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RFI - Attachment 7A - Response to Bushfire Issues and BMP.pdf
Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd
Environmental Land Management Consultants
Office – 3 / 727 Stanley St
Woolloongabba
Postal - 28 Merton Road
Woolloongabba Qld. 4102
p - (07) 3891 9131
f - (07) 3393 0388
Your reference: -- m – 0419 667 346
e – [email protected]
Our reference: -- RF17-040 w – www.robfriend.com
ABN 83 097 068 114
Date: - 18 November 2021 ACN 097 068 114
Patrick Murphy
Planning Coordinator
Noosa Council
PO Box 141
Tewantin Qld 4565
Dear Patrick,
Re: Response to Noosa Council Information Request 61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa
Heads Reference: MCU21/0110
Proposal
The proposal is for a Material Change of Use (MCU) for a Resort located at 61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa
Heads, (MCU21/0110) under the jurisdiction of Noosa Council.
Council has requested additional information for the above development application:
Issue
The Bushfire Hazard Assessment (Rob Friend and Associates Pty Ltd April 2021) acknowledges a
small remnant area of vegetation will remain in the north-eastern extent of the site. “We would note
this patch of vegetation is connected to smaller linear patches of vegetation within the subject site and
near a significantly large area of woody vegetation (Girraween Nature Refuge) and as such does
present a threat to the potential future hotel accommodation within the subject site. We therefore form
a similar view to the Noosa Council with respect to this patch of vegetation, namely it presents a
bushfire hazard”. The RFA report further states “The Girraween Nature Refuge and surrounding
vegetation to the north and east of the subject site mapped as High potential bushfire intensity”. The
nature reserve vegetation is identified as: Regional Ecosystem (RE) 12.3.5 9.1 Moist to dry eucalypt
open forests on coastal lowlands and ranges. The vegetation type and extent require that the potential
impact is addressed.
The report’s recommendations include:
2107-23530 SRA | 61 Noosa Springs Drive | RF17-040 18 November 2021
Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd
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Therefore, based on the requirements of the Noosa Planning Scheme, the development will
require a response to the Bushfire Overlay Code and a Bushfire Management Plan will be
required.
Information Required
18. A Bushfire Management Plan is required in support of this application, to be prepared in
accordance with the overlay code – (8.2.(b)) and Noosa Plan 2020 Policy SC6.9.4 - Bushfire
management plans.
The Bushfire Management Plan should address the whole of the proposed development site. During
its preparation, consideration should also be given to:
the site’s context within the broader area, particularly in relation to potential off-site sources of
increased fire hazard (caused by land use type or physical features);
the impact of the proposed land use on bushfire hazard for surrounding lots;
the ecological role of fire in the landscape;
any implications the proposed mitigation measures may have for the conservation of matters of
environmental significance both on and off the site;
identify the location and severity of the bushfire hazard;
calculate the intensity of bushfire (e.g. calculate potential maximum fuel loads, fire behaviour,
radiant heat, flame zone, ember attack etc.) that may be experienced on the development site;
consider the applicable assessment benchmarks contained within the Bushfire Hazard Overlay
code;
recommend remedial measures such as specific features of the development design (e.g. land
use type, vehicular access, lot layout, bushfire radiation zones and house site location), proposed fire-
fighting infrastructure (e.g. water supply and fire trails), landscaping, and advice to future residents.
Where development is proposed on land adjacent to the City Reserves, State Government protected
lands, Seqwater land or other reserves managed for nature conservation, consultation should occur
with the relevant land manager regarding bushfire management as it affects nature conservation
values on that reserve.
The Bushfire management plan is to be clearly documented in a written report submitted to the
Council as part of the development application. The text should be supported by appropriately scaled
maps (e.g. showing areas of potential bushfire hazard, proposed water supplies and fire trails, bushfire
radiation zones, preferred house site locations, etc.). The maps should clearly indicate the location and
extent of the feature being shown, and either overlay, or be easily compared with, the proposed
development design.
Response
• A Bushfire Management Plan has been prepared by Rob Friend and Assocs. (Dated 24 Sept 2021) and
is attached to this report.
• Additionally, the BMP considers the eight dot points outlined in the Information Request item 18.
Should you wish to discuss this advice further please feel free to contact me on one of the above numbers at
your convenience.
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Yours faithfully,
Rob Friend
Director
Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd
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Curriclum Vitae – Robert Friend
Name: - Robert Harry Friend
Current Address: - 28 Merton Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland. M 0419 667 346
Current Employment: - Director, Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd,
Consultancy Area - Environmental Land Management and Planning Consultancy, including Bushfire hazard
assessment and management, Flora and fauna survey and reporting, Environmental Impact assessment,
Outdoor recreation assessment and planning, Bushland rehabilitation assessment and planning and bushland
areas wayfinding and interpretation signage.
