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Annexure C Bushfire risk assessment and Disaster Managment plan
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Log in to see the plans as drawnProposal Report Proposed Material Change of Use of Premises for Open Space Type 2 Campground over land 240 Wilderness Track, Noosa
North Shore described as Lot 32 on MCH4399 and Part of Lot 1010 on NPW686
Applicant: Noosa Council
_______________________________Annexures
Annexure C: Bushfire Risk Assessment and Bushfire Risk
Management Plan
martoo consulting - Town Planning + Urban Designers + Surveyors + Development Managers 20
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Page 2
Bushfire Risk Assessment
and
Bushfire Risk Management Plan
for
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Upgrade
Lot 32 on MCH4399
Revision 1
Prepared by:
Ecological Natural Area Management
March 2017
Page 3
Ecological Natural Area Management
Document details
Author details
The author of this bushfire risk assessment and bushfire risk management plan is Adrian Hansen,
proprietor of Ecological Natural Area Management. Note that the author is a Fire Protection
Association of Australia Accredited Practitioner Level 3 in Bushfire Planning and Design.
See Appendix 3 for demonstration that the author is a “professional who is suitably qualified and
experienced with technical expertise in the field of bushfire hazard identification and mitigation,
including protection of biodiversity values”..
The author can be contacted at:
23 Hill St
Wooombye, Qld, 4559
Ph 0400 132 634
Email [email protected]
Document history
Revision Date Reviewed
Revision 1 03 March 2017_ Adrian Hansen
Document certification
03 March 2017……………
Adrian Hansen Date
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Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 The reasons for the Bushfire Risk Assessment and Management Plan............................................7
2.2 Commissioning of the Bushfire Risk Assessment and Management Plan........................................7
2.3 The aim of the Bushfire Risk Assessment and Management Plan....................................................7
3 Site description........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Location............................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Topography....................................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Assessed Bushfire Status................................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Climate............................................................................................................................................ 10
4 Site vegetation.......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Site aerial photo.............................................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Mapped Remnant Regional Ecosystems........................................................................................ 12
4.3 Map of the visually assessed vegetation.........................................................................................13
5 Bushfire risk assessment........................................................................................................................ 14
5.1 Bushfire hazard mitigation potential solutions.................................................................................14
5.2 Bushfire hazard mitigation considerations:.....................................................................................14
5.3 Assessment of the bushfire hazard mitigation potential solutions...................................................14
5.4 Assessment of radiant heat loads on the beach.............................................................................14
5.5 Assessment of fuel loads................................................................................................................ 15
5.6 Assessment of radiant heat loads................................................................................................... 15
5.7 Map of areas with less than 2.1kW/m2........................................................................................... 16
6 Bushfire risk mitigation recommendations............................................................................................17
6.1 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Recommendations.......................................................................................................................... 17
7 References................................................................................................................................................ 18
8 Appendices................................................................................................................................................ 19
8.1 Appendix 1: Regional Ecosystem full descriptions..........................................................................19
8.2 Appendix 2: Software reports from the bushfire behaviour modelling.............................................21
8.3 Appendix 3: Qualifications and experience of the author................................................................26
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Proposed site plan............................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 2: Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire Intensity Mapping showing the proposed site in an area
mapped as Potential Bushfire Intensity Buffer.................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3: Aerial photograph of the area in the vicinity of the site.....................................................................11
Figure 4: Map of Queensland Vegetation Management Act conservation status of Remnant Regional
Ecosystems in the vicinity of the site............................................................................................................... 12
Figure 5: Map showing the locations of the visually assessed vegetation including non-vegetated areas such
as suburbs, roads, bicycle paths etc............................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6: Map showing the proposed refuge area on the beach east of the camp ground that has a predicted
radiant heat load of less than 2.1 kW/m2 ....................................................................................................... 16
List of Tables
Table 1: Regional Ecosystems on and contiguous with the lot........................................................................12
Table 2: Table of the assessed fuel loads of the vegetation formations..........................................................15
Table 3: Table of the assessed fuel loads of the vegetation formations, potential bushfire intensity and
separation distances to achieve a radiant heat load less than 2.1 kW/m2......................................................15
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1 Executive Summary
Introduction
The Noosa North Shore camp ground is proposed for an upgrade (Wright & Williams, 2016) that
will potentially require a Material Change of Use application. The camp ground is in a Medium
Bushfire Hazard Area on the Noosa Plan Bushfire Overlay and a Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer
on the Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire Intensity Mapping. Additionally, the proposed
upgrade works will potentially increase the potential bushfire hazard as re-vegetation works with
the locally indigenous flammable vegetation is proposed. Accordingly, this report will assess
bushfire risk mitigation options for the potentially vulnerable residents of the camp ground and
make recommendations in respect of risk management solutions.
