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Lot 8 Management Plan v1 - 30 Pottery St Pomona 2021
J000864
LOT 8 BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN v1
CREATED FROM SUBDIVISION OF LOT 496 ON MCH591
30 POTTERY STREET, POMONA
PO Box 9566 Pacific Paradise QLD 4564 / Email: [email protected]
ABN 60 625 108 625
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document: Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan
Client: Ellen Leape
Project Number: J000864
Project: Reconfiguration of a Lot
Site: Lot 496 on MCH591
30 Pottery Street, Pomona
File Ref: C:\CLIENTS\LEAPE ELLEN\2019 RoL\04_REPORTING\Lot 8 Bushfire Management
Plan v1 – 30 Pottery Street Pomona.docx
Version Date Distribution Author/s Approved
1 11/06/2020 Brian Naismith N. Willis (B. Sc., Dip. Joshua Lee
CLM., mAABR) – (B. Sc. AES, mEIANZ)
Principal Ecologist - Director
DISCLAIMER
To the extent permitted by law, North Coast Environmental Services (including its employees, partners and consultants) excludes
all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses, and any other
compensation, arising directly or indirectly, from using this publication (in part or whole) and any information or material contained
in it.
© 2021 i
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864 Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 BACKGROUND 3 1.2 VEGETATION 3 2 BUSHFIRE RISK SUMMARY 5 2.1 GENERAL 5 2.2 RISK FROM IDENTIFIED HAZARDOUS VEGETATION 5 3 BUSHFIRE IMPACT REDUCTION MEASURES 6 3.1 GENERAL 6 3.2 ASSET PROTECTION ZONE 6 3.2.1 GENERAL 6 3.3 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE APZ 6 3.4 FIRE BREAKING TRAIL 7 3.5 GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 8 3.6 FUEL REDUCTION BURNING 9 4 CONCLUSION 10 5 REFERENCES 11 6 QFES PREPARE ACT SURVIVE 12 © 2021 ii
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This Bushfire Management Plan has been prepared to manage the degree of potential bushfire
hazard and associated risk acting on Lot 8 created from the subdivision of Lot 496 on MCH591,
located at 30 Pottery Street, Pomona. A comprehensive Bushfire Hazard Assessment and
Management Plan has been prepared to accompany the development application and which
assesses bushfire matters pertaining to the development as a whole. Noosa Council have
specifically required Lot 8 to contain an Asset Protection Zone and Fire Management Trail which are
to be placed under an easement/legally binding covenant for fire management purposes. Lot 8 will
also contain the retained hazardous vegetation within the site which is to be protected under a
vegetation protection covenant. This Plan has been developed to direct the management of the
covenant areas and to instruct future landowners on their responsibilities in relation to bushfire
management.
1.2 Vegetation
The vegetation within the Lot 8 vegetation protection covenant and immediately adjoining properties
to the west contains Vegetation Hazard Class 9.1 – Moist to dry eucalypt open forests on coastal
lowlands and ranges (classified in accordance with QFES (2019)).
The canopy within VHC 9.1 has attained an average height of 30m and is dominated by a mix of
Eucalypts including Eucalyptus acmenoides (white mahogany) and E. pilularis (blackbutt). Corymbia
intermedia (pink bloodwood) and Eucalyptus propinqua (small-fruited grey gum) were also observed
as a sub-dominant presence within the canopy. Crown cover is approximately 60% with average
diameter at breast height (DBH) of the canopy trees at approximately 300-500mm, with some mature
E. pilularis individuals attaining a DBH of >1000mm.
The mid-storey within VHC 9.1 is sparse and dominated by common open forest species such as
Petalostigma triloculare (quinine) and Lophostemon confertus (brush box). The understorey is
dominated by a range of native grass and sedge species, with areas of localised native shrub
species.
VHC 9.1 is attributed a potential combined surface fuel load of 21 t/ha and a potential total fuel load
of 24.2 t/ha (QFES, 2019). Plate 1 depicts typical conditions within VHC 9.1.
Plate 1 – Characteristic vegetation within VHC 9.1
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
Lot 8 is located on the eastern edge of a large expanse of native bushland, including vegetation.
contained within Tuchekoi National Park. The vegetation corridor encompasses over 150ha and
includes the steep escarpment and foothills of Mt Cooroora. Semi-vegetated rural-residential
allotments border the site to the north and south. The built residential area of the Pomona township
is located to the east of the site.
Available direct forest fire runs are present predominantly upslope of the site to the west, with a
smaller potential fire run available across slope to downslope to the north and south-west.
Plate 2 depicts the general extent of bushland habitat hence available fire zones surrounding the
site.
Lot 8
Tuchekoi National Park
Plate 2 – Dominant forest fire runs (Source: Queensland Globe)
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
2 BUSHFIRE RISK SUMMARY
2.1 General
The bushfire risk assessment details the likelihood that the Lot 8 dwelling will be exposed to bushfire
smoke, ember, radiant heat and/or flame attack considering the proximity to bushfire prone
vegetation and likely bushfire behaviour. Plate 3 illustrates the main bushfire attack mechanisms
acting on buildings.
Plate 3 – Figure A 5.1 Bushfire attack mechanisms (Planning for Bush Fire Protection, 2006)
2.2 Risk from Identified Hazardous Vegetation
The Plan of Development depicts the building envelope within proposed Lot 8 immediately flanking
the identified hazardous vegetation to be retained within the west of the site. The likelihood of a fire
approaching from the west is considered likely, given dominant regional fire weather winds are
derived from the north-west to south-west.
The degree of separation offered to the adjoining vegetation is the primary driver of the assigned
level of risk and was determined with consideration to bushfire modelling undertaken during the
development assessment process. In the absence of an appropriate separation buffer to the adjacent
vegetation, the dwelling within Lot 8 and the immediately adjoining allotments could be exposed to
direct flame, severe radiant heat and ember attack during the modelled bushfire conditions resulting
in total structure loss.
The Plan of Development provides a dedicated Asset Protection Zone of 19m width which separates
the Lot 8 building envelope from the VHC 9.1 open Eucalypt forest to the west and includes a
trafficable firebreak. Should a fire run eventuate from the west then the separation would, based on
the modelling undertaken, expose the dwelling to an acceptable risk of radiant heat impact as per
the current radiant heat benchmark of <29kW/m² set by the Department of State Development,
Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning’s State Planning Policy – State interest guidance material
– Natural hazards, risk and resilience – Bushfire (December 2019) (referenced herein as SPP
(Bushfire) 2019).
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
3 BUSHFIRE IMPACT REDUCTION MEASURES
3.1 General
The following section describes bushfire impact reduction measures to be implemented to reduce
the risk of bushfire impacts to people and property. Implementation of the identified measures is not
implied nor intended to advocate that building occupants remain on the site during a bushfire event,
nor that people and property will be protected from bushfire impacts. The measures are intended to
reduce the potential severity of bushfire impact and not prevent bushfire impact. The bushfire
mitigation measures have been derived from:
• Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning’s State
Planning Policy – State interest guidance material – Natural hazards, risk and resilience –
Bushfire (December 2019) (referenced herein as SPP (Bushfire) 2019); and
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. (2019). Planning for Bushfire Resilient
Communities.
3.2 Asset Protection Zone
3.2.1 General
Asset Protection Zones (APZ) provide a defensive tool to assist in the reduction of potential bushfire
impact to people and property situated in bushfire prone areas. For illustrative purposes, Plate 4
depicts the concept of an APZ surrounding a dwelling in a bushfire prone areas.
Plate 4 – Asset Protection Zones
Lot 8 has been confirmed to be located within a bushfire hazard area hence provision of adequate
separation between the building envelope flanking the western hazardous vegetation is required to
provide a reasonable level of safety to site occupants and emergency services staff.
Lot 8 has been provided with a minimum of 19m separation between the building envelope and the
VHC 9.1 open eucalypt forest, which is proposed to be protected within the conservation covenant
and contain a trafficable fire break for use by emergency services if required.
3.3 Vegetation management within the APZ
The prescribed APZ is required to be maintained as a low fuel zone that comprises only low threat
vegetation with minimal fuel conditions. Minimal fuel condition means there is insufficient fuel
available to significantly increase the severity of the bushfire attack, for example short-cropped grass
to a nominal height of 10 centimetres (i.e., regularly maintained lawns), dirt, gravel or discretely
arranged non- continuous cultivated gardens (e.g., vegetable/flower gardens - does not include
ornamental trees or shrubs).
The APZ within Lot 8 is to be maintained by the individual landholder/s and or occupants and is to
consist of low threat vegetation conditions in perpetuity. Responsibilities include the removal of
regrowth vegetation that naturally establishes within the APZ from adjoining seed sources and or
vegetative fallout (i.e., leaves, sticks, twigs and branches) that accumulates on the ground from
nearby trees and shrubs.
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
3.4 Fire Breaking Trail
A specific fire break trail has been provided between the VHC 9.1 to the west of the Lot 8-10 building
envelopes which is accessed through a dedicated access easement within Lot 8 (refer Plate 5 and
approved Plan of Development).
Plate 5 – Lot 8 Fire break trail
The fire break trail can be accessed by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service for the purpose of
responding to a bushfire event within and adjacent to Covenanted area. To ensure QFES can utilise
the fire breaking trail, a trafficable route of 3.5m width and 4.8m vertical height is to be maintained
unencumbered by vegetation. The fire break will also require turn-around facilities at either end to
enable rapid turnaround for rural fire brigade vehicles and to negate the exit in reverse gear.
Section 5 of the QLD Fire Hydrant and Vehicle Access Guidelines for Residential Commercial and
Industrial Lots 2019 (Fire Hydrant Guidelines 2019) provides specifications for accessibility and
manoeuvring for firefighting and emergency services. The Performance Outcome in Section 5.4
seeks that Provision is made for fire trucks to turn at the end of dead-end roads.
The nominated acceptable outcome is that Constructed roads more than 60m in length from the
nearest intersection must have a turning circle with a minimum radius of 8m (including roll-over kerbs
if they are provided). Other solutions using T or Y heads of specified dimensions are also
appropriate. See figure 2 in the “Road Planning and Design Manual”.
The Rationale for Turning bays is stated as: It is dangerous for emergency vehicles to be required
to reverse along roads for excessive distances in urban areas. Turning is normally carried out after
the incident is under control when emergency movement is not required. Even then, large trucks
reversing in residential areas create safety concerns. Fire trucks occasionally need to seek an
alternative route necessitating a 180 degree turn in emergency conditions. Using a three-point turn,
fire trucks require a turning circle radius of 8m to turn safely. Alternative designs using specified T
or Y heads are also appropriate. This area needs to be clear of obstructions.
Turning Examples
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864
Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona
The firebreak trail in Lot 8 is to be constructed and maintained to satisfy the above vehicle turning
requirements at the northern and southern terminus of the fire break trail as well as the western
terminus on the western boundary of the covenant area.
3.5 General Property Maintenance
The undertaking of an appropriate level of property maintenance throughout the year, and in
particular prior to the fire season, can significantly reduce the severity of fire impact upon a site.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommend the following general actions be undertaken
to prepare for the fire season:
Structure
• Clear leaves, twigs, bark and other debris from the roof and gutters.
• Purchase and test the effectiveness of gutter plugs.
• Enclose open areas under decks and floors.
• Install fine steel wire mesh screens on all windows, doors, vents and weep holes.
• Point LPG cylinder relief valves away from the house.
• Conduct maintenance checks on pumps, generators and water systems.
• Seal all gaps in external roof and wall cladding.
Access
• Display a prominent house or lot number, in case it is required in an emergency.
• Ensure there is adequate access to your property for fire trucks - 4 metres wide by 4 metres
high, with a turn-around area.
Vegetation
• Reduce vegetation loads along the access path.
• Mow your grass regularly.
• Remove excess ground fuels and combustible material (long dry grass, dead leaves and
branches).
• Trim low-lying branches two metres from the ground surrounding your home.
Note the above recommendations are that of QFES and are offered herein for advisory purposes.
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864 Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona The current version of the QFES Prepare Act Survive document (relevant to bushfire) has been provided as Appendix 1 to further advise landholders on the suite of land management actions that can be undertaken to further alleviate bushfire risk on a site. 3.6 Fuel Reduction Burning The vegetation contained within the Vegetation Covenant Area consists of a tall open Eucalypt forest analogous with Vegetation Hazard Class 9.1 – Moist to dry eucalypt open forests on coastal lowlands and ranges (classified in accordance with QFES (2019)). Landowners should liaise with the Rural Fire Service regarding prescribed fuel load/hazard reduction burning. The vegetation is mapped by the Queensland herbarium as containing Regional Ecosystem (RE) 12.11.3 which is described as ‘Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. propinqua +/- E. microcorys, Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia intermedia, E. acmenoides open forest. The Regional Ecosystem Description Database published for RE 12.11.3 contains the following advice regarding prescribed burning to maintain ecological function of the vegetation. Note that hazard reduction burning may be required more frequently than that prescribed for ecological burning. Fire Management Guidelines SEASON: Summer to winter. INTENSITY: Plan for low to moderate. Unplanned occasional high intensity wildfire will occur. INTERVAL: 4-8 years maintains a healthy grassy system. 8-20 years for shrubby elements of understorey. STRATEGY: Aim for 40-60% mosaic burn. Needs disturbance to maintain RE structure (eucalypt overstorey with open understorey of predominantly non-rainforest species). Any moist sclerophyll that is relatively open with a mixture of grasses and shrubs should be a priority for fire management to retain RE structure. ISSUES: Frequent fire is needed to maintain understorey integrity, keeping more mesic species low in the profile of the understorey so that other species can compete. A grassy system is especially important for species such as the eastern bristlebird and its habitat. It is essential that wildfires are not the sole source of fire in this ecosystem. High intensity fires occur periodically through time, however frequent low to moderate intensity fires will create the disturbance required to keep the understorey diverse. A follow-up burn soon after a high intensity wildfire can be considered to reduce germinating mesic species. © 2021 9
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864 Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona 4 CONCLUSION This Bushfire Management Plan has been prepared to manage the degree of potential bushfire risk acting on Lot 8 created from the Reconfiguration of a Lot development application for Lot 496 on MCH591, located at 30 Pottery Street, Pomona. Implementation of the bushfire mitigation measures referenced herein is not implied nor intended to advocate that residents remain on the site during a bushfire event nor that people and property will be protected from bushfire impact. The measures are intended to reduce the potential severity of bushfire impact to persons and property and not prevent actual bushfire impact. The landowners and site managers are to be responsible for ensuring the measures prescribed herein are applied and stay up to date with site conditions and industry standards. Landholders/managers should therefore liaise with Queensland Fire and Rescue Services at regular intervals (e.g., recommended at least every 5 years). The first call in the event of a bushfire emergency should always be ‘000’. © 2021 10
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864 Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona 5 REFERENCES Cruz M.G., Gould J.S., Alexander M.E., Sullivan A.L., McCaw W.L., Matthews S. (2015) A Guide to Rate of Fire Spread Models for Australian Vegetation. CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Canberra, ACT, and AFAC, Melbourne, Vic, 123pp. Gould, McCaw, Cheney, Ellis & Matthews. (2007). Field Guide – Fuel assessment and fire behaviour in dry eucalypt open forest. Ensis-CSIRO, Canberra, ACT and Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, WA. Leonard, J., Opie, K. (2017). Estimating the potential bushfire hazard of vegetation patches and corridors. An enhancement of Queensland’s methodology for State-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas. CSIRO Land & Water, Australia. Noosa Planning Scheme (2006). Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code. Noosa Council. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. (2019). Bushfire Resilient Communities - Technical Reference Guide for the State Planning Policy - State Interest Guideline - Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience 2- Bushfire. Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium – Operational Manual. The State of Queensland, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (2019). Natural hazards, risk and resilience - Bushfire State Planning Policy – state interest guidance material. Webster. (2002). The Complete Bushfire Safety Book. Random House (Aust) Pty Ltd. QFES Prepare Act Survive R QFES Prepare Act Survive QFES Prepare Act Survive © 2021 11
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Lot 8 Bushfire Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000864 Lot 496 on MCH591 – 30 Pottery St, Pomona 6 QFES PREPARE ACT SURVIVE © 2021 12