2021-06-08 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA    8 JUNE 2021




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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                            8 JUNE 2021

                                                                                                    Assure

                6.4 Planned Burns
                The engagement of contractors to conduct these burns whilst understandable, increases risks that
                their scheduled burns do not occur due to the availability of the contractors at the right time. The
                risk that they don’t occur should be thoroughly reviewed through a Risk Management process.
                Whilst financial risks are important, there are other risks that should be included. The availability of
                contractors to burn when the times are right are somewhat difficult to ensure. Some ways to
                mitigate this include a general high-level model of the end-to-end process mapping which applies to
                prescribed burning. The inclusion of four key sequential phases (Strategic Planning Phase, Tactical
                Program Planning Phase, Operational Planning Phase, Operations Implementation Phase), and two
                whole-process activities (Communication and consultation, Monitoring and evaluation) that occur
                through all the sequential phases should be developed in anticipation of the burn, including multiple
                potential dates. These phases further explained in National Guidelines for Prescribed Burning
                Operations and should be considered as part of this risk assessment.
                The use of contractors DOES NOT mitigate the fact that Council is the custodian of the land as
                previously stated.
                Environmental concerns
                6.1 Asset Protection Zones
                The reviewer has already highlighted the risk associated some of the concerns with the development
                of Fire Breaks and Trails. If these are adequately built and maintained, the impact on the
                environment should be mitigated. Soil erosion practices should be completed along with soil erosion
                plans developed and monitored. Even the driving of vehicles along these trails for legitimate reasons
                will impact the environment.
                The introduction of illegal dumping of household green waste also imposes the risk of introducing
                evasive species of plants into the natural environment. Contamination and the movement of weed
                through vehicles should also be considered a risk which requires adequate controls.
                Regular monitoring, social campaigns and the use of electronic surveillance could assist in identifying
                those who wish to flaunt the local laws. Council might also consider the use of Remote Aerial
                Aircraft.
                Social concerns
                Off reserve neighbour risk assessment — life and property
                A social campaign for areas identified within Map 4 as being vulnerable should be seriously
                considered using a conciliatory approach. This map shows physical buildings which are seen as
                potential “at risk” structures, however the occupants of these buildings should also be assessed and
                categorised through some type of risk process. Vulnerable people, those who may have access
                issues, medical concerns etc should be considered and mapped. This will also allow for any
                responding state service to have knowledge of these people and act accordingly. This will also allow
                Council to ensure that the campaign is targeted.
                Bush fire preparedness should also be considered, and mitigation programs be either supported by
                Council, or the introduction of local laws implemented. Some States in conjunction with the
                Commonwealth Government, have introduced the Natural Disaster Resilience Programme (NDRP)

               Document Name:    Peer Review - Noosa Shire Council (Bushfire Management Plan)           Page 6 of 9

                                     en

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