2015-04-28 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   28 APRIL 2015




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2.3   Fire trail network
Fire trails facilitate access onto a reserve with fire appliances for the purposes of controlling fire. In
severe wildfire conditions, fire trails seldom provide a complete barrier to a fire front, as fires can
‘spot’ hundreds of metres ahead.
Some of the reserves already have maintained fire trails in place. Over time all of the 122 reserves
will be reviewed for adequacy of existing fire trails and proposals for new fire trails will be made.
The width of the fire trail depends on topography and requirements for a safe separation between
fire crews and vegetation. In addition, the effectiveness of fire trails can be enhanced by reducing
elevated vegetative fuel either side of the fire trail, without removing larger trees. This can be
achieved by slashing, or where appropriate, burning off within buffer zones. Reserve neighbours
can be encouraged to maintain fire trails on their land, where topography is not conducive of
locating a fire trail on the bushland reserve.
The establishment of an effective fire trail network is a key action in the fire management plan.
Prior to the development of fire trials, the potential impacts of works will need to be undertaken by
Natural Areas and/or Environment Services staff. Tree removal is to be avoided by selectively
clearing undergrowth with a slasher or mulcher. Only where trees are interrupting safe access for
fire crews will they be removed. The following matters will also need to be considered when
establishing new fire trails:
e   Potential erosion;
e   Impacts on Matters of National, State and Local Significance (i.e. threatened species and
    habitat);
e   Possible cultural heritage sites
e   Fire trails need to be well formed, drained, gated and signed;
e   Potential for new trails to contribute to escalation of other issues such as illegal access,
    camping and rubbish disposal.
2.4   Ecological burning
Some vegetation types require fire to maintain biodiversity. As a general rule, burning off in a
mosaic pattern is of less risk to biodiversity than broad scale burning. A risk assessment is
required prior to planned burning including:
e   Impact on fauna and flora, particularly threatened species
e   Condition of fire trails, water points
e   Impacts from smoke on neighbours and traffic
e   Timing and weather conditions
e   Risks to staff, neighbours and visitors including potential tree fall
An ecological assessment of the burn block may reveal that the burn cannot proceed i.e.
endangered plants may be damaged, potential impacts on fauna.
There are certain requirements under the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 such as requiring a
fire permit and permit from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, notifying Firecom, and
informing neighbours such as National Parks and large landholders. In addition, there are also
Workplace Health & Safety requirements for staff attending fires, such as adequate training and
personal protective equipment (PPEs). Until Noosa Natural Areas staff complete the required
training, Council will be reliant on QFES.

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