2015-02-03 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                             3 FEBRUARY 2015


•      To verify the State fire hazard mapping, local fire hazard risk assessments are
       required to determine levels of risk for each of the reserves;
•      Based on their size, 28 reserves are identified as a priority for a risk assessment;
•      Noosa’s extensive vegetated road reserve network needs also to be considered with
       fire management planning.

Based on these findings it is proposed to develop a new Noosa Bushland Reserve Network
Fire Management Plan. The plan will include an assessment of the capital and operational
costs to undertake fire management actions for consideration in the 2015/2016 budget
process. The plan will also assist in longer term operational and financial planning for fire
management. Actions identified in the plan may include the establishment of more fire trails,
prescription burning programs to maintain biodiversity values, and the identification of
Council resources which may be needed to effectively undertake fire management actions
on bushland reserves.

The proposed Noosa Bushland Reserve Network Fire Management Plan would need to
consider Council’s statutory obligations under the following acts:

•      Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
•      Land Act 1995
•      Nature Conservation Act 1992
•      Noosa Shire Council Local Law No.3 (Community Health and Environmental
       Management)
•      Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011

Following the development of the Management Plan, a further report will be submitted to a
future Infrastructure and Services Committee Meeting with more detailed recommendations
in sufficient time for consideration as part of the 2015/16 budget development. A copy of the
2006 Fire Management Plan will be available in the Councillors Room.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil.

Finance & Risk

Currently there is approximately $20,000 allocated for bushland reserve fire management
(fire trail clearing/slashing and staff time). It is proposed that the Planning and Environment
Branch develop a new Noosa Bushland Reserve Network Fire Management Plan based on
the Senior Strategic Planners review, and assess the costs to undertake further fire
management to inform the 2015/2016 budget process.

Consultation

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder

Qld Fire and Emergency Services
Qld Public Safety Business Agency




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