Qualifications: -
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Parks, Recreation and Heritage from Charles Sturt University, Murray,
NSW; and
• Associate Diploma in Rural Techniques (Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife) from the Queensland
Agricultural College, Gatton, Qld.
In addition to these qualifications, Mr Friend has worked in the area of natural resource management for the
past 40+ years. Please find below a brief outline of his work history with project work history as an
Environmental Consultant from 2000 to date.
Work History
1996 – date Environmental Consultant
Position: - Director; Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd
Previous projects Client Year
Boorah Road, Jimboomba – Koala Habitat and Land owners 2021
Bushfire Hazard Assessment & SARA referral and
response to Information Request
Burliegh Heads Estate, Burleigh Heads – Bushfire Villawood Developments 2021
hazard assessment and BAL plan
Mooloolah Child Care Proposal, Mooloolah Developer 2021
The Heights Boulevard, Bushfire Hazard Developer 2021
Assessment
Coomera Activity Centre – Review of Bushfire Developer 2020
Hazard issues
Coolibah Place, Mount Crosby – Bushfire Hazard Land owner 2020
Assessment and Management Plan and Flora
Survey Report for EVNT species
Ormiston College – Bushfire Hazard Assessment Ormiston College 2020
Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island – Bushfire Kingfisher Bay Resort Group Pty Ltd 2020
Management Plan
Gainsborough Lodge – Bushfire Hazard Land Owner 2020
Assessment and Management Plan
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Land owner 2020
Plan – Finch Rd, Canungra
The Habitat Palmwoods – BAL reports Developer 2020
Bushfire hazard assessment – Kraft Road, Pallara JFP Urban Consultants 2020
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Previous projects Client Year
Tree and Ecological Assessment - Buckland Land owner 2020
Street, Everton Hills
Oxley Creek Development Project – Bushfire Brisbane City Council 2020
Management Planning
147 Royal Parade, Ashgrove- Bushfire Attack Landholder 2020
Level (BAL) Report
18 Newfield Street, Sunrise Beach - Bushfire Landholder 2020
Attack Level (BAL) Report
Peregian Springs Firebreak and Fire trails Aveo 2020
assessment
Fernvale Road, Fernvale – Ecology and Bushfire Landholder 2019
30 Beach Road, Noosa North Shore – review of Landholder 2019
approved Bushfire Management Plan
25 Muche Road, Marburg – Due Diligence for Purchaser 2019
purchase - Ecological/tree survey and bushfire
hazard assessment
Ecological Assessment and Bushfire hazard Landholder 2019
assessment – 105 Fernvale Road, Fernvale
Tree Survey and Ecological Report, Rosewood- Landholder 2019
Laidley Road, Calvert
Yabulu Truck Service Centre – Bushfire Hazard Denmac Nominees 2019
Assessment Report
The Habitat at Rochedale – Bushfire compliance The Habitat Body Corporate Manager 2019
report
Moggill Road, Moggill – Bushfire Hazard Consolidated Property Group 2019
Assessment
Alpine Terrace, Mount Tamborine – Bushfire St Bernards Village Pty ltd 2019
Attack Level Report (BAL)
Underwood Road, Eight Mile Plains – Bushfire Brisbane Islamic Centre 2019
Hazard Assessment
Upper Pindarren Creek Road, Pindarren – Landholder 2019
Bushfire Hazard Assessment
Foxwell Road, Coomera – Bushfire Hazard Cadmium Developments Pty Ltd 2019
Assessment
80 Kamala Avenue, Brookfield – Bushfire Hazard Landholder 2019
Assessment Report
Cloverdale Road, Doolandella – Bushfire Hazard Brisbane City Council 2019
Planning Assessment
Weeden Street West, Mansfield – Protected ESC Consulting 2019
Plants survey
Ellerslie Road, Meadowbrook – Bushfire Hazard Devre Pty Ltd 2019
Assessment
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Previous projects Client Year
Main Drive, Warana – Bushfire Hazard Unity Water 2019
Assessment
Brandons Rd, Yandina – Bushfire Hazard Halycon 2019
Assessment Report
MFAC, Buderim – Bushfire Hazard Assessment Mathew Flinders Anglican College 2019
and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment
Lake Cooroibah Rd, Cooroibah – Bushfire Hazard Private landholder 2019
Assessment
Manuka Road, Logan Village – Bushfire Hazard Private land holder 2018
Assessment
Karingal Drive, Pimpama, Ecology and Bushfire Private landholder 2018
Assessment
Woolton St, Tarragindi – Bushfire Hazard Private landholder 2018
Assessment
90 Caledonian Road, Mt Marrow - Bushfire Property owner 2018
Hazard Assessment
“Ellandra”, Guineas Creek Road, Elanora - Ritz Developments 2018
Bushfire Hazard Assessment
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Cooroy Landowners 2018
Review of Bushfire Hazard Overlay Mapping and Noosa Council 2018
Bushfire Hazard Code in the draft Noosa Plan.
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment – Storey & Castle Planning 2018
Caledonian Road, Mount Marrow
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and management Ritz Developments 2018
plan – Elanora
Bushfire and Ecological assessment – Burpengary Landholder 2018
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Rochedale Estate Aveo Group 2018
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management DHA – Aulds Road, Ripley 2018
Plan
Bushfire Hazard Assessment for eco-cabins/MCU Landholder, Buckley Road, Kin Kin 2018
Peer Review of Bushfire Management Planning, DHA Brisbane 2018
Torhaven Estate, Deebing heights
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Reports – Golden Mark Bain Constructions 2018
Valley Place, Valdora
85 Payne Road, The Gap – Bushfire Hazard Ashvan Investments Pty Ltd 2018
Assessment
215-233 Foxwell Road, Coomera – Bushfire Goldfield Group Pty Ltd 2017
Hazard Assessment
302 Wongawallan Drive, Wongawallan, Qld – Gold Coast City Council 2017/18
Bushfire Hazard Assessment –
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Previous projects Client Year
Martha’s Vineyard, Currumbin Valley, Qld – Aveo 2017/18
Bushfire Management Planning – Masterplan and
Staged development
Goldmine Road, Ormeau, Bushfire Hazard Aussie Prime Land Pty Ltd 2017
Assessment and Management plan
BMA Coal Loading Facility, Hay Point, Qld – BHP Billiton – Mitsubishi Alliance, Hay 2017/18
Vegetation Monitoring Survey7 Point
Gainsborough Greens, Pimpama, Bushfire Attack Mirvac Qld. 2017
level assessment 96 allotments in Stage 1c
Tallagandra Road, Holmview – Bushfire Hazard Aussie Prime Land Pty Ltd 2017
Assessment
Fig Tree Pocket Road, Fig Tree Pocket – Bushfire LH Property Partners Pty Ltd 2017
Hazard Assessment
Melba Street, Armstrong Beach – Remnant Robbie Dunn, Property owner 2017
vegetation survey
Windaroo Rise – Bushfire Management Planning Jordan Brothers Pty Ltd 2017
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Pimpama State Opus International Consultants (Australia) 2017
School, Pimpama Pty Ltd
Howard Smith Wharves – Ecological and HSW Nominees Pty Ltd & Hutchison 2017
Vegetation Management Plan Builders
Bushfire Hazard Assessment- Roxwell St, Ellen RoyCorp Pty ltd 2017
Grove
Bushfire Management Plan – Iluka Apartments, Iluka Apartments Body Corporate 2017
Noosa Heads
Peer Review Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Noosa Council 2016
Management Plan – 28 Eenie Creek Road,
Noosaville
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and setback Moreton Bay Regional Council 2016
requirements – Greene Street, Rothwell
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment – 100- LH Property Partners 2016
164 Bush Tucker Road, Berrinba
Expert Evidence to the Planning & Environment The Appellant- Cadmium Developments 2016
Court – 192 Nottingham Road, Parkinson – for Pty Ltd
the Appellant
Peer Review – Bushfire Hazard Assessment, Development Applicant/Landholder 2016
Livesay Road, Moggill
Peer Review - Bushfire hazard assessment Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2016
Report, Pelican Waters Re-development proposal
Trowers Road, Pine Mountain – Bushfire Hazard Landholder 2016
Assessment
6 Ilham Court, Bahrs Scrub – Alternate Bushfire SMEC 2016
Protection Strategy
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Previous projects Client Year
200 Church Road, Moggill – Bushfire and Ecology Property owners 2016
Assessment
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and management Mirvac Qld 2016
plan Precinct 3 and 5, Gainsborough Greens
Bushfire Hazard Assessment, Precinct 4 Halycon Developments 2016
Gainsborough Greens
Bushfire Hazard Assessment, Lot 37 Roberts Livingstone Shire Council/Reel Planning 2015-2016
Road, Pacific heights, Yeppoon
Bushfire Hazard and Ecological assessment Australian Zoo, Irwin Rd, Beerwah 2015-2016
Bushfire hazard assessment – Greenwood Village Property owner via LH Property Partner 2015-2016
Road, Redbank Plains
Bushfire planning – Mirvac Greenbank master Mirvac Qld 2015-2016
planning
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Fire Mirvac Qld 2015-2016
Management Plan –Gainsborough Greens,
Pimpama
Howard Smith Wharves – Ecological Survey Howard Smith Wharves Consortium 2015
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – 131 Queens Road, Sisters of Mercy, Nudgee 2015
Nudgee
Ecological and Bushfire Hazard Assessment Caloundra Private School, Pelican Waters 2015
Review of bushfire hazard issues for a Sunshine Coast Council 2015
development application and provide independent
advice
Settlers Cove – Review of bushfire hazards in Noosa Council 2015
community title areas
Noosa Civic Development Application – Bushfire Noosa Council 2015
Peer review
Bushfire Planning Habitat Lots Rochedale Estate Aria 2015
Redbank Plains Bushfire Hazard Assessment Saunders Havill Group and Aria Property 2014
Group
Bechtel Curtis Island CLNG – Fuel Load RPS Group Gladstone and Bechtel CLNG 2014
assessment
Laidley Drain rehabilitation plan with Hydrobiology Lockyer Valley Regional Council 2014
Ford Road, Priestdale – Fire Management Plan Summit Environmental Consultants 2014
BMA Hay Point Weeds Survey BMA & Austecology 2014
VMP and Rehabilitation Plan Churches of Christ, Qld 2014
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Wesley Rd, Griffin Mirvac Qld 2014
Parklands PDA Fire Management Plan Ian Hatton, EDQ 2014
Vegetation assessment, Highgrove, North L&W Road Pty Ltd 2014
Rockhampton
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Previous projects Client Year
BAL assessment – Parklands, Gold Coast Grocon Pty Ltd 2013/2014
BAL assessment – Doonella on Noosa QM Properties 2013
Bushfire Hazard and Fuel Load assessment – RPS Group, Gladstone for GLNG Bechtel 2013
Curtis Island Construction Site - Curtis Island
Fire Management Plan - the Sanctuary on Moggill Mirvac Qld 2013
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Fire Wolter Consulting Group 2013
Management Plan 90. 106 and 134 Priors Pocket
Road, Moggill
Method 1 bushfire hazards assessment training Bruce Baldwin, Origin Energy 2013
course for Origin Energy Staff
Location and survey or permanent vegetation Austecology Pty Ltd 2012/13
survey sites for BMA’s Hay Point Coal Loading
facility
Bushfire hazard investigation and fire Bellbird Park Developments Pty Ltd 2012/13
management plan – Ellis Beach Development
North Queensland
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Infrastructure site Bruce Baldwin, Origin Energy 2012
for Origin Energy in the Surat Basin
Vegetation Survey and PMAV for LDG Josh Thompson, LDG 2012
Riordanvale development proposal
Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Mark Schuster, Environmental Planning 2012
Report – Loganholme Neighbourhood Plan – Officer, Logan City Council
Logan City Planning Scheme review
Peer Review Bushfire Code and Planning Scheme Brisbane City Council 2012
Policy – Brisbane City Council Planning Scheme
in association with Buckley Vann Town Planners
Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement Natasha McIntosh, Manager 2012
(SEIS) - Flora and Vegetation– Waratah Coal Environmental Approvals, Waratah Coal.
Galilee Basin Coal proposal
Detailed Property Map of Assessable Vegetation Shusaku Arikawa, Assistant Development 2012
(PMAV) Iwasaki Sangyo Co (Aust) Pty Ltd lands, Management – Capricorn International
Yeppoon Resort
Fire Management Plan – Iwasaki Sangyo Co. Shusaku Arikawa, Assistant Development 2011
(Aust) Pty Ltd, Lands, Yeppoon Qld Management – Capricorn International
Resort
Brisbane Airport Landside Area Fire Management Wendy Weir, Environmental Officer, 2011
Plan Brisbane Airport Corporation
Noosaville Landfill Site – Fire Management Plan Penny Houston, Environmental 2011
Coordinator – Waste Management,
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Fire Management Plans for three Conservation Mark Panter, Conservation Planner 2011
Reserves– Ipswich City Council
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Development Assessment
Rob has also undertaken the preparation of numerous ecological assessments and reports for project
managers as part of development applications for local governments within southeast Queensland.
Expert Witness
Rob is one of Queensland’s acknowledged bushfire hazard planning and management and flora/vegetation
experts and has provided advice to the Planning and Environment Court, the Land Court and the Queensland
Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for both Appellants and Respondents.
1991 – 1996 Brisbane City Council
Position: - Bushland Management Officer
Duties: - This position was responsible for the management and coordination of the Bushland Rehabilitation
Unit within the Department of Recreation and Health. The Unit’s major role was the management and
rehabilitation of Brisbane’s key natural areas and other significant degraded areas within the City. The role of
Bushland Management Officer covered the following areas;
• Management of the Unit’s day to day operations;
• Human resource management of the Unit’s permanent and temporary staff;
• Preparation and implementation of fire management plans for significant natural areas within the city;
• Coordination of Council’s prescribed burning program;
• Development of Council’s Bushland Care Program. This program provided the opportunity for
community groups to undertake bushland rehabilitation activities on local bushlands throughout the City;
• Development of policies and procedures for the management of the City’s significant natural areas;
• Participation in extensive community consultation processes and community-based management
advisory committees;
• Development of asset management audits and plans; and
• Program management of special programs e.g. Labour Market Programs.
