2015-04-28 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   28 APRIL 2015




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2.5   Bushfire control
The early detection of a fire followed by a quick suppression response can save much time and
expense. Consequently operating procedures are being developed to ensure processes are in
place for:
e   Communications processes with QFES, Noosa Local Disaster Management Group, and
    reserve neighbours where required;
e   Early detection and suppression of fire;
e   Monitoring of reserves during periods of high fire danger weather conditions.
Council is required to control fire on land under its control but may request QFES to undertake
emergency fire control if required. National Parks, as prescribed fire officers, may also control fire
on Council controlled land, i.e. fire that is deemed to be a threat to National Park.
2.6   Neighbour education
QFES has a ‘Prepare.Act.Survive’ information sheet for residents living near bushland (see
Attachment 1). It is proposed that Council, in conjunction with QFES, distribute information sheets
to reserve neighbours each year prior to fire season (spring).
2.7   Capacity building
Noosa Council is a member of the Regional Fire Management Group. Group meetings provide an
opportunity to coordinate fire management activities jointly with National Parks, QFES, DNRM and
landholders.

Natural Areas staff are currently trained to Level 1 (crew member) fire management competency. It
is proposed that all Natural Areas staff be trained to current public safety and fire management
competencies to be able to attend bushfires and supervise planned burning programs. Until the
Natural Areas team completes their training, Council will be reliant on QFES to control bushfire on
bushland reserve.

Currently Natural Areas only have one slip on fire unit in operation. A second slip on unit is
recommended for purchase to increase Council's capacity to manage and respond to fire.
2.8   Bushland reserve stakeholders
A number of key stakeholders have a vested interest in Noosa’s Bushland Reserves. Environment
and bushland care groups will need to be consulted prior to any fire trail expansion or burn
activities.

3.0   Fire Management Action Plan
Table 1 below states the fire management planning that has been, or is currently, underway in
2014/2015.

Table 2 is a 3 Year Fire Management Action Plan consisting of bushland reserve assessment and
delivery of fire management actions, including fire trail works and selective planned burning. Note
that actions and costs for year 2 & 3 will be subject to reserve assessments and are not finalised.

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