RFI - Attachment 7A - Response to Bushfire Issues and BMP.pdf

                                                                                                            7




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.
Bushfire Management Plan | Noosa Springs | RFA17-040                                         24 September 2021

                                    Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd