management
plan.
b) clearing which is reasonably necessary for emergency access or work or is
immediately required in response to an accident or emergency;
c) clearing on a category 4 lot identified as exempt clearing for a property
vegetation management plan prepared and approved in accordance with Local
Page 8
Attachment 2
Law No. 10 (Vegetation Management) 1;
d) clearing which is reasonably necessary for carrying out work that is —
1. authorised or required under an Act, regulation or local law; or
2. specified in a notice given by the local government or another regulatory
authority;
e) clearing in accordance with a development approval;
f) clearing on a category 1 lot, where —
1. the vegetation is within three (3) metres of an existing building or structure; and
2. the clearing is reasonably necessary for access to the building or structure or has
been approved in a landscape plan; and
3. the vegetation is not otherwise required to be retained in accordance with a
development approval;
g) clearing on a category 2 or 3 lot, where —
1. the vegetation is within ten (10) metres of an existing building or structure; and
2. the clearing is reasonably necessary for access to the building or structure or has
been approved in a landscape plan; and
3. the vegetation is not otherwise required to be retained in accordance with a
development approval;
h) clearing on a category 3 or 4 lot greater than ten (10) hectares in area, where —
1. the vegetation is within 30 metres of a building or within ten (10) metres of a
structure; and
2. the clearing is reasonably necessary for the control of fire risk to the building or
structure; and
3. the vegetation is not otherwise required to be retained in accordance with a
development approval;
i) clearing vegetation within the path of a utility service;
j) clearing on a category 1, 2 or 3 lot, where the clearing —
1. is pruning of native vegetation for the purpose of tree maintenance or hazard
management; and
2. results in no more than 20% loss of the live canopy volume of a tree within a 12-
month period; and
3. does not involve lopping or topping;
1
Copies of property vegetation management plans can be obtained from the Noosa Council offices
Page 9
Attachment 2
k) the clearing is on a category 1, 2 or 3 lot, where the clearing is to vegetation that
is regrowth - any vegetation that is less than seven (7) years of age.
other than the following —
1. vegetation in an area identified as a landslide hazard area on the Natural
Resources Overlay maps;
2. vegetation which is an endangered, vulnerable and near threatened plant as
defined by the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006;
3. vegetation which is critically endangered or vulnerable flora as defined by the
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;
4. heathland;
5. riparian vegetation;
6. vegetation in a critical habitat;
7. vegetation in an area that has been cleared in contravention of a local law
including the former local law;
l) clearing on land in the Agricultural Land Conservation Area (ALCA) identified on
the Natural Resources Overlay maps;
m) clearing in the course of a fire management activity (use of fire for wild fire risk
management);
n) clearing in the course of a forest practice (same meaning in Sustainable Planning
Act 2009);
o) clearing in accordance with a permit under the former local law.
Page 10
THE CONSULTANCY BGREAG CURRICULUM VITAE LESLIE HAWKES, SENIOR ASSOCIATE Qualifications + BSc For ANU 1969 Professional Affiliations ¢ Member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia + Justice of the Peace (Qualified) Areas of Expertise + Land use planning, including the resolution of land use conflicts ° Development of community-based management strategies for natural resources, including forests, bushfire and wildlife + Development of environmental guidelines ¢ Development and implementation of fire management plans and strategies + Resource assessments for native and plantation timber + Farm, social and community forestry (including the development of resource materials) + Silviculture and management of native rainforest, eucalypt and plantation forests ¢ Forest recreational planning and management of State Forests and National Parks Relevant Experience + Extensive experience as a Natural Resource Consultant, preparing Reports on Environmental Performance, Court Appearances as an expert witness, performing forest, environmental, habitat assessments and Bushfire Plans. ¢ Extensive experience in Queensland, participating in forums and negotiations relating to land use conflicts, including conflicts between forestry and sugar growing industries. ¢ Sound understanding of the operations of the sugar growing industry and of the agricultural and grazing sectors, from continuing contact with participants in the industry and from direct experience as a primary producer. + Appreciation of the constraints and challenges facing the farming sector and individual farmers from ongoing contacts with the primary production sector, from direct farming experience, and as a small business proprietor. The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd en 35 010 873 346 Unit 4, 50 Northlink Place Virginia Qld 4014 PO Box 142 Northgate Qld 4013 Phone: 07 3256 8444 Facsimile: 07 3256 8944 Email: [email protected] www.consultancybureau.com.au MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Page 11
Curriculum Vitae Les Hawkes, Senior Associate - The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd Work Experience 1992 — present Natural Resource Consultant - The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd Achievements + Provide consultancy services to public and private sector within Queensland on wide range of ecological assignments including Prepare Bushfire Management Plans throughout Queensland and present expert evidence in the courts for Local Authorities and Developers. Environmental Impact Assessments on large sub division proposals, roads, quarries and underground cable projects. Prepare legal reports on environmental performance for Local Authorities and private developers (court appearance as expert witness). Review, develop community based management strategies for rural Queensland areas, e.g. (Western Cypress areas around Roma). Assist in the review of Environmental Labelling for Forest products in Australia. Assist in financial auditing for Queensland Government Department. Major review of habitat of the Mahogany Glider in the Herbert Valley. 1992 - 2007 Small business owner/operator 1992-1995: Party Hire Owner/Operator 1996-2007: Ladder Manufacture and Distribution, Qld and NSW 1998-2007: Wholesale Leather Distribution Company. 1990-1992 Manager, Forest Advisory Branch, Queensland Forest Service. Achievements ¢ Management, development and delivery of information services to keep the public informed of the intent and the detail of all programs and services of the Queensland Forest Service. ¢ Co-ordinate and enhance the quality of the rural and urban environment by encouraging and facilitating the planting, care and retention of trees along with the role rehabilitation of degraded land by promoting the role of trees and forests in sustainable land management including assessment of private commercial forest proposals. + Developing and producing appropriate awareness campaign along with literature to ensure the wider community is fully informed on suitable practices on the land. Hawkes CV THE CONSULTANCY BGREAG Page 2
