Bushfire Hazard Assessment

Bushfire Hazard Assessment
14 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads



    iii.      API using current 4, high-resolution 5, rectified aerial photography.

The modelled VHCs for the subject land reflect the proposed development i.e. ultimate
land use and including VHCs associated with proposed vegetation retention and/or
landscape treatments, where applicable (Refer to Map 6).

Where observations indicated that the observed VHC differed from the mapped VHC, the
classification or extent of VHC was altered to reflect the observed or post-development
vegetation community and the potential fuel load which corresponded with that VHC (c.f.
Map 4 and 6). Non-forest vegetation hazard classes associated with rural and urban areas
were categorised according to a combination of foliage projection cover maps, land use
maps and air photo interpretation (API), with supplementary site-based survey to confirm
desktop mapping. The results of the site-based survey of VHCs is contained in Appendix 2.

Results of the VHC assessment indicated, the following differences between SPP VHC map
and modelled VHCs:

   ● The proposed development footprint, together with adjacent medium density
          buildings at Serenity Close were mapped as VHC 42.6 Nil to very low vegetation
          cover (2 tonnes per hectare) consistent with medium-high density residential areas.
          The latter is a non-bushfire prone VHC and does not contribute to bushfire hazard
          (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 2019).
   ● Areas of cultivated gardens comprised of native and exotic species associated with
          existing development at Serenity Close were generally consistent with VHC 39.2 Low
          to moderate tree cover in built-up areas (8 tonnes per hectare). The latter is a non-
          bushfire prone VHC and does not contribute to bushfire hazard (Queensland Fire
          and Emergency Services 2019).
   ● The proposed development incorporates tree retention within a managed landscape,
          including stormwater infiltration pits, within the area to the south of the building.
          The area is to be comprised of canopy trees characteristic of the preclearing
          regional ecosystem (RE 12.2.5) but with a managed landscape of native vegetation.
          Consequently, the vegetation area was mapped as VHC 39.2 Low to moderate tree
          cover in built-up areas (8 tonnes per hectare).
   ● The land to the south and southwest of the proposed development includes part of
          the Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North which is mapped as:
          ­   VHC 9.1 Moist to dry eucalypt open forests on coastal lowlands and ranges,
          ­   VHC 29.3 Heathlands and associated scrubs and shrublands (Refer to Map 4).
          Site assessment indicated that Lots 605 on SP195871 and Lot 602 on SP188268
          contained a heterogeneous mosaic of continuous and discontinuous areas of fuel
          comprised of pedestrian pathways, trails, mown areas, weed-dominated regrowth,
          native regrowth and patches of remnant vegetation (Refer to Appendix 2, VHC
          Assessment Site 2). Small patches of vegetation contained continuous surface fuel;




4 2021.


5 Greater than 1:10,000 resolution.




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