Mapped bushfire Hazard
• Medium Bushfire hazard Area on The Noosa Plan bushfire Overlay and
• Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer on Queensland State-wide Bushfire Intensity Mapping.
Assessment of Bushfire Prone Area
As the location of the camp ground is assessed as being in a Medium Bushfire Hazard Area,
• The camp ground is confirmed as being in a Bushfire Prone Area.
Bushfire risk and emergency management options
In this situation of vulnerable residents in a Bushfire Prone Area, two potential solutions are
available to ensure their safety during a bushfire. The two potential solutions are:
• Evacuate all vulnerable residents in good time before a bushfire attack and/or
• Provide safe refuge for all vulnerable residents on-site during the passage of a bushfire.
On this site, the evacuation option will fail if not conducted early as the potential evacuation routes
are through the hazard back to the ferry.
Accordingly, this report will propose that the second option of providing a safe refuge for all
vulnerable residents on the beach during the passage of a bushfire is the most appropriate
solution.
Assessment of evacuation options
• On this site, the evacuation option will fail if not conducted early as the potential evacuation
routes are through the hazard back to the ferry or along the beach and it is unlikely that
residents will have 4WD vehicles.
Assessment of a bushfire safe refuge if evacuation is left too late
• It was assessed that there are areas on the beach which have an expected radiant heat
load of less than 2.1 kW/m2 the maximum radiant heat load tolerated by an unprotected
person.
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Bushfire risk management recommendations
It is recommended that:
At all times:
• Camp ground administration post bushfire emergency management material in public
places on the camp ground showing evacuation and safe refuge options for the residents
and required actions for each eventuality,
• Maintain water storage of >10,000 L of water for firefighting purposes in a dedicated tank
that has Rural Fire Service hose connection fittings and
• No fuel load management such as prescribed burns are required as all assessments were
conducted at maximum potentail accumulated fuel loads and a safe refuge is still available
in such a situation.
On days of High or greater Fire Danger:
• Camp ground administration remain on a Watch and Act status maintaining liaison with
Noosa Council Emergency Management, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and if it is considered that there is a bushfire in the
area and evacuation to the west is still possible, advise all residents to enact such an
evacuation.
If a bushfire is posing an immanent threat to the camp ground:
• Advise all residents to move to the safe refuge on the beach
(See Figure 6 of this report showing the areas on the beach that can be used as a safe refuge)
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2 Introduction
2.1 The reasons for the Bushfire Risk Assessment and Management Plan
The Noosa North Shore camp ground is proposed for an upgrade (Wright & Williams, 2016) that
will potentially require a Material Change of Use application. The camp ground is in a Medium
Bushfire Hazard Area on the Noosa Plan Bushfire Overlay and a Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer
on the Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire Intensity Mapping. Additionally, the proposed
upgrade works will potentially increase the potential bushfire hazard as re-vegetation works with
the locally indigenous flammable vegetation is proposed. Accordingly, this report will assess
bushfire risk mitigation options for the potentially vulnerable residents of the camp ground and
make recommendations in respect of risk management solutions.
2.2 Commissioning of the Bushfire Risk Assessment and Management Plan
Ecological Natural Area Management has been commissioned to prepare a Bushfire Risk
Assessment and Bushfire Risk Management Plan to fulfil the above requirements. See Appendix 3
for demonstration that the author is a “professional who is suitably qualified and experienced with
technical expertise in the field of bushfire hazard identification and mitigation, including protection
of biodiversity values”..
2.3 The aim of the Bushfire Risk Assessment and Management Plan
The aim of this bushfire impact assessment report is to:
• Assess the bushfire risk for the residents of the camp ground and
• Make bushfire risk mitigation recommendations to mitigate the bushfire risk to the residents
using evacuation and safe refuges options
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3 Site description
3.1 Location
The site, described as Lot 32 on MCH4399 is situated at Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Upgrade in the Noosa Council jurisdiction.
Figure 1: Proposed site plan
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3.2 Topography
Site topography is “Plain” <5% to 10% slope.