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Curriculum Vitae Les Hawkes, Senior Associate - The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd 1985 - 1990 District Forester at Ingham District - Queensland Forest Service Achievements of High level negotiations and demonstration of the Department’s management of the rainforests in North Queensland. + High level of both technical and managerial skills in a senior field position. + High degree of expertise in managing the development of tropical forests. ¢ Major resource assessments of all lowland native forest in Ingham region for land use classification. + Management of a large budget, including financial monitoring and auditing. + Workforce management and control, including responsibility for planning the downsizing of the workforce following the cessation of rainforest harvesting. ¢ Establish and manage 10000 ha of exotic pine plantation. 1980-1985 Officer In Charge of the Imbil District - Queensland Forest Service Achievements ¢ Management of a 14,000 ha plantation of Hoop Pine which involved:- - raising 500,000 nursery stock annually. - Establishment of approximately 250ha of new plantation, annually, silvicultural maintenance including weeding, pruning and thinning, commercial harvesting of 40,000 cubic metres of thinning and preparation for the imminent harvesting of much larger volumes of timber of the final crop. 4 Management of highly productive native hardwood forests for both timber and high use recreational pursuits including all the Connondale Range area. ¢ Management and workforce control of 120+ staff 1978 - 1980 Marketing Development Officer - Marketing Division - Queensland Forest Service, Head Office Achievements + Review of pricing systems for the Services forest products. e Investigation and development of operational and environmental guidelines for forestry activities + Review environmental logging guidelines in native forests. THE CONSULTANCY BUREAG Hawkes CV Page 3
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Curriculum Vitae Les Hawkes, Senior Associate - The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd 1977-1978 Fire Protection Officer for Queensland Achievements + Responsible for management to ensure the effective protection of all state forests from fire. « Extensive work in pioneering helicopter hazard reduction burning of both native forests and exotic plantations. ¢ Developing and running Fire Schools for all Field Officers in Queensland. 1970-1977 Various management positions in the Queensland Forest Service + Forester in Charge of Native Forest Management Esk Gatton Crows Nest. + Forester in Charge of Jimna SF. including Native Forest Management of Conondale Range. Consultancy Experience Human Resource Management + Up-sizing and down-sizing of workforces, for example:- - Increases in plantation establishment, staff from 50 to 120. - Shut down of Rainforest logging and complete review of all positions in North Queensland and report on down-sizing. - Implementation of performance management systems from 1982 - 1992. - Development of the Queensland wide forestry extension program including budgets, staff position descriptions, recruitment and placement. Human Resource Development ¢ Developing training course and providing Fire Training Schools for Queensland wide Fire Prevention staff. + Produced training videos for Farm Forestry, manuals for Farm Forestry, quarterly corporate publication and computer based Tree Selection System with accompanying book version for Farm Forestry activities. Organisational Structures and Functions @ 1976 Department of Forestry Restructure 1982 Review of roles / responsibilities and reporting systems for Queensland Wide Sub- Districts. THE CONSULTANC EAU Hawkes CV pics Page 4
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Curriculum Vitae Les Hawkes, Senior Associate - The Consultancy Bureau Pty Ltd @ 1989 @ 1990 @ 1993 @ 1996 @ 1998 Review of North Queensland - Forestry Structure, Personnel and redundancy needs following the closure of Rainforest Management. Develop a state-wide structure for Forest extension including interaction with Land Care, Integrated Catchment Management and Extension Research. Business planning and development of a Hire Equipment business. Purchase of a Ladder Manufacturing business and implementation of a new factory system and a changed marketing strategy. Purchased leather distribution company and implemented change to post a 400% increase in turnover in 30 months. Additional Skills ¢ Considerable involvement with Aboriginal Communities over a 25 year period including - assistance in developing skills (sawmilling, fire protection, and special native treecrops). 5 Assistance with employment training schemes especially using unskilled labour. + Developing and assisting with problems employing people of diverse cultural backgrounds. ¢ Major team building has included:- Forest Extension Programme Up-sizing for new Plantation Programme Staff morale reviews during and after the Rainforest Logging Debate Scope of Consultancy Services * Les Hawkes has a strong operational background with excellent interpersonal skills at the work place. He has extensive experience in feasibility studies and design of projects and programmes. Les possesses extensive experience in project implementation / with large workforces and budgets, and develops sound operational plans showing achievement milestones and required reporting arrangements. € Considerable experience in land use evaluation reporting and conflict resolution. Hawkes CV Z THE CONSULTANCY BOGREAG Page 5S