1985 – 1989 Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service
Position: - Overseer – Park Management & Wildlife Management
Duties: - Assist the Senior Overseer in the day-to-day management of the Magnetic Island National Park.
Assist the District Wildlife Ranger in the wildlife management and enforcement throughout the Northern
Region. These activities included research into protected fauna e.g. Estuarine and Freshwater Crocodiles.
1978 – 1983 Queensland Water Resources Commission
Position: - Hydrographer
My duties were to assist the Senior Hydrographers in;
• Streamflow measurements throughout the year in an area which ranged from Townsville to Mt Isa to
Boulia to Burketown;
• Service and maintenance of automatic river height recorders throughout North Queensland;
• Measurement of flood events using boats and cable-ways;
• Assessment of flow events from the hard data records and development of missing records from historic
records;
• General assessment of the riverbank condition around the river height records and noting potential and
existing erosion of the riverbank.
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BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN NOOSA SPRINGS ROB FRIEND & ASSOCIATES
Page 12
Document Control
RFA17-040
QUALITY ASSURANCE STATEMENT
Revision Author Status Approved for Issue
No. Name Date
01 Lucy Ford Final Rob Friend, Director, RF&A pl 24 September 2021
This document has been prepared solely for the benefit of GH Properties, its sub-consultants and Noosa Shire Council and is issued
in confidence for the purpose only for which it is supplied. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.
No liability is accepted by Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd or any employee, contractor or sub-consultant of this company with
respect to its use by any other person.
This disclaimer shall apply notwithstanding that, the document may be made available to other persons for an application for
permission or approval or to fulfil a legal obligation.
Cover Photograph – view of Resort Drive with the Resort to the left of the frame and Giraween
Nature Reserve on the right side of the frame.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 2
2 Proposal .................................................................................................... 2
3 Site Description ........................................................................................ 3
3.1 General description ..................................................................................... 3
3.2 Landform .................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Vegetation .................................................................................................. 5
4 Development Changes to Bushfire Hazard ............................................... 7
5 Conclusions ............................................................................................. 10
6 Actions .................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Building location ....................................................................................... 11
6.2 Landscaping .............................................................................................. 11
6.3 Access ....................................................................................................... 12
6.4 Water Supply ............................................................................................ 12
6.5 Future planning ........................................................................................ 12
Figures
Figure 1: Development Plan for Lot 4 SP 178340, 61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads. 3
Figure 2: Nearmap imagery of the subject site showing Giraween Nature reserve to the east
(right of frame) and the golf courses to the west (left of frame). 4
Figure 3: Contour Mapping of the proposed development site sloping land sloping away from
Resort Drive generally to the east and west. 5
Figure 4: Regional Ecosystem Mapping by Queensland Globe 6
Tables
Table 1 - Fireline Intensity Model Data for vegetation in the northern portion and north-eastern
boundary of the subject site ............................................................................................ 7
Table 2 - Fireline Intensity Model Data for vegetation in Giraween Nature Refuge and
surrounding vegetation to the east and north of the subject site......................................... 8
Table 3: - Noosa Springs - Minimum Distance Calculator - AS3959-2018 (Method 2) Calculated
October 9, 2020, 4:49 pm (MDc v.4.8) ............................................................................. 9
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1 INTRODUCTION
Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd were engaged by Noosa Springs Real Estate Pty Ltd to
undertake an assessment of the bushfire hazard issues relative to the proposed development
application over land within the area commonly referred to as Noosa Springs, Noosa Heads.
Site inspections of the development footprint and adjacent vegetated areas were undertaken
on the 10th October 2017 and 28 September 2020 to inform this advice.
An Information Request (Application Number MCU21/0110) requested by Noosa Council has
detailed requirements for a Bushfire Management Plan to accompany the Bushfire Hazard
Assessment submitted to Council.
2 PROPOSAL
GH Properties is proposing to develop a boutique hotel near the Noosa Springs Clubhouse
complex (see Figure 1). The proposal is for two and three storey buildings with a large pool
and three tennis courts.
The proposal also intends to revegetate an area to the east of the proposed development,
currently, a tennis court and a partly vegetated area, abutting Resort Drive as part of the
landscaping works.
We further note, ingress and egress of the proposed Hotel and car parking facilities will remain
via the existing road, Links Drive from Noosa Heads. Similarly access to the upslope portions
of the proposed hotel will also be accessible from Resort Drive.
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Figure 1: Development Plan for Lot 4 SP 178340, 61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa
Heads.
