Skip to the record
The definitive source for everything Noosa Council.

Original source · versioned page text

Att 2 - BAL Report

Attached to the e-mail 002892 - MCU26_0047 - 122 Musa Vale Road_ Cooroy - Information Response.msg.

of 27
                                                                                   ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                    [email protected]
                                                                     www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                  Phone: 0418 799 818




      Site-specific Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
    assessment for a proposed new secondary
                      dwelling to be located at:

                                        122 Musa Vale Road,
                                          Cooroy, QLD 4563

                                   Real Property Description:
                                          Lot 304 SP118015

                                                                    Ref:J418Cooroy




                                                            Date of Issue: 29 April 2023


                                          Report prepared by Danielle Steele
                                      Grad Dip. Bushfire Protection, B.App.Sc (EnvSust)
                                                   FPAA BPAD Accredited Practitioner



Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©

Log in to download the original (Att 2 - BAL Report.pdf)

Searchable page text hides email addresses. Original files are unchanged and may show email addresses.

Full text of the other 26 pages

Page 2

                                                                                       ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                        [email protected]
                                                                         www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                      Phone: 0418 799 818




                         ‘Prepare—Act—Survive’
                                   In the Event of an Emergency Call:




                                          ‘000’




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©

Page 3

                                                                                                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                                                  [email protected]
                                                                                                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                                                Phone: 0418 799 818


 Document Distribution Record
 Version       Date          Prepared by                                                    Reviewed by
 V1            29/04/2023    D Steele, Grad Dip. Bushfire Protection, BSc, FPAA       n/a
                             BPAD Accredited Practitioner, QFES Volunteer Firefighter




COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

The information within this document is and shall remain the property of Bushfire Assessment Queensland. This report was produced for the purpose
and sole use of the client and regulatory agencies directly involved in the project, being the only intended beneficiaries of our work.

Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials. Reproduction or retransmission of the materials, in whole or in part, in any
manner, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, is a violation of copyright law.

This report shall not be used for any other purpose, or by another individual, business, corporation or private enterprise without the written consent of
the author. Individuals must preserve any copyright or other notices contained in or associated with them. Users may not distribute such copies to
others, whether in electronic form, whether for a charge or other consideration, without prior written consent of the copyright holder of the materials.




DISCLAIMER

Despite best efforts, there is no guarantee that desirable outcomes are achievable during extreme bushfire weather episodes, which may occasion
unpredictable bushfire behaviour and detrimental consequences to life, property, and the environment. Any representation, statement, opinion or
advice expressed or implied in this report is made in good faith on the basis that Bushfire Assessment Queensland or its empl oyees are not liable
(whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for damage or loss whatsoever that may occur in relation to that person
taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice given.

The services provided are prepared in accordance with the information provided by the client, it is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the
information provided is correct. Where information has been obtained from a government register or database, we have assumed that the information
is accurate and are not aware of any reasons why these assumptions should not be correct. The BAL report and certificate are valid for 12 months
from the date issued, unless any of the factors used to make any calculations are changed which will void the BAL immediately and necessitate a
recalculation of the BAL.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                                                       3

Page 4

                                                                                                                                                             ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                                                                              [email protected]
                                                                                                                                               www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                                                                            Phone: 0418 799 818


REPORT SUMMARY

A site-specific Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment has been conducted for a proposed new secondary
dwelling to be located at Lot 304 SP118015, 122 Musa Vale Road, Cooroy, in the state of Queensland. This
assessment was conducted with reference to the relevant local council and state planning legislative
instruments. The BAL assessment was conducted in accordance with Method 2 of Australian Standard 3959-
2018 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas, and with reference to Bushfire Resilient Communities
– Technical Reference Guide for the State Planning Policy State Interest ‘Natural Hazards, Risk and
Resilience – Bushfire’. This standard and guide are used to assess the potential bushfire threat and calculate
the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) for a subject site in Queensland. Assuming the separation distances identified
within are adhered to, the BAL rating for the proposed new secondary dwelling has been calculated to be
BAL-12.5.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.      INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

