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2021-06-08 P&E Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021
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8 June 2021
Item 7 - Attachment 1
Noosa Bushland Reserve
Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021
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Section 2
© Noosa Council 2021 www.noosa.qld.gov.au General Enquiries: By telephone: (07) 5329 6500 By email: [email protected] Fax: (07) 5329 6501 Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565 Endorsed by Noosa Council 20__ Disclaimer This document has been developed by Noosa Council’s Environment and Sustainable Development Department. Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to as such. This is a strategic document which deals with technical matters in a summary way only. Council or its officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance upon any material contained in this document.
Section 3
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3
2. The bushland reserve network ........................................................................................... 4
3. Principles of bushland reserve fire management .............................................................. 7
4. Bushfire risk ......................................................................................................................... 8
5. Determining reserve priorities .......................................................................................... 10
5.1 Reserve network risk assessments ........................................................................ 10
5.2 Reserve groupings ................................................................................................. 16
5.3 Fire Management Unit (FMUs) ............................................................................... 18
6. Risk mitigation measures.................................................................................................. 19
6.1 Asset Protection Zones .......................................................................................... 19
6.1.1 Fire access trails ............................................................................................... 19
6.1.2 Fuel Reduced Zones (FRZ) .............................................................................. 19
6.2 Fire trails and FRZ Standards ................................................................................ 20
6.3 New fire trails and FRZs ......................................................................................... 21
6.4 Planned burns ........................................................................................................ 22
6.5 Community engagement ........................................................................................ 25
6.6 Disaster management ............................................................................................ 25
7. Fire Management Planning ............................................................................................... 26
7.1 Fire Management Action Plan ................................................................................ 26
7.2 5-Year Fire Management Operational Plan ............................................................ 28
8. Appendix ............................................................................................................................ 30
8.1 Priority reserves for fire management ..................................................................... 30
8.2 Fire adaptive vegetation communities .................................................................... 32
8.3 Fire sensitive vegetation communities .................................................................... 34
8.4 Fire Management Plan template for reserves ......................................................... 35
8.5 Community liaison letter template .......................................................................... 37
8.6 Useful websites ...................................................................................................... 39
8.7 Acronyms ............................................................................................................... 39
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 2
Section 4
1. Introduction Noosa Shire has a great diversity of landscapes consisting of coastal vegetation, wetlands, open forest and rainforest. Much of the vegetation we see today was originally shaped by indigenous cultural burning practices. Some vegetation types such as heath requires burning to maintain biodiversity, while other vegetation types such as rainforest can be destroyed by bushfire. Through climate change, bushfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense. Climate change presents greater risks to life, property, essential infrastructure and biodiversity. Although Council’s bushland reserve estate is relatively small (less than 4% of the shire), compared with the area of private land and national park, the Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021 will help inform actions to build greater community resilience with bushfire, while protecting the natural values of the bushland reserve network. Like other landowners, Noosa Council has certain obligations in relation to fire management. This extends to controlling fire on bushland reserve and maintaining the natural values of the reserve consistent with its management intent. Protecting ecosystems, vegetation and habitats and building community resilience are key objectives in the Noosa Environment Strategy. The aim of the Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021 is to help protect life and property while maintaining biodiversity values on bushland reserves. It is a 5 year plan that provides principles of bushland reserve fire management and identifies responsibilities, hazards and risks, and an action plan to mitigate those risks based on reserve priorities. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 3
Section 5
2. The bushland reserve network The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021 covers Council’s bushland reserve network only. Within Noosa Shire there are 178 bushland reserves covering an area of 3,469ha, which is a relatively small area of land in comparison with the area of private land and national park. However, given that many of the reserves are located next to urban and rural settlements, they present significance challenges for land managers in respect to fire management. Figure 1 below shows the proportion of bushland reserve in comparison with private land and State land including national park. Figure 1. Proportion of land management. Council Bushland Reserve represents less than 4% of the shire. Council Bushland Reserves vary in size from 750m2 to 325ha and are shown in the following map. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 4
Section 6
Map 1. Noosa Council Bushland Reserve Network DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 5
Section 7
Noosa Bushland Reserve ‘Snapshot’ Noosa Shire was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2007. Bushland Reserves are an important part of the Core Biosphere Zone which largely consists of National Park. Contain 413.44 hectares of ‘Endangered’ and 1,345.66 hectares “Of Concern” Regional Ecosystem vegetation types Protects 100.25 hectares of Sub-tropical lowland rainforest 63.3 hectares of Coastal Saltmarsh. Both are listed as Threatened Ecological Communities under Commonwealth legislation Provides habitat for a range of threatened species including Boronia keysii, Noosa Shire’s floral emblem and the Ground Parrot, which is dependent on ecological burns to survive. Table 1. The Noosa Shire Bushland Reserve Network is an important part of the Core Biosphere Zone. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 6
Section 8
3. Principles of bushland reserve fire
management
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan is based on a number of principles:
Principle 1: Council will take a risk management approach with bushland reserve fire
management
Principle 2: Reserves will be managed to mitigate risks to staff, park visitors, infrastructure
and immediate neighbours
Principle 3: Fire will be used to maintain vegetation structure and protect/enhance
biodiversity and threatened species
Principle 4: Council and government agencies will work cooperatively to identify and
mitigate bushfire risk
Principle 5: In consultation with Traditional Owners, cultural burn practices will be employed
where possible
Principle 6: Council will continue to monitor the impacts of a changing climate and adapt
land management practices to suit
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 7
Section 9
4. Bushfire risk Risk is the probability of an event happening that can cause a certain level of loss. The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan takes a risk management approach in identifying priorities using Council’s Risk Assessment Calculator. Figure 2. Council’s risk assessment calculator is used to assess bushfire risk on Council reserve A risk assessment has been undertaken for two categories: Risks on reserve to: Staff Volunteers Visitors Biodiversity Risks to immediate neighbours Life and property Table 2 is an example of a risk assessment for a bushland reserve. The risk assessment is applied to all individual reserves to determine priorities across the network. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 8
Section 10
New risk rating
Consequence
Risk rating
Likelihood
mitigation
M-Medium
E-Extreme
Proposed
controls
Current
Hazard
H-High
L-Low
On-reserve
Bushfire Possible Moderate M-52 Monitoring of Park closures M-28
hazard to Fire Danger during
staff and Index and severe,
contractors in notifications extreme or
remote areas to staff catastrophic
fire weather
Bushfire Possible Minor M-28 Monitoring of Park closures L-8
hazard to Fire Danger during
volunteers in Index and severe,
built up areas information extreme or
to volunteers catastrophic
fire weather
Bushfire Unlikely Minor L-20 Monitoring of Park closures L-4
hazard to Fire Danger during
visitors Index and severe,
in built up information extreme or
areas to visitors catastrophic
fire weather
Loss of Possible Moderate H-52 Planned Introduce M-28
biodiversity burns, fire ecological
through trails and burning
inappropriate fuel program and
fire reduction develop fire
frequencies/ zones trails/FRZ to
intensity meet
standards
Off-reserve within 100m buffer
Bushfire Possible Major E-76 Planned Introduce M-28
hazard to burns, fire hazard
neighbour life trails, fuel reduction
and property reduction burning
zones, program and
neighbour develop fire
education trails/FRZ to
meet
standards
Total risk 228 96
rating
Table 2. An example of bushland reserve bushfire risk assessment and the proposed risk mitigation measures.
Note these scores have not had weightings applied.
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 9
Section 11
5. Determining reserve priorities
It is not practical to initiate fire management actions for all 178 reserves at once. The Noosa Bushland
Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021 prioritises all reserves within the network through a
risk assessment process. Each Bushland Reserve consists of individual FMUs. FMU’s are also
assessed to determine the final priorities for operational works such as planned burns and fire trail
works. This process is shown diagrammatically below.
Figure 3. Methodology for prioritising reserves and FMUs for fire mitigation actions including an annual
review of current climate change information.
5.1 Reserve network risk assessments
As discussed, risk assessments are completed for each of the reserves using the following
categories:
‘On-reserve’ risk assessment-people
This risk assessment uses the State Planning Policy (SPP) Potential Bushfire Intensity mapping
which identifies bushfire prone areas across the Queensland (see Map 2). The CSIRO developed
the methodology for the fire hazard mapping based on vegetation type fuel load (see Table 3), slope
and fire weather severity. The mapping identifies areas of medium, high and very fire hazard, which
means that fire can be difficult to control in these areas under severe weather conditions. Low hazard
areas are considered low bushfire risk and not included in the SPP mapping. Bushland reserves with
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 10
Section 12
the highest BPI’s are given the highest priority for mitigating risk to staff, volunteers and visitors. Tree fall during and after fires can be an issue and is considered in the risk assessment process. Map 2. Noosa Bushland Reserves in relation to State Potential Bushfire Intensity (PBI) mapping. PBI is calculated from vegetation fuel load, slope and fire weather severity. The majority of Council’s Bushland Reserves are mapped as having potentially medium, high to very high bushfire intensity during extreme fire events. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 11
Section 13
Potential Fuel
Vegetation
Vegetation Hazard Class description Load
Hazard Class
(tonnes/ha)
1 Melaleuca communities 33
2 Open forests / woodlands - shrubby 30
3 Tall open forests 28
4 Heath communities 27
5 Exotic and hardwood plantations 26
6 Cypress and Casuarina communities 20
7 Open forests / woodlands - grassy 19
8 Acacia communities 10
9 Coastal, fringing and dune communities 8
10 Riparian and fringing communities 8
11 Native grasslands, sedgelands and balds 5
12 Mixture of rural classes - mainly grassland 5
13 Cropping and horticulture 5
14 Dry vine forest and vine thickets 5
15 Hoop Plantations 5
16 Mixture of urban classes 3
17 Rainforest 1
18 Mangroves and saltmarshes 1
19 Sparse ground cover 1
20 Water bodies 0
Table 3. Average vegetation fuel loads. Melaleuca paperbark forest and Eucalypt forest are considered having
potentially the highest fuel loads. This can change depending on recent fire history. Calculation of current fuel
loads can only be done through on ground assessment.
Source: CSIRO 2014; A new methodology for State-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas.