3.3 Assessed Bushfire Status
The location of the site is in an area mapped as a:
• Medium Bushfire hazard Area on The Noosa Plan bushfire Overlay and
• Potential Bushfire Buffer on Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire Intensity Mapping.
Note:
The map below shows the Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire Intensity Mapping, This map
is displayed as a key consideration of bushfire risk assessments in this report is an assessment of
potential bushfire intensity and radiant heat loads.
Figure 2: Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire
Intensity Mapping showing the proposed site in an area
mapped as Potential Bushfire Intensity Buffer
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3.4 Climate
The climate is subtropical. That is, the area is influenced by monsoonal climate systems in summer
but also from temperate climate systems in winter. Mean rainfall is approximately 1700.mm per
year. (Bureau of Meteorology, 2004) The “wet” season runs from December to April.
Severe bushfire weather can occur. This is characterised by:
• Dry windy days
• Winds north to north west for 2-4 days
• Temperatures 350C or over
These conditions occur from September to December; worst month, November. (Webster J, 2000)
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4 Site vegetation
4.1 Site aerial photo
The available aerial photography indicates that the site is a beach-side camp ground with
extensive native vegetation extending to the west.
Figure 3: Aerial photograph of the area in the vicinity of the site.
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4.2 Mapped Remnant Regional Ecosystems
Most of the vegetation in the vicinity of the site has been mapped as Remnant Regional
Ecosystems.
Figure 4: Map of Queensland Vegetation Management Act conservation status of Remnant
Regional Ecosystems in the vicinity of the site
Table 1: Regional Ecosystems on and contiguous with the lot
Regional Ecosystem Description
RE 12.2.14 Strand and fore dune complex with Casuarina equisetifolia low woodland
and Spinifex sericeus grassland
RE 12.2.7 Melaleuca quinquenervia or rarely M. dealbata open forest on sand plains
RE 12.2.12 Closed heath on seasonally waterlogged sand plains
(Source: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, 2015)
See Appendix 1 for the full descriptions of these Regional Ecosystems.
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4.3 Map of the visually assessed vegetation
Based on visual assessment of the vegetation, assessment of aerial photography, assessment of
vegetation mapping and field verification, the visually assessed vegetation is:
• Fore dune herbland,
• Casuarina equesitifolia low woodland in the foredune complex - canopy height = 10m,
• Melaleuca quinquenervia woodland - canopy height = 10m,
• Low (Wallum) heath land - canopy height <2m
The map below shows the locations of the visually assessed vegetation.
Figure 5: Map showing the locations of the visually assessed vegetation including non-vegetated
areas such as suburbs, roads, bicycle paths etc.
These areas of vegetation will be used for subsequent bushfire hazard and risk assessments in
this report.
Note that the bushfire hazard of the fore dune herbland will not be assessed as it is a non-
flammable vegetation community.
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5 Bushfire risk assessment
5.1 Bushfire hazard mitigation potential solutions
In this situation of vulnerable residents in a Bushfire Prone Area, two potential solutions are
available to ensure their safety during a bushfire. The two potential solutions are:
• Evacuate all vulnerable residents in good time before a bushfire attack and/or
• Provide safe refuge for all vulnerable residents on-site during the passage of a bushfire.
On this site, the evacuation option will fail if not conducted in good time as the potential evacuation
routes are through the hazard back to the ferry.
Accordingly, this report will propose that the second option of providing a safe refuge for all
vulnerable residents on the beach during the passage of a bushfire is the most appropriate
solution.
Note: Early evacuation or refuge on the beach is the solution used by Queensland Parks and
Wildlife Service for their camp grounds in Cooloola National Park.
5.2 Bushfire hazard mitigation considerations:
In this camp ground situation, however, residents accessing the beach as a refuge during the
passage of a bushfire front will need to be considered to be pedestrians: that is, not in cars as
many residents will not be driving 4WD vehicles.
Therefore, the maximum radiant heat load to be tolerated in this situation is 2.1 kW/m2; the
maximum radiant heat load tolerated by an unprotected person
5.3 Assessment of the bushfire hazard mitigation potential solutions
As noted above, the maximum radiant heat load tolerated by an unprotected person is 2.1 kW/m2.
Therefore this report will assess the the expected radiant heat load on the beach near the camp
ground to ensure that there are areas which do not exceed the 2.1 kW/m2. radiant heat load thresh-
hold.
5.4 Assessment of radiant heat loads on the beach
To assess the radiant heat loads on the beach, the method used will be to:
• Assess the fuel loads of the nearby hazardous vegetation:
• Assess the radiant heat loads at varying distances from the hazard using the view factor
method. For this assessment, software developed by Newcastle Bushfire Consulting which
models radiant heat loads using Method 2 of Australian Standard AS3959-2009:
Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas.
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5.5 Assessment of fuel loads
Fuel loads for the impacting hazardous vegetation was assessed using the Overall Fuel Hazard
Guide.
Note: The fuel loads for the vegetation in the camp ground will be reduced to reflect the
discontinuous nature of the vegetation due to access tracks and campsites.
Table 2: Table of the assessed fuel loads of the vegetation formations
Hazardous vegetation Fuel load
Wallum heath 15 t/ha
Melaleuca quinquinervia woodland – un-altered 19 t/ha
Melaleuca quinquinervia woodland – reduced due to camp ground 16 t/ha
infrastructure
Casuarina equisetifolia low woodland – un-altered 16t t/ha
Casuarina equisetifolia low woodland – reduced due to camp ground 10 t/ha
infrastructure
5.6 Assessment of radiant heat loads
The table below shows the expected bushfire fire line intensity in the various vegetation formations
and the distances from the vegetation to achieve a radiant heat load no greater than 2.1kW/m2.
All bushfire intensities were assessed using a Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) of FFDI = 50 to
maintain consistency with the A new methodology Bushfire Prone Area Mapping (Leonard et al.,
2014) which was used to derive the potential bushfire intensities shown on Figure 2 above.
Table 3: Table of the assessed fuel loads of the vegetation formations, potential bushfire intensity
and separation distances to achieve a radiant heat load less than 2.1 kW/m2
Hazardous vegetation Fuel load Fireline intensity Distance for radiant heat =
2.1 kW/m2
Wallum heath 15 t/ha 22208 kW/m 72m
Melaleuca quinquinervia 19 t/ha 8835 kW/m 74m
woodland – un-altered
Melaleuca quinquinervia 14 t/ha 4340 kW/m 58m
woodland – reduced due to
campground infrastructure
Casuarina equisetifolia low 15t t/ha 4650 kW/m 58m
woodland – un-altered
Casuarina equisetifolia low 10t t/ha 1860 kW/m 43m
woodland – reduced due to
campground infrastructure
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5.7 Map of areas with less than 2.1kW/m2
The map below shows the areas near the camp ground with an expected radiant heat load less
than 2.1 kW/m2, the maximum radiant heat load tolerated by an unprotected person.
Note that this map shows a cross-hatched area east of the line of 2.1 kW/m2 that can be
designated a safe refuge.
Figure 6: Map showing the proposed refuge area on the beach east of the
camp ground that has a predicted radiant heat load of less than 2.1 kW/m2
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6 Bushfire risk mitigation recommendations
6.1 Considerations
As shown above, the camp ground:
• Has limited access to the west to allow ready evacuation if a bushfire threatens,
• Has limited on-site water storage for fire fighting purposes,
• Has residents who potentially only have 2WD vehicles limiting evacuation/escape along the
beach if a bushfire threatens,
• Has a bushfire refuge area on the beach which has a potential radiant heat load less than
2.1 kW/m2 allowing for pedestrian use.
6.2 Recommendations
It is recommended that:
At all times:
• Camp ground administration post bushfire emergency management material in public
places on the camp ground showing evacuation and safe refuge options for the residents
and required actions for each eventuality and
• Maintain water storage of >10,000 L of water for firefighting purposes in a dedicated tank
that has Rural Fire Service hose connection fittings and
• No fuel load management such as prescribed burns are required as all assessments were
conducted at maximum potentail accumulated fuel loads and a safe refuge is still available
in such a situation.
On days of High or greater Fire Danger:
• Camp ground administration remain on a Watch and Act status maintaining liaison with
Noosa Council Emergency Management, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and if it is considered that there is a bushfire in the
area and evacuation to the west is still possible, advise all residents to enact such an
evacuation.
If a bushfire is posing an immanent threat to the camp ground:
• Advise all residents to move to the safe refuge on the beach
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7 References
Cheney, N.P. and Gould, J.S. (1997). Letter to the editor – fire growth and acceleration.
International Journal Wildland Fire 7(1):1-5
Couch, P, (2010). The Urban Fringe Under Pressure, in Proceedings of Fire Australia 2010, Fire
Protection association of Australia, Melbourne.
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, (2014). Regional ecosystem descriptions.
Available from http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/biodiversity/regional-ecosystems, accessed
February 2017
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, (2014). Regional Ecosystem Maps /
Regrowth Vegetation Maps and PMAVs, Available from
<http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/biodiversity/regional-ecosystems/maps/index.php>,
accessed February 2017
Leonard, J., Opie, K., Newnham, G. & Blanchi, R. (2014) A new methodology Bushfire Prone
Area Mapping Report 5. Unpublished report for Queensland Government, Brisbane.
McCarthy, GJ, Tolhurst, KG & Chatto K, (1999), Overall Fuel Hazard Guide: 3rd Edition,
Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria
Noosa Council, (2014). The Noosa Plan, Noosa Council, Tewantin, Queensland.
Queensland Government, (1994). Queensland Vegetation Management Act 2003, The Office of
the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel, Brisbane, Queensland
Queensland Government, (2000). Protecting your home against bushfire attack, Queensland
Government
Queensland Government, (2003). State planning policy 1/03 guideline: Mitigating the adverse
impacts of flood, bushfire and landslide, Department of Local Government and Planning, Brisbane
Queensland Government, (2014) State Planning Policy Guideline: Guidance on flood, bushfire
and landslide hazards. Queensland Government, Brisbane
Standards Australia, (2009). Australian Standard™ AS 3959-2009: Construction of buildings in
bushfire-prone areas, Standards Australia, Sydney
Tan, Z, (2006). Effect of fire run distance on bushfire behaviour and its implications for bushfire
hazard rating and prescription of asset protection zones, NSW Rural Fire Service Technical Paper
002/2006, NSW Rural Fire Service, Sydney.
Webster J, (2000). The complete bushfire safety book, Random House Australia Pty Ltd, Milsons
Point, NSW
Wright, J. & Williams, I. (2016) Noosa North Shore Beach Campground: Lanscape archtecture
concept, Unpublished report for Noosa Council. Hassell, Fortitude Valley, Queensland.
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8 Appendices
8.1 Appendix 1: Regional Ecosystem full descriptions
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8.2 Appendix 2: Software reports from the bushfire behaviour modelling
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8.3 Appendix 3: Qualifications and experience of the author
Author: Adrian Hansen
Relevant qualifications:
• Graduate Diploma in Design for Bushfire Prone Areas
• Diploma in Community Natural Resource Management
• Certificate IV Applied Environmental Management
• Certificate II in Bush Regeneration (with distinction)
Relevant certifications:
•FPAA Accredited Practitioner Level 3 in Bushfire Planning and Design.
(See FPAA website (http://www.fpaa.com.au/bpad.aspx) for details of the certification)
Other relevant qualifications
• Certificate II in Public Safety (Fire fighting Operations)
• Certificate in Bushfire Management
• Certificates in Fire Fighting - Advanced skills & Crew leadership
• Certificate in Property Fire Management Planning
• Certificate in Fire and Biodiversity Monitoring
• Certificate in Regional Ecosystems Frameworks
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Majors in botany and ecology)
• Candidate for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services FBAN (Bushfire Behaviour
Analyst)
• Nearing completion of Master of Environmental Science (focusing on fire, vegetation
disturbance and restoration ecology).
Relevant experience:
• 10 years experience preparing bushfire risk assessments and bushfire risk management
plans (Plans have included individual lots, sub-divisions, eco-cabins developments, schools
etc including both deemed to satisfy and alternate solutions)
• 11 years experience in bush fire fighting
• 11 years experience in bushfire ecology (includes fire and biodiversity monitoring and
ecological fire management plans for conservation areas)
• 12 years experience in natural resource management, ecology, ecological restoration,
environmental management planning etc
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NOOSA NORTH SHORE BEACHFRONT CAMPGROUND
DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
24 April 2017
[OCR of page images]
NOOSA NORTH SHORE BEACHFRONT CAMPGROUND
DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
24 April 2017
Page 29
Document control
Rev No Date Description Prepared by Reviewed by Approved
0 30 March 2017 First Draft Narelle Reid Denis Wallace 17 April 2107
0.1 21 April 2017 DA revision Michelle Stirling Denis Wallace 24 April 2017
1
Distribution
Internal Council Distribution
Properties Branch, Corporate Services, Noosa Council
Caretaker – Noosa North Shore Beachfront Campground
Noosa Local Disaster Coordinator
Review
This plan should be reviewed at least annually or after a significant event has impacted the site.
Document Custodian
The document custodian is the Property Branch, Corporate Services, Noosa Council. All suggestions for
amendment or updates are to be forwarded to the Manager, Property Branch.
© Noosa Council 2014
www.noosa.qld.gov.au
[email protected]
T: 5329 6500 F: 5329 6501
PO Box 141 Tewantin Qld 4565
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document is based on
available information at the time of writing. All
figures and diagrams are indicative only and should
be referred to as such. While Noosa Council has
exercised all reasonable care in preparing this
document it does not warrant or represent that is
accurate or complete. Council or its officers accept
no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any
person acting or refraining from acting in reliance
upon any material contained in this document.
24 April 2017
Page 30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 NOOSA NORTH SHORE BEACHFRONT CAMPGROUND – CONTEXT ...................................................................... 4
1.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4
2 RISKS TO campground USERS ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Storm damage & restricted access due to river flooding ............................................................................. 5
2.2 Bushfire......................................................................................................................................................... 5
3 HAZARD MANAGEMENT TRIGGERS....................................................................................................................... 6
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1 NOOSA NORTH SHORE BEACHFRONT CAMPGROUND – CONTEXT
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to document preparation and response for heavy rain created by an east coast low,
cyclone or bush fire incident impacting on Council’s Noosa North Shore Beachfront Campground.
Responsibility for implementing the plan rests with Noosa Council business area charged with management of
Council’s commercial caravan parks and campgrounds and the Noosa North Shore Beachfront Campground
Caretaker.
1.2 Introduction
The campground is located at Lot 32 Plan MCH4399 (proposed new description being Lot 33 SP287422), 240
Wilderness Track on Noosa North Shore.
The site is accessible from Tewantin by a vehicular river ferry and by good standard sealed road between the
northern side of the river and the campground; or via beach driving from the north.
The use involves camping in tents, vehicles, camper trailers, motorhomes and caravans.
The only fixed structure used for accommodation is the caretaker’s residence. Other fixed structures include
the office/kiosk and amenities buildings.
The site is bounded by:
a) A narrow strip of lightly vegetated coastal dune on the eastern coastal boundary to the Pacific Ocean.
b) Regional Park under the control of Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service to the north and south.
c) The Wilderness Track, which is a constructed and sealed road for the entire length of the western
boundary.
Aerial view showing the campground site surrounded by National Park controlled lands and the beach on the
eastern boundary.
24 April 2017
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2 RISKS TO CAMPGROUND USERS
2.1 Storm damage & restricted access due to river flooding
The site is not subject to flooding from rising streams or rivers.
The main concerns relate to:
- Torrential rain and particularly high winds creating unsafe conditions for camping activities; and
- Loss of egress from the site if there is flooding in the Noosa River, with Noosa North Shore vehicle
ferry operations likely to cease.
Where extreme weather is predicted it is standard practice for Council to notify campers to evacuate the area.
2.2 Bushfire/Wildfire
The campground is in a Medium Bushfire Hazard Area on the Noosa Plan Bushfire Overlay and a Potential
Bushfire Impact Buffer on the Queensland State-wide Potential Bushfire Intensity Mapping.
A bushfire management plan has been developed for the site (see Appendix 1): Report by Ecological Natural
Area Management dated 3 March 2017.
Open fires are not permitted at the site at any time, nor are they allowed on adjoining National Parks
controlled lands. So the threat from bushfire is most likely to come from:
1. A controlled burn within the National Parks land escaping containment lines.
2. Inappropriate activity in high fire danger conditions by people lighting fires.
3. Airborne embers from fires elsewhere.
The bushfire management plan identifies two potential solutions which have been incorporated into this
overall disaster management plan for the site:
• Evacuate all vulnerable residents in good time before a bushfire attack: and/or
• Provide safe refuge for all vulnerable residents on-site during the passage of a bushfire.
On this site, the evacuation option will fail if not conducted early as the potential evacuation route is through
the hazard back to the river vehicle ferry crossing.
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3 HAZARD MANAGEMENT TRIGGERS
The site of the campground is Crown Land under the control of Council as trustee.
State legislation the Disaster Management Act 2003, sets out the functions of local government, states that
Council must have a local disaster management plan, and requires the local government to appoint a Local
Disaster Co-ordinator.
The local Disaster Management Plan sets out the stages and levels of activation for the local disaster
management group. These will be used as the basis for action to ensure the safety of users of the
campground.
The Local Disaster Coordinator role includes advising the Council elected members and the organisation when
the information is received that requires activation of the plan. On receipt of such advice, dependent upon the
risk, the action outlined will be taken by the officer/s responsible for Council’s commercial caravan and
campground operations.
The hierarchy for action is as follows:
Alert, be aware. Heightened level of vigilance due to possibility of event. No action
required but situation must be monitored
Be prepared to act if Heightened level of situational awareness and ready to take action if
necessary. necessary.
Act immediately. Put in place measures to ensure safety of all persons present on the site.
Important Note:
In this decision making hierarchy where the word “Property Branch” is used it refers to Noosa Council’s
Property Branch and specifically the officer responsible for the operations of the Noosa North Shore
Beachfront campground site or any person who for the time being is undertaking that role.
Risk Indicator Action
A Intense low pressure system 1. Property Branch to alert caretaker.
East Coast Low within 300 km. Likely to 2. Caretaker to advise occupiers to be
impact between Sandy Cape prepared to leave if weather deteriorates,
and Point Danger particularly those camping in tents or
under canvas like conditions.
3. Caretaker to monitor situation especially
through the night and be prepared to act
and direct occupiers if conditions
deteriorate.
B Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) 1. Property Branch to urgently advise
issue Severe Weather Warning caretaker to evacuate site.
for Sunshine Coast region for 2. Caretaker to advise occupiers and instruct
heavy rainfall. them to leave immediately. Including via
text messages and face-to-face.
3. If occupiers do not follow direction, Police
assistance is to be sought.
4. Caretaker to assess situation and own
personal safety and determine if safe to
stay.
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5. Caretaker to lock site gates and erect
closed signs.
6. Notify advance bookings, including via
booking system automated text messages.
7. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
8. Property Branch to notify the Local
Disaster Coordinator that site evacuated.
C Intense Low Pressure System 1. Property Branch to urgently advise
located within 50 km of the caretaker to evacuate site.
coast and confirmed as 2. Caretaker to advise occupiers and instruct
impacting between Sandy them to leave immediately. Including via
Cape and Point Danger text messages and face-to-face.
3. If occupiers do not follow direction, Police
assistance is to be sought.
4. Caretaker to assess situation and own
personal safety and determine if safe to
stay.
5. Caretaker to lock site gates and erect
closed signs.
6. Notify advance bookings, including via
booking system automated text messages.
7. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
8. Property Branch to notify the Local
Disaster Coordinator that site evacuated.
Flooding – A Forecast is for rainfall range 1. Property Branch to alert caretaker.
Noosa River up to 200mm in 24 hour 2. Caretaker to advise campground occupiers
catchment period but no prior heavy and advise them to monitor weather and
rainfalls – ground not be prepared to leave if weather
saturated. deteriorates (e.g. high winds).
3. Caretaker to continue to monitor weather
situation.
B Rainfall forecast but not 1. Property Branch to alert caretaker.
expected to exceed 200mm in 2. Caretaker to advise occupiers and advise
a 24 hour period – but ground them to leave or be prepared to leave at
conditions are saturated in the short notice if the rainfall is more intense
Noosa River catchment area. than expected.
3. Caretaker to monitor rain event.
4. Caretaker to assess own situation in terms
of supplies and determine if able to stay
for a period of up to 3 days if Noosa River
experiences minor to moderate flooding.
5. Post information on booking page, website
and social media advising of conditions.
C Forecast heavy rainfall 1. Property Branch responsible to urgently
exceeding 200 mm within advise caretaker.
catchment area over next 48- 2. Caretaker to advise occupiers and direct
72 hours. them to leave immediately. Including via
text messages and face-to-face.
Multiple flood gauges within 3. If occupiers do not follow direction, Police
catchment indicate water assistance is to be sought.
levels 20% above normal or 4. Caretaker to lock site gates and erect
greater. closed signs.
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5. Notify advance bookings.
6. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
7. Caretaker to assess own situation in terms
of supplies and determine if able to stay
for a period of up to 3 days if Noosa River
experiences moderate to major flooding.
8. Property Branch to notify the Local
Disaster Coordinator that site evacuated.
D BoM issue FLOOD WARNING 1. Property Branch to urgently advise
for Noosa local government caretaker.
area and specifically Six Mile 2. Caretaker to advise occupiers and direct
Creek and Mary River them to leave immediately unless they are
catchments. self-sufficient and have provisions for at
least 3 days.
