Compiled Plans & Documents OPW18-0342 02

                                                                           Bushfire Emergency Provisions
                                       Residential Aged Care Facility – 6 Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach

     1. The time it may take to arrange off-site evacuation when taking into consideration the time
        to decide on whether to evacuate, the time it will likely take for the EPC to arrange
        evacuation, including packing occupants’ medications, and physically leave the premises;

     2. The vulnerability of occupants from a physical and psychological health perspective which
        will require significant reliance upon staff; and

     3. The potential rate of fire spread, bushfire behaviour and intensity that is experienced on
        increased fire danger days, in conditions where firefighting suppression is challenged.

On the basis of the above, it is not the case these provisions deem it appropriate to ‘wait and see’
if an ignition occurs on days of increased fire weather danger. Queensland Fire and Emergency
Services states that, for residents within a bushfire prone area in CATASTROPHIC fire danger
conditions:

            ‘leaving early is the only option to ensure your survival.
            You must relocate early to a safer location, hours or
            the day before a fire occurs. Under no circumstances
            will it be safe to stay with your property’ (Source: QFES
            Bushfire Survival Plan).

Likewise for EXTREME fire danger days:

            ‘Should a fire occur in your area on a day of extreme
            FDR leaving early will always be the only option’
            (Source: QFES Bushfire Survival Plan).

In instances of SEVERE fire danger days, QFES states that
‘leaving early is the safest option’ (Source: QFES Bushfire
Survival Plan). If the three day fire danger weather forecast
indicates SEVERE conditions and an ignition occurs within
Noosa National Park in advance or on the day of, off-site
evacuation should be considered.

In accordance with these emergency management messages,
triggers for off-site evacuation which accord with fire danger
ratings, rather than ignition, is essential.




                                                                         Figure 9 - Fire danger ratings
                                                                         messages (Source: QFES)



Status: Provisions                                                                               December 2018
Project No.: 18-030                                                                                   Page 16