‘On-reserve’ risk assessment-biodiversity
Depending on the vegetation type, too frequent burning will encourage vegetation to become fire
dependant. Too infrequent burning can result in the loss of certain species that require fire for
germination and dispersal. Some vegetation types such as rainforest can be destroyed by fire. The
Qld Regional Ecosystem mapping for Broad Vegetation Groups (see Map 3) informs Tolerable Fire
Frequencies (TFI) for vegetation. For example fire dependent communities such as heath and fire
sensitive communities such as rainforest are vulnerable to different fire frequencies outside of TFIs
and are given a high priority for mitigation actions.
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 12
Section 14
Map 3. Noosa Broad Vegetation Groups (BVGs). The type of vegetation informs Tolerable Fire Intervals (TFIs). DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 13
Section 15
The QLD Fire and Biodiversity Consortium provide a fact sheet on fire regimes for broad vegetation groups. This is shown below. Table 4. QLD Fire and Biodiversity Consortium recommended ecological burn frequencies, or Tolerable Fire Intervals (TFIs). ‘Extent’ refers to the percentage of vegetation burnt/ha when undertaking a mosaic burn. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 14
Section 16
‘Off-reserve’ neighbour risk assessment-life and property This risk assessment uses the State Bushfire Interface Zone mapping. This mapping is based on the intensity of a vegetation fire within a 100 meters of assets such as buildings. Buildings with the highest Bushfire Interface rating (e.g. nursing home buildings) are given the highest risk rating. Map 4. An example of Bushfire Interface Zone mapping. The green areas are the 100m Bushfire Interface Zone in relation to vegetation and buildings (shown as dots). (Source: Qld Gov.) Table 5. Risk assessment of buildings within the 100m Bushfire Interface Zone (Source: Qld Gov.) DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 15
Section 17
5.2 Reserve groupings
Once assessments of the ‘on-reserve’ and ‘neighbour’ risk categories are completed for all reserves
they are grouped into Priorities of Very high, High, Medium or Low priority to further inform
management actions. Final management actions will be subject to existing individual Fire
Management Plans and on-ground inspections for each the reserves.
Examples are shown below in Table 6.
Priority General criteria Examples
1 Very high Very high BPI, very high Symplocus Environmental
Risk rating 70-100 biodiversity score, very high Reserve
4 reserves risk interface with
development
2 High High BPI, high biodiversity Alyxia Nature Refuge
Risk rating 40-69 score, high risk interface with
56 reserves development
2 Medium Medium BPI, medium Frogmouth Lane Bushland
Risk rating 20-39 biodiversity score, moderate Reserve
75 reserves risk interface with
development
3 Low Medium BPI, low biodiversity Six Mile Creek Bushland
Risk rating 0-19 score, low risk interface with Reserve
43 reserves development
Table 6. An example of grouping Bushland Reserve into groups to help determine management priorities.
This is shown graphically below.
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 16
Section 18
Map 5. 2020 Shire risk assessment of the Bushland Reserve Network. The assessment covered risks to life, property and biodiversity. Red and orange reserves rated the highest bushfire risk. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 17
Section 19
5.3 Fire Management Unit (FMUs)
Each priority bushland reserve has one or several individual Fire Management Units (FMUs) within
its boundaries. FMUs allow portions of a reserve to be burnt at any one time, rather than the entire
reserve, to help maintain biodiversity. FMU boundaries are defined by the topography of the site,
presence of existing fire trails and natural fire breaks such as waterways, and distinct vegetation
types that require different fire regimes. Priorities for works on individual FMUs can be informed by
existing Fire Management Plans (FMPs), recent fire fuel load assessments or other on ground
assessments. FMUs along common boundaries with private landowners will be a higher priority.
The finalised listing of priority reserves and Fire Management Units (FMUs) is updated on an annual
basis. This listing informs the Council’s 5-Year Operational Plan and works program including fire
trail maintenance, fuel reduction zones (FMZ) and planned burns.
Map 6. An example of individual Bushland Reserve Fire Management Units (FMUs)
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 18
Section 20
6. Risk mitigation measures
6.1 Asset Protection Zones
Asset Protection Zones are designed to mitigate risk immediately next to reserve neighbours but still
achieve biodiversity outcomes across the extent of the reserve. Asset Protection Zones may consist
of one or both of the following, depending on site conditions:
Fire access trails (also known as Fuel Free Zones) immediately next to neighbouring assets
Fuel Reduced Zone (FRZ) where vegetation understory and ground cover is reduced either
mechanically or through frequent burning
Figure 4. Illustration of an Asset Protection Zone (Source: 10 Rivers Environment Consultancy)
Fire Access Trails and Fuel Reduced Zones are discussed further below.
6.1.1 Fire access trails
Fire access trails within Council managed Bushland Reserves facilitate access for fire appliances for
the purposes of undertaking planned burns or controlling small fires. Although the fire trails are
slashed or mown and are considered ‘fuel free’, in severe and above rated wildfire conditions fire
trails seldom provide a barrier to a fire front as fires can ‘spot’ hundreds of metres ahead. Fire trails
are not normally accessed with vehicles if a large fire front is approaching.