3 SITE DESCRIPTION
3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The subject site is located at Resort Drive, Noosa Heads and is described as Lot 4 on SP 178340,
covering an area of 3.802 ha, and under the local government jurisdiction of Noosa Shire
Council. Part of the land is currently used by the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa, auxiliary services,
tennis courts and car parking facilities.
The Noosa Springs is located to the south of Noosa Heads and is accessed via Noosa Springs
Drive and Links Drive, Noosa Heads. This road is a single access roadway and which services
the golf course and adjacent residential areas.
The subject site has a proposed Hotel in the eastern portion of the lot abutting Resort Drive.
Noosa Plan Zones (2020) maps the development footprint as Open Space and Recreation, with
the remainder of the subject site zoned as Tourist Accommodation.
The site of the proposed Hotel currently contains car parking facilities for the Golf Course &
Spa and tennis courts. Additionally, auxiliary structures are also present within this area,
however, the proposed plan of development indicates that these will be retained in situ.
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Within the subject site, four tennis courts are located on terraced land, having two on each
level. The car parking facilities are also on three terraces below the tennis courts. To the south
is the Club House and Day Spa complex and to the west are carparks and Pilates studio.
The surrounding area is mixed-use (see Figure 2); To the west is an extended area of the
Noosa Springs Golf Course, waterways and residential lots, directly south is a new residential
development and the greater area to the north and east is the Council managed bushland area,
Giraween Nature Reserve.
Figure 2: Nearmap imagery of the subject site showing Giraween Nature reserve to
the east (right of frame) and the golf courses to the west (left of frame).
3.2 LANDFORM
The landform has a general slope of approximately 6.5 degrees or 11.40% slope (Figure 3).
We note that this slope has been significantly modified and now contains car parking platforms
and benching for the tennis courts.
Areas currently containing vegetation have not been significantly altered in terms of changes
to the “pre-development” slopes across the site. We further understand the proposed
development will be incorporating these benches into the hotel footprint and as such the bulk
earthworks will be kept to a minimum and not that it would increase the existing slopes and
landform within the development footprint.
The slope characteristic under the hazardous vegetation in the northern portion and north-
eastern boundary of the subject site is 6.8 degrees. The slope under vegetation within the
Giraween Nature Reserve to the east and north of the subject site is 5.58 degrees.
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Figure 3: Contour Mapping of the proposed development site sloping land sloping
away from Resort Drive generally to the east and west.
3.3 VEGETATION
Queensland Globe maps a polygon in the northern corner of the subject site as remnant
vegetation containing Category A or B that is least concern (Figure 4). The Regional Ecosystem
(RE) is described as:
RE12.2.5: Open forest to low closed forest. Species can include Corymbia intermedia,
Lophostemon confertus, Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, B. aemula, Callitris columellaris,
Acacia spp., Livistona spp. and Endiandra sieberi. Melaleuca quinquenervia in swales.
Understorey generally shrubby and can include vine forest species. Occurs on Quaternary
coastal dunes, beach ridges and sandy banks of coastal streams. (BVG1M: 9f)
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Figure 4: Regional Ecosystem Mapping by Queensland Globe
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4 DEVELOPMENT CHANGES TO BUSHFIRE HAZARD
Further to our findings above and based on the vegetation types, and consequently the
Vegetation Hazard Classes, as described by Leonard et al (2014),1 we have formed the view
that:-
1. With respect to the vegetation in the northern portion and north-eastern boundary of the
subject site, based on the Standard Bushfire Hazard mapping methodology2, the area
presents as a High potential bushfire intensity:
a. The site inspection confirmed the area’s proximity to the significant patch of
vegetation to the north and east (Girraween Nature Refuge). The area has similar
vegetation to that observed in the Girraween Nature Refuge although is more
disturbed, having a presence of weeds and lack of a prominent shrub layer/wallum
understorey.
b. The area is separated from vegetation to the north and east by Resort Drive.
c. We understand some of this vegetation will be cleared for the construction of the new
tennis courts and parking facilities.
d. We note this is analogous to both the SPP mapping and Noosa Plan mapping.
e. Table 1 below provides the derived Potential bushfire intensity level using the
methodology after Leonard et al (2014) and as contained in the State Planning Policy
– Natural Hazards, Risks and Resilience – Technical Manual – A fit for Purpose
approach in undertaking natural hazard studies and risk assessment (April 2016).
Table 1 - Fireline Intensity Model Data for vegetation in the northern portion and
north-eastern boundary of the subject site
Characteristic Input/output value
Vegetation hazard class 9.1 Moist to dry eucalypt open forests on
coastal lowlands and ranges
Potential fuel load (t/ha) 24.1 t/ha
FFDI 55
Slope (degrees) 6.8 degrees
Potential fireline intensity (kW/m) 32,104 kw/m
Potential Bushfire Hazard Class High
i. The VHC 9.1 – moist to dry eucalypt open forests on coastal lowlands and ranges has been
used based on the RE mapping and species observed during the site inspection.
ii. The Potential fuel load is attributed with a potential fuel load by the State Government after
Leonard et al. (2014).
iii. The FFDI for area is determined by the State Government after Leonard et al. (2014).