     1.1.       PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 5
     1.2.       SUBJECT SITE ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
     1.3.       LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
     1.4.       OTHER SITE CONSTRAINTS ................................................................................................................................................ 8

2.      BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................... 8
     2.1.       BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 8
     2.2.       DESKTOP ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 8
     2.3.       FIELD VERIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
3.      BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL ASSESSMENT RESULTS ............................................................................................................... 9
     3.1.       ASSESSMENT OF FIRE FOREST FIRE DANGER INDEX (FFDI) ........................................................................................................ 9
     3.2.       ASSESSMENT OF SLOPE .................................................................................................................................................... 9
     3.3.       ASSESSMENT OF VEGETATION .......................................................................................................................................... 11
     3.4.       VEGETATION HAZARD CLASS AND FUEL LOAD/S ................................................................................................................... 12
     3.5.       BAL CALCULATION ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.      CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS / CONCLUSIONS........................................................................................................... 17
     4.1.       BAL RATING ............................................................................................................................................................... 17
     4.2.       MAINTENANCE OF SEPARATION DISTANCES ......................................................................................................................... 17
     4.3.       EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANNING ................................................................................................................................ 18
5.      REFERENCED DOCUMENTS AND SOURCES ....................................................................................................................... 19

6.      APPENDIX A – SITE PLAN/S .............................................................................................................................................. 20
7.      APPENDIX B – BAL CALCULATIONS................................................................................................................................... 23




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                                                                                             4

Page 5

                                                                                                            ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                             [email protected]
                                                                                              www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                           Phone: 0418 799 818


     1. INTRODUCTION

Bushfire Assessment Queensland has been engaged by the client and property owner Jody Austin to conduct
a site-specific Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment as part of approval sought for a proposed new
secondary dwelling. The subject building is to be located at 122 Musa Vale Road, Cooroy, real property
description Lot 304 on SP118015. This report contains a review of the methodology used for the site
assessment and the calculation of the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating.

1.1. Proposed Development

The client intends to build a new secondary dwelling on the property. The building pad area has been recently
cleared and was used to calculate the BAL rating. The driveway for the dwelling has also been recently
cleared. The one-bedroom dwelling, including an attached alfresco, measures approximately 13.62m in
length and 4.4m in width. The client has provided a site plan and intends to build a Dream Modular home
and is using the Dreamone Alfresco basic floor plan for their dwelling (refer excerpt Appendix A).

1.2. Subject Site

The subject allotment is located within the Noosa Shire Council Local Government Area (LGA). The subject
allotment is a rural allotment, approximately 41.61ha in size, refer Figure 1.




                     Figure 1. Aerial view of subject site (image obtained from Google Hybrid Satellite)


Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                            5

Page 6

                                                                                                  ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                   [email protected]
                                                                                    www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                 Phone: 0418 799 818


1.3. Legislative context

This BAL assessment is required to comply with relevant development-related legislation per the state of
Queensland and has been prepared in accordance with State Planning Policy (July 2017), the Australian
Standard AS3959–2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas (Standards Australia 2018), and
the National Construction Codes Series—Building Codes of Australia (BCA) (ABCB 2019). Further
information on these can be found below.

State Planning Policy (July 2017)

The purpose of the State Planning Policy (SPP) is to guide State and Local governments in development
considerations and land-use planning. ‘Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience’ forms part of the SPP, the
State’s interest is to ensure that natural hazards are properly considered in all levels of the planning system.
This includes the avoidance of natural hazard areas or the mitigation of risks to an acceptable or tolerable
level. The SPP is supported by the SPP State interest guideline – Natural hazards, risk and resilience (April
2016) and Technical reference guide – Bushfire Resilient Communities (October 2019) which identify the
outcomes sought by the State and applicant when planning development within a Bushfire Prone Area.
Furthermore, the SPP Interactive Mapping System includes bushfire hazard area (bushfire prone area)
mapping which is based on the methodologies outlined in Leonard et al. 2014.

The subject allotment is identified as being in a Very High (outside of Figure 2 image area), High, Medium
Potential Bushfire Intensity Area, and Potential Impact Buffer to Bushfire Prone Area, per the SPP Bushfire
Prone Area Mapping (refer Figure 2).




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                  6

Page 7

                                                                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                  [email protected]
                                                                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




                                   Figure 2: SPP Bushfire Prone Area Mapping



Planning Act 2016

The purpose of this Act is to establish an efficient, effective, transparent, integrated, coordinated, and
accountable system of land use planning (planning), development assessment and related matters that
facilitates the achievement of ecological sustainability (Planning Act 2016).

National Construction Code 2019: Building Code of Australia

The National Construction Code 2019: Building Code of Australia (BCA) details technical provisions
pertaining to the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia including the
construction of buildings within bushfire prone areas. Note – NCC 2022 will be adopted on May 1st, 2023,
until this date NCC 2019 remains in force.

Australian Standard: Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas (AS 3959-2018)

Where development is proposed within bushfire prone areas, AS3959-2018 specifies construction
requirements to better withstand attack from bushfire thus giving a measure of protection to the building
occupants (until the fire front passes) as well as to the building itself (AS3959-2018 p.5). Construction



Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                 7

Page 8

                                                                                                ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                 [email protected]
                                                                                  www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                               Phone: 0418 799 818


specifications are based on heat flux exposure thresholds which have been categorized into six Bushfire
Attack Levels (BALs), listed in ascending order of threat level below:

    •   BAL- LOW

    •   BAL- 12.5

    •   BAL- 19

    •   BAL- 29

    •   BAL- 40; and

    •   BAL- Flame Zone (FZ)

These categories are expressed in kW/m², as such, the lower the category value the lower the radiant heat
exposure. The highest level of bushfire attack is BAL-FZ, which indicates direct exposure to flames.
Determining a BAL rating for a proposed development can be ascertained using either Method 1 (Clause 2.2,
AS 3959-2018) or Method 2 (Appendix B, AS 3959-2018). Method 1 is a simplified procedure, whereas
Method 2 is more detailed and is utilised when a more precise result is required.

1.4. Other Site Constraints

The scope of this report does not include an assessment of threatened species, sites of Aboriginal
significance, heritage, or other environmental constraints. It is recommended that relevant experts are
engaged to undertake these assessments as required.




     2. BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1. Bushfire attack level assessment methodology

Assessment methodology for the subject site has been conducted in accordance with a Method 2 assessment
per the Australian Standard Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas (2018) including amendments,
and with reference to Bushfire Resilient Communities – Technical Reference Guide for the State Planning
Policy State Interest ‘Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience – Bushfire’.

2.2. Desktop Assessment

A desktop assessment of the subject site and surrounds using high resolution imagery was conducted to
broadly assess the site characteristics and relevant information. QSpatial data was obtained to produce site-
specific Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) mapping per the SPP and Maximum Landscape Slope and Vegetation
Hazard Class mapping per Bushfire Resilient Communities (2019). This is followed by an on-site field
assessment and ground-truthing.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                8

Page 9

                                                                                                  ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                   [email protected]
                                                                                    www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                 Phone: 0418 799 818


2.3. Field Verification

A site assessment was conducted by Darshana Soundararajah of Bushfire Assessment Queensland on the
26th of April 2023. The site inspection was conducted to make a visual assessment of the subject site, and
surrounds and quantitatively assess the bushfire hazard, slope, aspect, vegetation, and associated risk. The
field assessment and report have been reviewed by Danielle Steele of Bushfire Assessment Queensland
(BPAD Accredited Practitioner No. 38525).




     3. BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL ASSESSMENT RESULTS

The following sections describe in detail the results of the site-specific bushfire attack level assessment and
inputs used for the BAL calculations.

3.1. Assessment of fire Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI)

Fire Danger Index (FDI) is a measure of many variables that originate from weather that are known to
influence fire behaviour such as recent rainfall, current wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and
temperature. Due to the complexity of these variables, they are commonly combined to provide a single
weather index that can be used to estimate potential fire behaviour. The McArthur Forest Fire Danger Index
(FFDI) is a commonly used fire weather index adopted by fire authorities in Australia and used in regulatory
instruments (e.g. AS 3959-2018).

AS 3959-2018 prescribes an FDI of 40 for the state of Queensland. However, this index does not account
for weather variations across Queensland, it also does not account for climate change projections. Climate
change projections indicate that the impacts from bushfire will increase. Climate change projections for an
A1F1 climate scenario (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) were integrated into SPP mapping of
bushfire prone areas to reflect the expected climate in 2050, incorporating a 5% annual exceedance
probability (EAP) fire weather event FFDI, and giving a Fire Weather Severity (FWS) per Bushfire Resilient
Communities. As such, location specific FWS values were obtained via QSpatial and determined to be a
value of 47 for the subject site.

3.2. Assessment of Slope

Maximum Landscape Slope is an important variable in determining a fire’s rate of spread, rate of fuel
consumption, and thus potential fire-line intensity. Slopes were verified via site assessment using a Nikon
Forestry Pro Laser Rangefinder. SPP mapping values were used in areas where vegetation was inaccessible
for an accurate slope measurement to be taken. The slopes observed onsite were generally consistent with
the SPP’s BPA Inputs Maximum Landscape Slope data obtained via the Queensland Spatial Catalogue, refer
Figure 3 and Table 2.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                  9

Page 10

                                                                                                      ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                       [email protected]
                                                                                        www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                     Phone: 0418 799 818




   Figure 3: Site Slope Map using Maximum Landscape Slope data, (data is used by CSIRO in conjunction with QFES to
                                                 inform SPP BPA).




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                     10

Page 11

                                                                                                   ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                    [email protected]
                                                                                     www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                  Phone: 0418 799 818


3.3. Assessment of vegetation

Assessment of vegetation communities has been conducted via a site assessment on the 26th of April 2023,
refer Table 1. All vegetation within 150m of the subject site has been assessed and classified per Table 2.3
of AS3959-2018 (incorporating amendments), refer Table 2 and Figure 4.

Vegetation Plot 1 is located northwest to north of the subject site. Plot 1 is upslope under the vegetation. Plot
1 has a predominantly grassy canopy with a few mature trees. Tree canopy cover is less than 10%. Plot 1
has been classified as Class G Grassland per AS3959-2018 classification methods.

Vegetation Plot 2 is located northwest to northeast of the subject site; rear of Plots 1 and 3. Plot 2 contains
undulating slopes with a maximum downslope of up to 15° under the vegetation, per mapping. Plot 2 consists
of a dominant Eucalypt canopy with an understorey of juvenile trees, shrubs, and grasses. Canopy foliage
cover is greater than 50%; tree height to 30m at maturity. Plot 2 has been classified as Class A Forest per
AS3959-2018 classification methods.

Vegetation Plot 3 surrounds the subject site. Plot 3 contains undulating slopes with a maximum downslope
of up to 15° under the vegetation, per mapping. Plot 3 has a predominantly grassy canopy with some mature
and juvenile trees. Tree canopy cover is less than 10%. Plot 3 has been classified as Class G Grassland per
AS3959-2018 classification methods.

Vegetation Plot 4 is located southwest to northwest of the subject site; rear of Plot 3. Plot 4 is a strip of
vegetation along the gully line. Plot 4 contains undulating slopes with a maximum downslope of up to 15°
under the vegetation, per mapping. Plot 4 canopy consists of various species with an understorey of juvenile
trees, shrubs, ferns, and grasses. Canopy foliage cover is greater than 90%. Plot 4 has been classified as
Class F Rainforest per AS3959-2018 classification methods.

Vegetation Plot 5 is located southwest to northwest of the subject site; rear of Plot 4. Plot 5 is upslope under
the vegetation. Plot 5 has a predominantly grassy canopy with a few trees. Tree canopy cover is less than
10%. Plot 5 has been classified as Class G Grassland per AS3959-2018 classification methods. Plot 5 has
been calculated to be BAL-LOW per Tables 2.4 to 2.7 of AS3959-2018, as it is located 83m from the subject
site.

Vegetation Plot 6 is located northwest of the subject site; rear of Plot 3. Plot 6 contains undulating slopes
with a maximum downslope of up to 15° under the vegetation, per mapping. Plot 6 consists of a dominant
Eucalypt canopy with an understorey of juvenile trees, shrubs, and grasses. Canopy foliage cover is greater
than 50%; tree height to 30m at maturity. Plot 6 has been classified as Class A Forest per AS3959-2018
classification methods.

All other areas surrounding the proposed subject site, within the assessment area, are exempt from
classification as they consist of low vegetation cover, highly modified vegetation that is considered low threat
(gardens and lawns), gravel or sealed surfaces and other infrastructure (houses, driveways, roads, etc).




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                  11

Page 12

                                                                                                           ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                            [email protected]
                                                                                             www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                          Phone: 0418 799 818




                                   Figure 4: Vegetation Plot/s within the Assessment Area




3.4. Vegetation Hazard Class and Fuel Load/s

State Vegetation Hazard Class (VHC) mapping identifies Vegetation Hazard Classes with respect to bushfire.
VHC mapping has identified the following VHCs within and surrounding the assessment area (refer Figure
5):
    •   VHC 2.1 – Complex to simple, semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forests
    •   VHC 16.1 – Eucalyptus dominated forest on drainage lines and alluvial plains
    •   VHC 40.4 – Continuous low grass or tree cover
    •   VHC 41.4 – Discontinuous low grass or tree cover
    •   VHC 42.6 – Nil to very low vegetation cover




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                          12

Page 13

                                                                                                      ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                       [email protected]
                                                                                        www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                     Phone: 0418 799 818




             Figure 5: State mapped Vegetation Hazard Classes within and surrounding the Assessment Area



The SPP’s technical reference guide for State Interest Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience – Bushfire,
Bushfire Resilient Communities (BRC) prescribes potential fuel loads for each VHC. The fuel load for VHC
16.1 has been used for Vegetation Plots 2 and 6 as it is indicative of the vegetation present within the plot
and has been used as a precautionary measure. The fuel load for VHC 2.1 has been used for Vegetation
Plot 4 as it is indicative of the vegetation present within the plot. The fuel load for VHC 40.4 has been used
for Vegetation Plots 1 and 3 as it is indicative of the vegetation within these plots.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                     13

Page 14

                                                                                                                    ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                                     [email protected]
                                                                                                      www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                                   Phone: 0418 799 818

                                            Table 1 - Vegetation Plots/Site Photographs


 Vegetation Plot/s and Site Photographs




 Subject site, cleared building pad area, proposed              Cleared driveway in foreground of image.
 secondary dwelling to be situated.




 Plot 1 Vegetation, Class G Grassland. Plot 2 Vegetation,       Plot 2 vegetation, containing Eucalypt canopy, Class A
 in rear, right of image. Plot 6 Vegetation, in rear, left of   Forest.
 image.




 Plot 2 vegetation.                                             Plot 3 Vegetation, foreground of image, Class G
                                                                Grassland.
                                                                Plot 4 Vegetation, rear of Plot 3, Class F Rainforest.
                                                                Plot 5 Vegetation, rear of Plot 4, Class G Grassland.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                                   14

Page 15

                                                                                            ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                             [email protected]
                                                                              www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                           Phone: 0418 799 818




 Plot 4 Vegetation, Class F Rainforest.   Plot 6 Vegetation, demonstrating Eucalypt canopy, Class
                                          A Forest.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                           15

Page 16

                                                                                                                               ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                                                [email protected]
                                                                                                                 www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                                              Phone: 0418 799 818


3.5. BAL Calculation

An AS3959 Method 2 calculation was performed using the inputs detailed above and summarised in Table 2
below. The result is BAL-12.5 for the subject site (refer Method 2 Calculations using Fire Protection
Association’s (FPA’s) Flamesol Calculator in Appendix B).

              Table 2 – Summary information for Vegetation classification (per AS3959) and BAL calculations
 Plot        Vegetation Hazard          Vegetation       Vegetation Description                           Distance     Slopes        BAL Rating
 Number      Class (VHC) & Potential    Classification                                                    to                         for each
             Fuel Loads                 (AS3959)                                                          dwelling                   Plot
                                                                                                                                     (AS3959)
 Plot 1      BRC’s default fuel loads   Class G          Plot 1 is located northwest to north of the      19.9m        Effective     BAL-12.5
             values used for VHC        Grassland        subject site. Plot 1 has a predominantly                      Slope:
             40.4:                                       grassy canopy with a few mature trees.                        Upslope
                                                         Tree canopy cover <10%.
             Understorey Fuel load:
             4.5t/ha                                                                                                   Site Slope:
             Total fuel load: 5t/ha                                                                                    Upslope
 Plot 2      BRC’s default fuel loads   Class A Forest   Vegetation Plot 2 is located northwest to        59m          Effective     BAL-12.5
             values used for VHC                         northeast of the subject site. Plot 2 consists                Slope: 15°
             16.1:                                       of a dominant Eucalypt canopy with an
                                                         understorey of juvenile trees, shrubs, and
             Understorey Fuel load:                      grasses. Canopy foliage cover >50%, tree                      Site Slope:
             13.8t/ha                                    height to 30m at maturity.                                    Upslope
             Total fuel load: 16t/ha
 Plot 3      BRC’s default fuel loads   Class G          Plot 3 surrounds the subject site. Plot 3 has    19.9m        Effective     BAL-12.5
             values used for VHC        Grassland        a predominantly grassy canopy with some                       Slope: 15°
             40.4:                                       mature and juvenile trees. Tree canopy
                                                         cover <10%.
             Understorey Fuel load:                                                                                    Site Slope:
             4.5t/ha                                                                                                   Flat
             Total fuel load: 5t/ha
 Plot 4      BRC’s default fuel loads   Class F          Vegetation Plot 4 is located southwest to        70m          Effective     BAL-12.5
             values used for VHC        Rainforest       northwest of the subject site. Plot 4 consists                Slope: 15°
             2.1:                                        of a canopy consisting of various species
                                                         with an understorey of juvenile trees,
             Understorey Fuel load:                      shrubs, ferns, and grasses. Canopy foliage                    Site Slope:
             3.5t/ha                                     cover >90%.                                                   15°
             Total fuel load: 3.5t/ha
 Plot 5      BRC’s default fuel loads   Class G          Plot 5 is located southwest to northwest of      83m          Effective     BAL-LOW
             values used for VHC        Grassland        the subject site. Plot 5 has a predominantly                  Slope:        (per Tables
             40.4:                                       grassy canopy with a few trees. Tree                          Upslope       2.4-2.7)
                                                         canopy cover <10%.
             Understorey Fuel load:                                                                                    Site Slope:
             4.5t/ha                                                                                                   15°
             Total fuel load: 5t/ha
 Plot 6      BRC’s default fuel loads   Class A Forest   Plot 6 is located northwest of the subject       47m          Effective     BAL-12.5
             values used for VHC                         site. Plot 6 consists of a dominant Eucalypt                  Slope: 15°
             16.1:                                       canopy with an understorey of juvenile
                                                         trees, shrubs, and grasses. Canopy foliage
             Understorey Fuel load:                      cover >50%, tree height to 30m at maturity.                   Site Slope:
             13.8t/ha                                                                                                  1°
             Total fuel load: 16t/ha
 Managed                                Excluded         All other areas surrounding the proposed         n/a          n/a           BAL-LOW
 Areas                                  Clause 2.2.3.2   subject site, within the assessment area,
                                        (e) and (f)      are exempt from classification as they
                                                         consist of low vegetation cover, highly
                                                         modified vegetation that is considered low
                                                         threat (gardens and lawns), gravel or
                                                         sealed surfaces and other infrastructure
                                                         (houses, driveways, roads, etc).


 Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) for the proposed new secondary dwelling, and associated infrastructure                                  BAL-12.5


Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                                                   16

Page 17

                                                                                                  ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                   [email protected]
                                                                                    www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                 Phone: 0418 799 818


     4. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS / CONCLUSIONS

4.1. BAL Rating

The BAL rating for the subject site has been calculated to be BAL-12.5. Shielding is not applicable for this
rating per clause 3.5 of AS3959-2018. As such the proposed new secondary dwelling, and associated
infrastructure, will need to comply with Section 3 and Section 5 of AS3959-2018.

It is vital to point out that this rating is only applicable for the separation distances (refer Table 2) being
maintained in perpetuity. Any change/s to any of these, or the proposed new secondary dwelling, and
associated infrastructure location will necessitate a recalculation of the BAL rating.

4.2. Maintenance of separation distances

The separation distances between the structure/s and the identified Vegetation Plots can be referred to as
an Asset Protection Zone (APZ). An APZ is a cleared area surrounding the structure/s where the minimum
distance is measured on a horizontal plane from the nearest part of the external wall/supporting column or
stair of the structure to the edge of the unmanaged vegetation. An APZ is to be maintained in perpetuity;
information on how to maintain an APZ is explained in the NSW Fire Service guide – Standards for Asset
Protection Zones, available from:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/13321/Standards-for-Asset-Protection-Zones.pdf

This BAL rating is given on the assumption that an APZ of a minimum distance of 19.9m will be maintained
around the proposed dwelling in a manner as recommended by the guide, refer Figure 6 and Appendix B.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                 17

Page 18

                                                                                                       ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                        [email protected]
                                                                                         www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                                      Phone: 0418 799 818




                    Figure 6: BAL Contour Map – Required APZ around the dwelling to achieve BAL-12.5




4.3. Emergency Evacuation Planning

All residents should be informed and prepared for an emergency evacuation. It is recommended that an
evacuation plan is revised annually, for information on how to prepare an emergency plan, refer to guides
and information produced by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services which can be accessed here:
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/bushfires.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland ©                                                                                      18

Page 19

                                                                                            ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                             [email protected]
                                                                              www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                           Phone: 0418 799 818




     5. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS AND SOURCES



Australian Building Codes Board, 2019, NCC–National Construction Code Series, Building Code of
Australia Class 1 and Class 10 Buildings, Vol 2. Canberra, Act.



Leonard J, Opie K, Newnham G, Blanchi R, CSIRO, A new methodology for State-wide mapping of
bushfire prone areas in Queensland, 2014, acessed via
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/opendata/Bushfire_Prone_Area_Mapping_Report_5_Feb_2014_Low_Res.pdf



Planning Act 2016, Queensland Government, accessed via
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-2016-025



Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Bushfire Resilient Communities Techincal Reference Guide for
the State Planning Policy State Interest ‘Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience – Bushfire’, 2019.



Standards Australia, 2018, AS 3959–2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas, Sydney,
Standards Australia International Ltd.




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                                                             19

Page 20

                                                                                                ABN 82 617 701 210
                                                                                 [email protected]
                                                                                  www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                                                               Phone: 0418 799 818


     6. APPENDIX A – SITE PLAN/S

Details of the supplied plans that were used to conduct this BAL assessment:



Plan Title:                       Site Plan (provided by the client)

Plan Date:                        Plan provided to Bushfire Assessment Queensland on 17/04/2023

Plan Issue/Revision:              Revision and date not given




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                                                                 20

Page 21

                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                  [email protected]
                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                  21

Page 22

                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                  [email protected]
                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                  22

Page 23

                                                       ABN 82 617 701 210
                                        [email protected]
                                         www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                      Phone: 0418 799 818


     7. APPENDIX B – BAL CALCULATIONS




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                        23

Page 24

                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                  [email protected]
                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                  24

Page 25

                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                  [email protected]
                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                  25

Page 26

                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                  [email protected]
                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                  26

Page 27

                                                 ABN 82 617 701 210
                                  [email protected]
                                   www.bushfireassessmentqld.com.au
                                                Phone: 0418 799 818




Bushfire Assessment Queensland©                                  27

The supporting record

Open full page ↗

Source document

Analyse documents ↗Open full page ↗

My Comparisons

Choose two to four records of the same kind. Drag using a handle or use the “Compare” buttons.

Your selected records are saved in this browser for your account. Results use the filters on the page where you choose “Compare selected”.