The width of the fire trail depends on the Bushfire Interface Zone risk assessment undertaken along
reserve boundaries and the requirements for access by different size fire vehicles. Fire trails in higher
risk areas will receive more frequent maintenance mowing/slashing than lower priority areas.
6.1.2 Fuel Reduced Zones (FRZ)
Fuel Reduced Zones (FRZ) may be located next to fire trails where greater protection to
neighbouring properties is required. FRZ reduce vegetative fuel by clearing the understory and
ground cover, but not the taller trees. This reduces the chance of a fire carrying from the ground into
the tree canopy.
In some cases FRZ are used as an alternative to fire trails. FRZ’s can be used in areas that re
steeply sloping and a fire trail would cause significant erosion and are not practical for fire vehicles
to access.
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 19
Section 21
6.2 Fire trails and FRZ Standards
The nature of a fire trail and fuel reduction zone depends on two main factors:
Neighbouring assets: The nature of the neighbouring assets within 100m will determine the
width of a fire trail and/or FRZ. The higher the risk, the greater the width of the fire trail to allow
large fire appliances
Slope: The primary purpose of a fire trail is to allow access for fire appliance vehicles. If the
slope of the land is greater than 20 degrees or there is highly unstable soil, then this will restrict
access for vehicles.
A single reserve can have multiple types of fire trails and FRZ’s depending on changes in slope and
the types of neighbouring buildings. Table 7 provides a general guideline for fire trails/FRZ for
reserves with High to Very High bushfire risk.
Bushfire FMU Asset Protection Zone Fire unit Maintenance
Interface Assessment (APZ) access requirements
Zone risk Fire access Fuel
assessment trail width Reduction
Zone (FRZ)
width
Category A Vulnerable persons and buildings
(e.g. nursing homes)
1 <20 degrees 15m 5m Large fire Fire trails every 3
appliance months
can access FRZ every 3 years
and turn
around on
trail. Slashing/mowing
Narrow 3m N/A N/A control every 3 months
vegetation line only
corridor
2 >20 degree N/A 20m N/A FRZ every 3 years
slope and/or
highly erodible
soil.
Category B Essential service and hazardous
facilities (e.g. utilities)
3 <20 degrees 10m 5m Large fire Fire trails every 3
appliance months
can access FRZ every 3 years
and
undertake 3
point turn Slashing/mowing
on trail. every 3 months
Narrow 3m N/A N/A control
vegetation line only
corridor
4 >20 degree N/A 15m N/A FRZ every 3 years
slope and/or
highly erodible
soil.
Category C Residential buildings and facilities
5 <20 degrees 4m N/A Medium and Fire trails every 4
small fire months
appliances
can have
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 20
Section 22
Bushfire FMU Asset Protection Zone Fire unit Maintenance
Interface Assessment (APZ) access requirements
Zone risk Fire access Fuel
assessment trail width Reduction
Zone (FRZ)
width
one way
access.
Narrow 3m N/A N/A control Slashing/mowing
vegetation line only every 3 months
corridor
6 >20 degree N/A 10m N/A FRZ every 4 years
slope and/or
highly erodible
soil.
Category D Industrial, commercial, agricultural
7 <20 degrees 3m N/A Small fire Fire trails every 5
appliance months
can have
one way
access.
Narrow 3m N/A N/A control Slashing/mowing
vegetation line only every 5 months
corridor
8 >20 degree N/A 6m N/A FRZ every 5 years
slope and/or
highly-
erodible soil.
Table 7. Guidelines for fire trails/FRZ for bushland reserves with High to Very High bushfire risk.
Fire trails/FRZ that do not meet these standards in relation to their priority grouping will roll into the
fire trail operational works program.
6.3 New fire trails and FRZs
As per Table 7 the width of the fire trail/FRZ depends on topography, requirements for fire appliance
access and the vulnerability of neighbouring buildings. Where topography is not conducive of
locating a fire trail on a bushland reserve, neighbours are encouraged to maintain fire trails on their
land.
Prior to the development of new fire trials/FRZ, the potential impacts of works will need to be
undertaken by Council staff. The following matters will need to be considered when establishing new
fire trails:
Potential erosion
Impacts on environmentally significant vegetation and habitat such as Matters of National
and State Significance (i.e. threatened species and habitat)
Possible cultural heritage sites
Fire trails need to be well formed, drained, gated and signed
New trails can escalate other issues such as illegal access, camping and rubbish disposal.
Council receives requests from a number of sources concerning fire management. Figure 5 below
provides a decision tool for requests concerning new fire trails, FRZ’s and/or burns for bushland
reserves.
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 21
Section 23
Figure 5. Decision tool for staff concerning requests for new fire trials, FRZ’s or burns.
Priorities for new fire trails/FRZ are included in Council’s 5 year operational works program and
shown graphically below.
6.4 Planned burns
Planned burns are used to mitigate risk to life, property and/or biodiversity. While vegetation that has
been subject to a planned burn may still carry a fire during extreme bushfire events, the chance of
control and containment of the fire is improved. Depending on the vegetation type and location,
generally a mosaic of burnt vegetation is preferred to provide refugia for native animals and to
maintain a diversity of vegetative age structure. For ease of control Council aims to burn during the
cooler months of autumn and winter. Council currently engages contractors to undertake planned
burns.
The following documents can assist to inform future planned burning programs:
QPWS Planned Burn Guidelines for the Southeast Queensland Bioregion of Queensland
(2013)
QPWS Planned Burn Guidelines: How to Assess if Your Burn is Ready to Go
QLD Fire and Biodiversity Consortium – Fire Management Operational Manual (2002).
National Guidelines for Prescribed Burning Operations
Personnel involved with delivering a planned burn follow an operational checklist for assessing and
avoiding/mitigating risk to staff (e.g. tree fall) and including measures to avoid risks to threatened
species and cultural heritage assets.
Planning for ecological burning requires comprehensive fire history mapping as shown below.
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 22
Section 24
Map 7. Historic records of ecological, hazard reduction and wildfire on Council’s bushland reserve network. Fire history records are recorded and mapped to inform Council’s forward planned burn program. This map does not data from other land management agencies (such as Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service). DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 23
Section 25
The map below shows the Fire Management Units (FMUs) identified for future planned burns across the bushland reserve network in Council’s 5-Year Operational Plan. Map 8. Council’s 5-Year Operational Plan program. The actual delivery of planned burns will be subject to weather conditions at the time. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 24
Section 26
6.5 Community engagement A number of key stakeholders have a vested interest in Noosa’s Bushland Reserves and are advised prior to any fire trail expansion or burn operations. Reserve neighbours Bushwalkers Fitness groups Environment groups Bushcare Groups Emergency services Utility companies such as Energex and Unity Water and Telstra Noosa Council is a member of the Area Fire Management Group (AFMG). Group meetings provide an opportunity to coordinate fire management activities jointly with QPWS, QFES, DNRM, HQP and private landholders. 6.6 Disaster management The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan helps inform multi-agency programs such as the Queensland Government ‘Operation Cool Burn’ which is conducted prior to fire season. Stakeholders include QFES, National Parks, DNRME, SEQ Water, HQP, DAF and Council. Council officers are part of the Area Fire Management Group (AFMG) where shire wide priorities are reviewed on a regular basis. QFES has a ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guide (https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety/Pages/default.aspx) for residents living near bushland. Council will be able to update its website and Facebook pages prior to fire season. The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan risk assessment process has identified 11 bushland reserves where it is impractical to manage fire within the boundaries of the bushland reserve estate only. The extent of vegetation across public and private land warrants a multi-agency fire management approach. Council is working with QFES, QPWS, DNRM and private landholders to develop multi-agency plans for collaborative fire management. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 25
Section 27
7. Fire Management Planning 7.1 Fire Management Action Plan The following Action Plan supports the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 in 2 key areas: Theme 1 Biodiversity Strategy 1.1: Protect and enhance existing ecosystems, vegetation networks and habitats Theme 2 Climate change adaptation and resilience Strategy 4.1 Increase community resilience and capacity to adapt to climate change Action Indicator Responsibility Timeframe Cost Develop procedures Staff implement Council 20/21 and ongoing In-house for staff to respond procedures during Environmental each year to severe, extreme, severe and above Services and catastrophic fire fire weather Disaster weather including Management Branch increased fire trail inspections and reserve and trail closures for high to very high priority reserves. Develop response and reporting procedures in the event of a bushfire on Council-owned land. Develop a The development of Council 21/22 In-house Community a Community Environmental Engagement Plan Engagement Plan, Services, Disaster with actions to Interactive mapping Management include the and Statements of Branch, development of: Management Intent QFES -Interactive for priority reserves mapping that the are completed public can access to view Council’s 5- year fire management operational plan for individual reserves. -Statements of Management Intent for priority reserves with fire management information -formal processes for engaging with community groups particularly around wildlife response -measures to avoid bushfire such as no camping, dumping of rubbish and/or DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 26
Section 28
Action Indicator Responsibility Timeframe Cost
fire trail access
provisions
Revise reserve Risk is mitigated as Council Ongoing each year In-house
priorities and Fire per FMP and Environmental prior to budget
Management Unit bushland reserves Services process
(FMU) priorities protect and
based on risk enhance
mitigation activities biodiversity values
and updated climate
change information
particularly in
relation to
threatened species
Implement bushfire Risk is mitigated as Council Planned burns Additional
mitigation works per FMP and Environmental autumn-winter capital and
including planned bushland reserves Services Fire trails/FRZ prior operational
burns, fire trail/FRZ protect and to wet season costs over and
maintenance. enhance above current
Increase capacity biodiversity values budget
for fire management allocations will
as per the 5-Year be subject to a
Operational Plan business case
based on a for
business case to be consideration
presented to by Council
Council. TBA
Engage with key Attend Area Fire Council As per AFMG In-house
stakeholders such Management Environmental meeting schedule
as QFES, QPWS Groups (AFMG) as Services Engagement as
and Traditional required to inform required
Owners on fire Operation Cool
management Burn.