1
Leonard, J., Newnham, G., Opie, K., and Blanchi, R. (2014) A new methodology for state-wide mapping of
bushfire prone areas in Queensland. CSIRO, Australia.
2
DILGP, 2016. State Planning Policy – Technical Manual- A ‘fit for purpose’ approach in undertaking natural
hazard studies and risk assessments, DILGP.
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iv. The slope was estimated using slope analysis and field data.
2. With respect to the Girraween Nature Refuge and surrounding vegetation to the north
and east of the subject site, the area presents as a High potential bushfire intensity:
a. The site inspection confirmed the vegetation type of the area to be analogous with
current Regional Ecosystem mapping.
b. Table 2 below provides the derived Potential bushfire intensity level using the
methodology after Leonard et al (2014) and as contained in the State Planning Policy
– Natural Hazards, Risks and Resilience – Technical Manual – A fit for Purpose
approach in undertaking natural hazard studies and risk assessment (April 2016).
Table 2 - Fireline Intensity Model Data for vegetation in Giraween Nature Refuge
and surrounding vegetation to the east and north of the subject site
Characteristic Input/output value
Vegetation hazard class 9.1 Moist to dry eucalypt open forests on
coastal lowlands and ranges
Potential fuel load (t/ha) 24.1 t/ha
FFDI 55
Slope (degrees) 5.58 degrees
Potential fireline intensity (kW/m) 29,963 kw/m
Potential Bushfire Hazard Class High
i. The VHC 9.1 – moist to dry eucalypt open forests on coastal lowlands and ranges has been
used based on the RE mapping and species observed during the site inspection.
ii. The Potential fuel load is attributed with a potential fuel load by the State Government after
Leonard et al. (2014).
iii. The FFDI for area is determined by the State Government after Leonard et al. (2014).
iv. The slope was estimated using slope analysis and field data.
With regard to the radiant heat flux and the minimum setback distance necessary to achieve
an acceptable level of risk, as defined under the State Governments, Bushfire Resilience
Communities, Technical Reference Guide for the State Planning Policy (Oct 2019), using the
AS3959 Minimum Distance Calculator with an FFDI of 48, a Vegetation Hazard Class of 9.1 –
Moist to dry eucalypt open forest on coastal lowlands and ranges, a downslope characteristic
of 8 degrees and a surface fuel load of 17.2t/ha and a total fuel load of 24.2t/ha the calculations
is provided below in Table 3.
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Table 3: - Noosa Springs - Minimum Distance Calculator - AS3959-2018 (Method 2)
Calculated October 9, 2020, 4:49 pm (MDc v.4.8)
Inputs Outputs
Fire Danger Index 48 Rate of spread 1.75 km/h
Vegetation Forest Flame length 14.28 m
classification
Surface fuel load 17.5 t/ha Flame angle 54 °, 64 °, 72 °, 76 °,
78 ° & 83 °
Overall fuel load 24.2 t/ha Elevation of receiver 5.57 m, 6.14 m, 6.39
m, 6.36 m, 6.31 m &
5.47 m
Vegetation height n/a Fire intensity 21,888 kW/m
Effective slope 8° Transmissivity 0.872, 0.854, 0.828,
0.803, 0.79 & 0.728
Site slope 1° Viewfactor 0.599, 0.4456, 0.3007,
0.2045, 0.1663 &
0.0451
Flame width 100 m Minimum distance to < 40 kW/m² 11.7 m
Windspeed n/a Minimum distance to < 29 15.7 m
kW/m²
Heat of combustion 18,600 Minimum distance to < 19 kW/m² 23 m
kJ/kg
Flame temperature 1,090 K Minimum distance to < 12.5 kW/m² 32.4 m
Minimum distance to < 10 kW/m² 38.4 m
Rate of Spread - McArthur, 1973 & Noble et al., 1980
Flame length - NSW Rural Fire Service, 2001 & Noble et al., 1980
Elevation of receiver - Douglas & Tan, 2005
Flame angle - Douglas & Tan, 2005
Radiant heat flux - Drysdale, 1999, Sullivan et al., 2003, Douglas & Tan, 2005
The setback distance required to achieve a radiant heat flux of less than 29kW/m2 is 15.7m
from the potentially hazardous vegetation to the north. Figure 5 below designates the setback
edge of hazardous vegetation where the distance to the proposed building is 21.9m from the
north-eastern most corner, and 24.4m from the north-western most corner. This will achieve
a Radiant Heat Flux within 19-29kW/m2 which is within the sates acceptable level of risk.