3. Notify advance bookings that the river
ferry crossing will be closed due to flooding
and access will not be possible to the site.
4. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
5. Property Branch to notify the Local
Disaster Coordinator that site evacuated.
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Cyclone A Cyclone or tropical depression Property Branch monitors situation.
confirmed within the Pacific
Ocean
B Cyclone predicted track Property Branch monitors situation and makes
identified by BoM as impacting contact with caretaker to ensure aware and
Queensland. prepared (including personal preparation) if
situation deteriorates.
C Cyclone Watch issued by BoM 1. Property Branch to urgently alert caretaker
or part or all of Sunshine Coast to ensure they are aware of the situation
region. and prepared (including personal
preparation) if situation deteriorates.
2. Caretaker to advise site occupiers and
advise them to monitor weather and be
prepared to leave if alert goes to cyclone
warning.
3. Caretaker to monitor weather situation.
D Cyclone Warning issued by 1. Caretaker to advise occupiers and direct
BoM for all or part of the them to leave immediately and move out
Sunshine Coast region. of the cyclone warning area or find more
secure accommodation. Including via text
messages and face-to-face.
2. If occupiers fail to heed the direction the
Police are to be notified.
3. Caretaker to assess own situation in terms
of the category of the expected cyclone
and determine if able to stay for a period
of up to 3 days if Noosa River experiences
moderate to major flooding.
4. If evacuation is recommended by the
Police or the Disaster Management Team
this direction must be followed by the
caretaker as soon as all occupiers of the
site have left.
5. Caretaker to lock site gates and erect
closed signs.
6. Notify advance bookings.
7. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
8. Property Branch to notify the Local Disaster
Coordinator that site evacuated.
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Bushfire/Wildfire A Queensland Fire & Emergency Property Branch monitors situation.
Services (QFES) declare a Fire
Danger period incorporating
the Noosa local government
area
B QFES declare a Fire Danger 1. Property Branch to alert the campground
Rating of HIGH, VERY HIGH, caretaker.
SEVERE for Noosa local 2. Campground caretaker to remain on a
government area Watch and Act status maintaining liaison
with Noosa Council Emergency
Management, Queensland Fire and
Emergency Services and Queensland Parks
and Wildlife Service. (See contact details in
Section 4).
3. If it is considered there is a bushfire in the
area and evacuation to the west is still
possible, advise all campground visitors to
evacuate the site and move to safe ground
on the southern side of the Noosa River.
4. Caretaker to leave site, lock site gates and
erect closed signs.
5. Notify advance bookings, including via
booking system automated text messages.
6. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
7. Responsible Council officer to notify the
Local Disaster Coordinator that site
evacuated.
C QFES declare Fire Danger 1. Caretaker to advise occupiers and direct
Rating of EXTREME or them to leave immediately and move to
CATASTROPHIC for Noosa local safe area on southern side of the Noosa
government area (no live fire River (away from Noosa North Shore).
occurring). 2. Caretaker leave site, lock site gates and
erect closed signs.
3. Notify advance bookings.
4. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
5. Property Branch to notify the Local
Disaster Coordinator that site evacuated.
D QFES declare Fire Danger 1. Caretaker to advise occupiers and direct
Rating of EXTREME or them to leave immediately and move to
CATASTROPHIC for Noosa local the beach area. Campers to be advised
government area (evidence of that absolutely no evacuation is to occur
live fire and threat is along the road network and to the river
imminent) ferry.
2. Caretaker to lock site gates and erect
closed signs.
3. Notify advance bookings.
4. Post information on booking page, website
and social media.
5. Caretaker to leave site and stay on beach
until threat has passed.
6. Responsible Council officer to notify the
Local Disaster Coordinator that site
evacuated.
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24 April 2017 [OCR of page images] 11 24 April 2017
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4 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONTACT DETAILS
Noosa Council Emergency Management
Phone: 53296500
Address: 141 Pelican Street Tewantin 4565
Facebook updates: https://www.facebook.com/noosacouncil/
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Phone: 000 (emergencies)
Address: 2 Langura Street Noosa Heads 4567
Facebook updates: www.facebook.com/QldFireandRescueService/
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Phone: 137468
Address: 240 Moorindil Street Tewantin 4565
Facebook updates: www.facebook.com/qldnationalparks/
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Appendix 1 24 April 2017 [OCR of page images] Appendix 1 13 24 April 2017