Engage with
Traditional owners
on cultural burning
practices where
appropriate
Develop multi- 3 multi-agency Disaster Annual $65,000 in 2021
agency fire plans are developed Management Branch engage
management plans each year and risk is consultant
for key high risk mitigated for these
localities (11 locations.
identified in total) Note: 4 locations
have been identified
as an initial priority.
These are Noosa
North Shore,
Tewantin, Pomona
and Noosa.
Investigate State Funding is delivered Council Environment Ongoing Subject to
and Federal funding to improve the Serves and Disaster availability of
opportunities to help resilience of Management Branch State and
improve the building stock Federal funding
resilience of private
buildings located
next to Bushland
Reserves
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 27
Section 29
7.2 5-Year Fire Management Operational Plan
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021, through its bushfire risk
assessment process, identifies 60 reserves with very high to high risk ratings. For a complete listing
of the High and Very High priority reserves see Appendix 8.1. These reserves are targeted for
operational works to mitigate bushfire risk and are identified in a 5-year Operational Plan.
The final listing of high priority bushland reserves and FMUs are kept on a separate spreadsheet to
this Plan to allow annual updates. An example is shown below:
Reserve name Reserve risk Priority Fire Risk mitigation New risk Timing of
rating Management Planned burn rating works
Red-Very high Units (FMUs). Fire trail calculation (fn/yr)
(70-100) Identified in Fuel after risk
Brown-High reserve Fire reduction mitigation
(40-69) Management zone treatment
Yellow-Medium Plan (FMP) or closures
(20-39) through on-site
Green-Low inspection
(0-19)
Symplocus 76.8 FMU 3 FMU 3 planned burn 53.2 Year 1
Environment FMU 2 FMU 2 planned burn Year 5
Reserve Close reserve during
severe and above
FDI
Weyba Nature 41.6 FMU 4 FMU 4 planned burn 19.6 Year 2
Refuge FMU 3 & 1 Year 5
Close reserve during
severe and above
FDI
Sundial 31.2 FMU 1 FMU 1 planned burn 19.6 ongoing
Bushland
Reserve
Cooroy Creek 18.4 No planned No planned action 18.4 N/A
Bushland action
Reserve
Table 8. An example of the reserve risk assessment informs management actions.
To deliver the 5-Year Operational Plan the following is required:
On average, 7 planned burns per year
An additional 2 km of fire trails
1.7km of fire trail widening
An additional 6 km of Fuel Reduction Zones (FRZ)
There are a number of challenges for Council to deliver on this plan, in particular Council has limited
internal fire management capacity. The challenges are:
Planned burns are currently contracted out, but contractors are not always available when
conditions are ideal. Under current arrangements it is likely that only a small number of burns
can be delivered each year.
Even though Council manages 178 Bushland Reserves, Council staff are unable to respond,
or assist other agencies, with a bushfire event on Council managed land.
To support this Plan an organisational business case for new fire management systems has been
presented to Council for consideration and adoption in the 2021/22 financial year This includes the
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 28
Section 30
employment of a Fire Management Officer, upgrading of vehicles and equipment, and training of staff to undertake prescribed burns so Council is less reliant on contractors. It also includes the delivery of an additional 2km of fire access trails, 1.7kn of fire trail widening and an additional 6km of fuel reduction zones, as identified in the risk assessment process undertaken in the development of the new Plan. DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 29
Section 31
8. Appendix 8.1 Priority reserves for fire management Priority reserves ranked in order based on the risk assessment (60 reserves in total) Symplocos Environmental Reserve & Nature Refuge Girraween Nature Refuge Cooloothin Creek Nature Refuge Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve Wooroi Creek Bushland Reserve Cooroibah Conservation Park and Environmental Reserve Arthur Harold Nature Refuge Yunaman Bushland Reserve Lake Cootharaba Bushland Reserve Lake Doonella Bushland Reserve Yurol Nature Refuge Harlow Bushland Reserve Satinay Bushland Reserve Forest Acres Bushland Network Beach Road Nature Refuge Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve - Walter Hay Drive Weyba Nature Refuge Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve Bill Huxley Nature Refuge Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve Livistona Bushland Reserve North Shore Environmental Reserve Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Forest Acres Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve North Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve South Palm Grove Bushland Reserve Moonbeam Bushland Reserve Nylana Bushland Reserve Noosa Northrise Future Bushland Lowry Bushland Reserve Johns Landing Nature Refuge Tinbeerwah Road Bushland Reserve Lake Cootharaba Bushland Reserve West Lomandra Place Bushland Reserve Tecoma Close Natural Amenity Reserve Fourways - Noosa Banks Riparian Reserve Lakeside Bushland Reserve Teewah Bushland Reserve Peregian Creek Reserve DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 30
Section 32
Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North Cooroora Mountain Bushland Reserve Heritage Park Bushland Reserve Penda Scrub Nature Refuge Pinaroo Park Bushland Reserve Alyxia Nature Refuge Fellowship Drive Bushland Reserve Noosa Landfill Bushland Reserve Edington Drive Environmental Reserve Wallace Park Bushland Reserve Flagship Natural Amenity Reserve Quarry Track Bushland Reserve Alex Dan Bushland Reserve Kin Kin Arboretum Park Carriage Way Bushland Reserve West Murdering Creek Bushland Reserve Clearview Drive Bushland Reserve Boronia Bushland Reserve Illoura Bushland Reserve East Illoura Bushland Reserve West DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 31
Section 33
8.2 Fire adaptive vegetation communities
Fire adaptive vegetation communities are those communities within which fire is a natural part of the
ecosystem and a number of species within these vegetation communities are dependent on a fire
frequency for their reproductive requirements.
The table below provides a list of Broad vegetation groups (BVG) which can be described as fire
adaptive or fire dependant for their natural ecological processes.
Area
Fire Adapted BVG’s
(ha)
8a Wet tall open forest dominated by species such as Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum) or 333.2
E. saligna, E. resinifera (red mahogany), Lophostemon confertus (brush box), Syncarpia
glomulifera (turpentine), E. laevopinea (silvertop stringybark). Contains a well developed
understorey of rainforest components, including ferns and palms, or the understorey may
be dominated by sclerophyll shrubs. (land zones 12, 8, 10, 11, 3, 5, 9, 2) (SEQ, WET,
BRB, CQC, [NET])
8b Moist open forests to tall open forests mostly dominated by Eucalyptus pilularis 76.66
(blackbutt) on coastal sands, sub-coastal sandstones and basalt ranges. Also includes
tall open forests dominated by E. montivaga, E. obliqua (messmate stringybark) and E.
campanulata (New England ash). (land zones 12, 9, 11, 2, 5, 8) (SEQ, [CQC])
9a Moist eucalypt open forests to woodlands dominated by a variety of species including 22.05
Eucalyptus siderophloia (red ironbark), E. propinqua (small-fruited grey gum), E.
acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark), E. microcorys (tallowwood), E. carnea
(broad-leaved white mahogany), E. tindaliae (Queensland white stringybark), Corymbia
intermedia (pink bloodwood), Lophostemon confertus (brush box). (land zones 11, 12, 9-
10, 5, 8) (SEQ)
9f Woodlands dominated by Corymbia spp. e.g.: C. intermedia (pink bloodwood), C. 95.04
tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash) and/or Eucalyptus spp. such as E. tereticornis (blue gum),
frequently with Banksia spp., Acacia spp. and Callitris columellaris (Bribie Island pine) on
coastal dunes and beach ridges. (land zone 2) (SEQ)
9g Moist to dry woodlands to open forest dominated by stringybarks or mahoganies such as 377.44
Eucalyptus tindaliae (Queensland white stringybark), E. latisinensis (white mahogany),
E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark); or E. racemosa (scribbly gum) or E.
seeana or E. tereticornis (blue gum) and Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood). (land
zone 5, 12, 9-10, 2, 11, [8, 3]) (SEQ)
9h Dry woodlands dominated by species such as Eucalyptus acmenoides (narrow-leaved 5.2
white stringybark) (or E. portuensis), E. tereticornis (blue gum), Angophora leiocarpa
(rusty gum), Corymbia trachyphloia (yellow bloodwood) or C. intermedia (pink
bloodwood), and often ironbarks including E. crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) or E.
fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark). A heathy shrub layer is frequently present. On
undulating to hilly terrain. (land zones 12, 9-10, 11, [8, 5]) (SEQ, BRB)
10b Moist open forests to woodlands dominated by Corymbia citriodora (spotted gum). (land 10.3
zones 12, 11, 9, 5, 8) (SEQ, CQC, EIU, WET)
12a Dry woodlands to open woodlands dominated by ironbarks such as Eucalyptus 1.73
decorticans (gum-topped ironbark), E. fibrosa subsp. nubila (blue-leaved ironbark), or E.
crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) and/or bloodwoods such as Corymbia trachyphloia
(yellow bloodwood), C. leichhardtii (rustyjacket), C. watsoniana (Watson's yellow
bloodwood), C. lamprophylla, C. peltata (yellowjacket). Occasionally E. thozetiana
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 32
Section 34
Area
Fire Adapted BVG’s
(ha)
(mountain yapunyah), E. cloeziana (Gympie messmate) or E. mediocris are dominant.
Mostly on sub-coastal/inland hills with shallow soils. (land zones 10, 7, 9 [11]) (BRB,
DEU, SEQ, GUP)
16c Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus coolabah (coolabah) or E. 12.24
microtheca (coolabah) or E. largiflorens (black box) or E. tereticornis (blue gum) or E.
chlorophylla on floodplains. Does not include alluvial areas dominated by herb and
grasslands or alluvial plains that are not flooded. (land zone 3) (All bioregions except
WET, principally GUP, BRB, MUL, SEQ)
22a Open forests and woodlands dominated by Melaleuca quinquenervia (swamp paperbark) 822.99
in seasonally inundated lowland coastal areas and swamps. (land zones 3, 2, 1, [11])
(SEQ, WET, CQC, CYP, [BRB])
28a Complex of open shrubland to closed shrubland, grassland, low woodland and open 127.97
forest, on strand and foredunes. Includes pure stands of Casuarina equisetifolia (coastal
sheoak). (land zones 2, 1) (GUP, SEQ, BRB, CYP, [WET, CQC])
29a Open heaths and dwarf open heaths on coastal dunefields, sandplains and headlands. 328.65
(land zones 5, 2, 3, 7, 10, [12, 11]) (CYP, SEQ, [WET])
34c Palustrine wetlands. Freshwater swamps on coastal floodplains dominated by sedges 36.15
and grasses such as Oryza spp., Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) or Baloskion spp. (cord
rush) / Leptocarpus tenax / Gahnia sieberiana (sword grass) / Lepironia spp. (land zones
3, 2, 1) (CYP, GUP, BRB, SEQ, WET, [CQC])
TOTAL 88.5% of Vegetation 2,249.62
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 33
Section 35
8.3 Fire sensitive vegetation communities
Fire sensitive are considered to be those vegetation communities which are sensitive to fire and may
withstand significant impacts from the occasional fire along their perimeter or, in a catastrophic
landscape fire, be significantly impacted upon by such a fire. The period for reinstatement of a pre-
fire community with a similar biodiversity status may be many years depending on the recruitment of
both flora and fauna species back into an area which once contains a fire-sensitive community.
The table below contains a list of fire-sensitive vegetation communities that have been described
within Noosa LGA.
Area
Non- fire Adapted BVG
(ha)
2a Complex evergreen mesophyll-notophyll vine forest frequently with Araucaria 8.1
cunninghamii (hoop pine) from foothills to ranges. (land zones 11, 12, 8) (WET, SEQ,
CQC) (Tracey 1982 2a)
4a Notophyll and mesophyll vine forest with feather or fan palms in alluvia and in swampy 1.04
situations on ranges or within coastal san masses. (land zones 3, 11, 12, 2) (SEQ,
WET, CQC, CYP) (Tracey 1982 2b,3b, 3c)
4b Evergreen to semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forest, frequently with 62.79
Archontophoenix spp. (palms) fringing streams. (land zones 3, [10]) (CYP, SEQ,
WET, CQC, GUP) (Tracey 1982 1c)
5a Araucarian notophyll/microphyll and microphyll vine forests of southern coastal 38.84
bioregions. (land zones 8, 11, 5, 9) (SEQ)
35a Closed forests and low closed forests dominated by mangroves. (land zone 1) (CYP, 153.11
GUP, BRB, SEQ, WET, CQC)
35b Bare saltpans ± areas of Tecticornia spp. (samphire) sparse forbland and/or 28.08
Xerochloa imberbis or Sporobolus virginicus (sand couch) tussock grassland. (land
zone 1, [3]) (GUP, BRB, CYP, SEQ, CQC, [WET])
TOTAL 11.5% of Vegetation Types 292.02
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 34
Section 36
8.4 Fire Management Plan template for reserves DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 35
Section 37
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 36
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Map 1. Cooroibah Conservation Park.
Red lines-fire trail boundaries, Green shaded-fire exclusion, Red shaded-planned burns within next five years.
Note that the actual timing of planned burns is subject to suitable weather conditions.
Timetable
Fire management Year 3 Year 4 Year5
unit
Widen internal
fire trails
PS Panne burn
NOOSA COUNCIL PO Box 141 P. (07) $329 6500 [email protected]
sable tend lead A TEWANTIN QLD 4565 ae STAR ete 1 Oe wyw.noosa, gid gov.au
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 36Section 38
8.5 Community liaison letter template DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 37
Section 39
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 38
_.
me eres m een le te
Given these variables, and for your convenience, Council wishes to advise local neighbours
of the intention to conduct this exercise on the first suitable day in the comings months
Please view Council's Facebook page for notification of this day. The burn will be
undertaken by an experienced contractor on behalf of Council
As a result of this exercise, residents are reminded to take the following precautions:
» Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on when driving
around a smoke affected area.
>» Sightseers must keep away for their own safety.
» People with respiratory (or other health) problems should take reliever medicine for
smoke inhalation and seek medical advice.
» Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering homes.
>» Ensure pets have a protected area.
If you would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact customer service on
3329 6500.
Yours sincerely
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Michael Lyons
Noosa Shire Council
Environment and Sustainable Development
Technical Officer- Natural Areas
NOOSA COUNCIL
DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 38Section 40
8.6 Useful websites QFES ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guide https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety/Pages/default.aspx https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/downloadlibrary/Documents/GetReadyGuide-E.pdf QPWS Planned burn guidelines https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/150291/pbg-seq-1.pdf https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/152566/pbg-assess-a5.pdf https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/153082/pbg-assess-pocket.pdf Qld Fire and Biodiversity Consortium http://www.fireandbiodiversity.org.au/ 8.7 Acronyms BR Bushland Reserves DNRM Qld Department of Natural Resources & Mines FDI Fire Danger Index FMU Fire Management Unit FRZ Fuel reduction Zone LDMG Local Disaster Management Group NCA Nature Conservation Act 1992 NP National Park PPEs Personal Protective Equipment PSBA State Public Safety Business Agency QFES Qld Fire & Emergency Services QNPSP Qld National Parks, Sports and Racing RFMG Regional Fire Management Group SEQFBC South-east Qld Fire and Biodiversity Consortium SPP State Planning Policy TMR Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads USL Unallocated State Land DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan Page 39