Compliance with AS3959-2018 for a Class 3 Structure will be required.
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Figure 5: Proposed development location opposite potentially hazardous
vegetation. A setback distance from the nominal ‘Hazardous Vegetation Effective
Edge Line’ of 15.7m will achieve a Radiant Heat Flux less than 29kW/m2. The actual
distance of the proposed development to hazardous vegetation is 21.9m.
5 CONCLUSIONS
1. The Bushfire hazard mapping over the vegetated parts of the subject site and surrounding
areas to the north and east is supported by aerial photography and confirmed by the site
visit
2. The area of vegetation within the northern portion and along the north-eastern boundary
of the subject site is an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity as determined using the
State Planning Policy – Natural Hazard, Risks and Resilience, Technical Report methodology
after Leonard et al (2014). We note this reflects both State Planning Policy – Natural Hazard
Risks and Resilience bushfire hazard mapping and the Noosa Plan Natural Hazard overlay
mapping.
3. The area of vegetation in and surrounding Girraween Nature Refuge is also confirmed to
be an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity.
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6 ACTIONS
With respect to this development proposal, the following actions for bushfire management are
required: -
The development will occur primarily over land that is already cleared and be utilised for
structures like tennis courts and landscaping. The hazardous vegetation retained in proximity
to the development site is separated by Resort Drive, tennis courts and auxiliary parking which
will provide a buffer between hazardous vegetation and proposed structures.
6.1 BUILDING LOCATION
1. The development on top of the ridge, abutting Resort Drive, is to be located such that
it achieves a Radiant heat Flux of 29kW/m2.
2. A minimum setback between any future habitable structures and the edge of potential
hazardous vegetation is 15.7 metres which achieves a radiant heat flux of less than
29kW/m2.
6.2 LANDSCAPING
3. It is noted a significant area upslope of the proposed hotel buildings will be landscaped.
Much of this area is currently occupied by the tennis courts and other grassed benched
areas.
4. While the landscaping may be required to replicate the adjacent regional ecosystem,
12.2.5 we note this regional ecosystem contains a number of understorey species that
can be considered to be less flammable. These species represent a mature phase
woodland and one that has not been subjected to a fire for several years.
5. Two bands of understorey treatment should be considered in the landscape planning
where maximum distances are permitted:
a. A band of vegetation up to 20-metre-wide along Resort Drive is to contain 100%
of less flammable plant species.
b. The remaining area greater than 20m from Resort Drive can contain no less than
50% less-flammable plant species in the understorey and groundcover
6. We further note that it is likely this landscaped area will be subjected to regular
maintenance due to the type of development i.e. the boutique hotel and as such, the
use of less flammable plant species would also be regularly maintained to ensure they
perform the task of reducing the flammability of the groundcover and understorey within
the landscaped area.
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6.3 ACCESS
7. As there are constraints with the existing vehicle access, into the site, improvements to
the Resort Drive verge the removal of vegetation from along the edge of the road to
extend the width of accessible road reserve is required. This will improve sightlines and
impacts of vegetation with resident vehicles and emergency vehicle response.
6.4 WATER SUPPLY
8. We believe the existing facility is connected to reticulated water and this will be sufficient
for the proposed hotel. However, the hydraulic engineering consultants should ensure
there is the capacity to meet potential needs should a structural and/or vegetation fire
threaten the structures.
9. Sufficient hydrant standpipes or inground hydrants are to be located within and around
the facility to ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and standards.
10. It is noted that the golf course also has extensive irrigation separate from the reticulated
supply, sourced from a local lake, and this could be channelled into an auxiliary supply
for bushfire purposes. However, we note that this water may not meet the QFES
specifications for us to suppress vegetation fires via pressure hoses and should be used
by aerial appliances.
6.5 FUTURE PLANNING
11. A bushfire management plan will be required due to the facilities proximity to identified
bushfire hazard areas.
12. The Hotel is to designate an in-house Fire Response Chief whose responsibility will be
to provide direction to guests and staff should a bushfire threaten the hotel.
13. An emergency response plan which will include an Evacuation Plan should also be
considered to provide a set of responses should a vegetation fire involve adjacent
vegetation and visitors and staff need to be relocated to ensure they are safe until the
fire is brought under control by the relevant authorities. This evacuation procedure
could involve one or more of the following;
a. evacuation onto the golf course.
b. evacuation within the community titles area, located behind buildings with fire
safety standards.
c. Within the hotel, the evacuation of visitors and staff to the reception area, to wait
for further instructions by the Hotel Management or Emergency Services.
Bushfire Management Plan | Noosa Springs | RFA17-040 24 September 2021
Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd