Attachment 4 - Response to Further Advice Rob Friend and Associates

[17]


CONCLUSION
Based on the above findings and discussion it our opinion that: -

1. The Bushfire hazard mapping over the vegetated parts of the subject site and
   surrounding areas to the north and east, is supported by aerial photography and
   confirmed by the site visit
2. The area of vegetation within the northern portion and along the north-eastern boundary
   of the subject site is an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity as determined using the
   State Planning Policy – Natural Hazard, Risks and Resilience, Technical Report
   methodology after Leonard et al (2014). We note this reflects both State Planning Policy
   – Natural Hazard Risks and Resilience bushfire hazard mapping and the Noosa Plan
   Natural Hazard overlay mapping.
3. The area of vegetation in and surrounding Girraween Nature Refuge is also confirmed to
   be an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity.
4. Based on the proposed layout plan the development will fall within the 100-metre-wide
   Potential Impact Buffer and as such a response to the Natural Hazards Overlay Code –
   Bushfire Hazard Areas will be required, see Appendix I below.
5. Therefore, based on the requirements of the Noosa Planning Scheme, the development
   will require a response to the Bushfire Overlay Code and a Bushfire Management Plan
   will be required.

RECOMMENDATIONS
With respect to this development proposal we make the following recommendations: -

The development will occur primarily over land that is already cleared and be utilised for
structures like tennis courts and landscaping. The hazardous vegetation retained in
proximity to the development site is separated by Resort Drive, tennis courts and auxiliary
parking which will provide a buffer between hazardous vegetation and proposed structures.

1. Building location
a. The development on top of the ridge, abutting Resort Drive, in close proximity to
   hazardous vegetation contains structures that are at risk of exposure to bushfire hazard
   from Girraween Nature Reserve to the east.
b. A minimum setback between any future habitable structures and the edge of potential
   hazardous vegetation is 15.7 metres which achieves a radiant heat flux of less than
   29kW/m2 and as such an acceptable level of risk as defined under the State Planning
   Policy, Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience.

2. Landscaping
a. It is noted a significant area upslope of the proposed hotel buildings will be landscaped.
   Much of this area is currently occupied by the tennis courts and other grassed benched
   areas.
b. While the landscaping may be required to replicate the adjacent regional ecosystem,
   12.2.5 we note this regional ecosystem contains a number of understorey species which
   can be considered to be less flammable. These species represent a mature phase
   woodland and one which has not been subjected to a fire for several years.

RFA17-040 - Bushfire Hazard Assessment & Mitigation Plan | 61 Noosa Springs Dr. Noosa Heads 30 April 2022

                                Rob Friend & Associates Pty Ltd