2021-06-08 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                               8 JUNE 2021


1.      Fire Management Plan 5-Year Operational Plan
Based on the FMP risk assessment, a 5-Year Operational Plan has been developed to guide on-
ground works. These works may include fire trail widening or extensions, and the establishment of
new Fuel Reduction Zones (FRZ). The Operational Plan also informs a prescribed burn program.
This operational plan is reviewed annually and delivers on the intent of the FMP.
Key to the delivery of the Operational Plan is a new initiative to fund a Fire Management Officer
position and the purchase of additional fire equipment to improve internal capacity to deliver
Council’s planned burn program.
2.      Fire Management Plan-Action Plan
The FMP also includes an Action Plan to guide the delivery of broader fire management actions. 7
broad actions are identified:
       Development of procedures for staff to respond to severe, extreme and catastrophic fire
        weather. For example, this may include increased reserve inspections and cessation of
        activities that may cause an ignition (e.g. slashing).
       The development of a Community Engagement Plan to better inform residents and visitors
        about bushfire risk.
       Annual reviews of the prioritisation methodology, particularly in relation to climate change risks.
       The ongoing implementation of the 5-Year Operational Plan for fire trails, fuel reduction zones
        and planned burns.
       Further engagement with key stakeholders including Queensland Fire and Rescue,
        Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service and Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners.
       The development of Multi-agency Fire Management Plans at the highest risk localities.
       Further investigation into State and Federal funding sources to support fire management.
3.      Fire access trail standards
The FMP provides standards for fire access trails, based on the level of risk along the common
boundary interface. Most of the Noosa Bushland Reserve fire trail network occurs alongside
Category C (Residential building and facilities) and a 4m wide fire trail is deemed as an acceptable
standard where the terrain is suitable. This provides adequate clearances for access for fire vehicle
appliances.
The following table provides the guidelines for creation and maintenance of fire access trails or fuel
reduction zones for bushland 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 months
                                                                  appliance      FRZ every 3 years
                                                                  can access
                                                                  and turn
                                                                  around on      Slashing/mowing every 3
                                                                  trail.         months
                   Narrow          3m               N/A           N/A control
                   vegetation                                     line only
                   corridor
    2              >20 degree      N/A              20m           N/A            FRZ every 3 years
                   slope and/or


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