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Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
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Log in to see the plans as drawnBushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan 178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Prepared for Paul Desouza Prepared by: M: 0423 081 428 E: [email protected] W: www.greentapesolutions.com.au Client Manager: Kelly Matthews Report Number: PR22116_BAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Green Tape Solutions / ABN 20 162 130 627 PO BOX 282, Morayfield, QLD, 4506 / PO BOX 416 Rockhampton, QLD, 4700 Telephone: 07 5428 6372 / Email: [email protected] www.greentapesolutions.com.au
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Full text of sections 2 to 41 (of 50)
Section 2
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
DISCLAIMER
Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under
the Copyright Act, no part of this report, its attachments or appendices may be reproduced by any
process without the written consent of Green Tape Solutions.
Green Tape Solutions has prepared this report for the sole purposes of the Client. This report is strictly
limited to the purpose and the facts and matters stated in it and does not apply directly or indirectly and
will not be used for any other application, purpose, use or matter. The reproduction, adaptation, use or
communication of the information contained within this report may not be used without the written
permission of Green Tape Solutions.
In preparing this report we have assumed that all information and documents provided to us by the
Client, or as a result of a specific request or enquiry, were complete, accurate and up-to-date. Where
we have obtained information from a government register or database, we have assumed that the
information is accurate. Where an assumption has been made, we have not made any independent
investigations with respect to the matters the subject of that assumption. We are not aware of any reason
why any of the assumptions are incorrect.
In this note, a reference to loss and damage includes past and prospective economic loss, loss of profits,
damage to property, injury to any person (including death) costs and expenses incurred in taking
measures to prevent, mitigate or rectify any harm, loss of opportunity, legal costs, compensation,
interest and any other direct, indirect, consequential or financial or other loss.
Document Records - Quality
TITLE Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan for 178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba
FILED AS PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba
Reviewed by Approved by
Revision Date Prepared by (name/title)
(name/ title) (name/title)
Emily Dayman Richard Hanson,
Version A 10/05/2022 Client
Ecologist Senior Ecologist
PR22116_BAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page ii
Section 3
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
Table of Contents
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Site Description ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Scope of Work ........................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Qualifications and Experience .................................................................................................. 2
2.1 State Planning Policy (SPP) ..................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Noosa Plan 2020 ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 AS3959:2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas ............................................ 7
3.1 Hazard Assessment .................................................................................................................. 8
3.1.1 Step 1 – Fire Weather Severity.......................................................................................... 9
3.1.2 Step 2 - Vegetation Hazard Classes and Potential Fuel Loads ........................................ 9
3.1.2.1 Vegetation Hazard Classes ........................................................................................ 9
3.1.2.2 Potential Fuel Loads ................................................................................................. 17
3.1.3 Step 3 - Site and Effective Slope ..................................................................................... 17
3.1.4 Step 4 - Remodelling of Bushfire Hazard ........................................................................ 18
3.2 Radiant Heat Exposure and Bushfire Attack Levels ............................................................... 20
4.1 Agencies / Persons Responsible ............................................................................................ 23
4.2 Owner / Occupier Responsibilities .......................................................................................... 23
4.3 Reporting and Auditing ........................................................................................................... 23
4.4 Siting of Buildings.................................................................................................................... 24
4.5 Asset Protection Zones ........................................................................................................... 24
4.6 Access Roads ......................................................................................................................... 25
4.7 Electricity Supply ..................................................................................................................... 26
4.8 Water Supply ........................................................................................................................... 26
4.9 Climate Change and Fire Weather – Projections for 2050 ..................................................... 26
4.10 Emergency Response Procedures ......................................................................................... 26
Appendix 1 Flamesol Method 2 Minimum Distance Calculations ........................................................ 40
FIGURES
Figure 1: Site location (Source: Queensland Globe). .............................................................................. 2
Figure 2: Proposed development layout .................................................................................................. 4
Figure 3: Excerpt from DSDMIP SPP IMS – Bushfire prone area (Source: DSDMIP SPP IMS). ........... 6
Figure 4: Excerpt from Noosa Plan 2020 – Bushfire hazard overlay (Source: Noosa Council, 2022).... 7
Figure 5: State-mapped Vegetation hazard Classes (VHCs)................................................................ 15
Figure 6: Ground-truthed Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs). ............................................................ 16
Figure 7: Bushfire Attack Levels ............................................................................................................ 22
Figure 8: Bushfire Asset Protection Zone Plan ..................................................................................... 27
TABLES
Table 1: Potential fuel loads for classified vegetation within 150 m assessment area. ........................ 17
Table 2: Slope angles for assessable fire runs to the development site ............................................... 18
PR22116_BAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page iii
Section 4
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
PLATES
Plate 1: vegetation community 1 ........................................................................................................... 11
Plate 2: vegetation community 1 ........................................................................................................... 11
Plate 3: vegetation community 2, with managed grassy understorey ................................................... 12
Plate 4: vegetation community 2 ........................................................................................................... 12
Plate 5: vegetation community 3, with managed grassy understorey ................................................... 13
Plate 6: vegetation community 3 ........................................................................................................... 13
Plate 7: vegetation community 4, looking downslope from the house site, to the north ....................... 13
Plate 8: vegetation community 4, looking upslope towards the house site, from the north .................. 13
PR22116_BAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page iv
Section 5
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
Green Tape Solutions was engaged by Paul Desouza to prepare a bushfire hazard assessment and
management plan (BHAMP) for a site located at 178 Davies Road, Cootharaba (formally described as
Lot 7 on SP115866) (the ‘site’).
This report has been prepared for a development application for a Material Change of Use – construction
of a new residential dwelling. The site is currently vacant and heavily vegetated. The site does not
contain any infrastructure or associated structures. Access to the development shall be provided via a
driveway to Davis Road. The removal of native vegetation will be required to facilitate the development
and bushfire management measures. The proposed development layout is provided in Figure 2.
1.2 Site Description
The site is located on a single lot comprising a total area of approximately 112, 583.26 m2 (11.25 ha)
within the Noosa Council (NC) local government area (Figure 1). The site is bounded by Davis Road
to the south and rural residential lots to the north, west and east. Two mapped waterways (QLD
waterways for waterway barrier works) are located to the east and west of the site. The site connects
to Ringtail Forest Reserve to the south.
The site contains dense remnant vegetation with a small patch of cleared land in the northern extremity.
Vegetation on site consists of two remnant vegetation communities, one regrowth community and one
non-remnant vegetation community. A more detailed description of the vegetation communities within
and surrounding the site is provided in Section 3.1.2
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 1
Section 6
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
Figure 1: Site location (Source: Queensland Globe).
1.3 Scope of Work
The purpose of this BHAMP is to provide a site-specific assessment of bushfire hazard and to assess
compliance of the proposed development with the outcomes sought by the Noosa Plan, 2020, in
particular the assessment benchmarks outlined in the Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code. The BHAMP also
provides a plan for bushfire risk management including building construction requirements, asset
protection zones, fuel management, access requirements and emergency responses measures.
Recommendations are consistent with legislative requirements to reduce the risk to life and property.
1.4 Qualifications and Experience
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) Bushfire Resilient Communities Technical
Reference Guide for the State Planning Policy State Interest ‘Natural Hazards, Risk and resilience –
Bushfire’ October 2019 (‘BRC Technical Guide’) (QFES, 2019) provides guidance on suitably qualified
people for assessments identified in the BRC Technical Guide. This guidance includes the following
recommendations:
• Fine-scale assessment of vegetation communities in accordance with the ‘Vegetation Hazard
Class’ assessment methodology be undertaken by a suitably qualified person with experience
in botanical survey methods; and
• Applicant-initiated assessments and reports be prepared or peer-reviewed by suitably qualified
and experienced people with degree (AQF Level 8) qualifications in environmental science,
environmental management (or an equivalent discipline), demonstrated experienced in
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 2
Section 7
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
botanical surveys and spatial analysis methods, including use of geographic information
systems (GIS) software); demonstrated experience in the assessment of bushfire hazard and
risks or technical qualifications in environmental science, environmental management (or and
equivalent discipline) and demonstrated relevant industry experience in the assessment of
bushfire hazard and risks for a minimum of five years.
The author of this report meets QFES’ criteria as follows:
• possesses knowledge and experience in applying relevant legislation, plans, policies, standards
and guidelines relating to bushfire hazard and fire ecology relating to Queensland requirements
and South-east Queensland conditions;
• has knowledge, experience in botanical survey methods and GIS analysis and at least 5 years’
experience in undertaking bushfire hazard assessment and preparing bushfire management
plans, including experience in undertaking fine-scale assessment of vegetation communities
and application of the QFEs Bushfire Hazard Assessment methodology outlined in the BRC
Technical Guide; and
• has qualifications and experience in the field of ecology, environmental management or similar
to assess and protect site-based and strategic biodiversity values relating to South-east
Queensland.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 3
Section 8
Project Description:
Proposed New House at:
Site Address:
178 Davis Road,
Cootharaba, QLD, 4565
Lot 7 on SP115866
Local Council: Noosa Shire Regional Council
Building Type: Class 1a
Planning Zone: Rural
Bushfire Overlay: High potential bushfire
Intensity - BAL ##
Flood Overlay:
Total Allotment Area: 112583.26 m2
Residential This project is subject to the following
Dwelling Residential Authorities / Guidelines:
Dwelling - The Queensland Development Code
- All relevant sections of the National
Construction Code
Macadamia Orchard
- The Noosa Plan
Lot 5
SP 139163
Power Pole
Areas:
North Boundary 186.7 m Internal GFAs
67 Ground Floor Internal Area: 324.35 m2
Garage Internal Area: 46.5 m2
Lot 3 68
RP174298
FH External Areas
69
Ground Floor External Area: 241.40 m2
70
71
Under Roof Areas
72 Ground Floor Under Roof Area: 132.60 m2
73 Total Areas
Internal GFA: 370.85 m2
74
External Area: 241.40m2
75
Under Roof: 132.60 m2
178 Davis Road Roof Area: 545.70 m2
Proposed Dwelling 76
Lot 7
77
SP 115866 Site Area: 112583.26 m2
Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer
77
Total Site Coverage: 1290.55 m2 = 1%
78
79
Gum Tree
sity
Overlays:
fire Inten
tia l Bush
oten
ium P
Rock Shelf Med
Bushfire
Iron Bark
Shouse
East Boundary 130.4 m
Edge of Mown Area
High Potential Bushfire Intensity
sity Iron Bark Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity
Inten
l Bu shfire
Po tentia
High Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer
Habit at Area
Edge of Koala
Kola Habitat
Koala Habitat Area
Ac Koala Habitat
ce
ss
Tra
Ro c k
ad t o
Da
vis
DRAW -
M . 0406 620 460
C O P Y R I G H T : No reproduction of all or part of this drawing may be CLIENT. DRAWING TITLE. PROJECT NO. M A R CNHG DRAWING
W . S A R A H W A L L E R A R C H I T E C T U R E .C O M .A U undertaken without the express written permission of Sarah Waller
N NUMBER
E . S A R A H @ S A R A H W A L L E R A R C H I T E C T U R E .C O M .A U
Architecture. J A N E L L E + D E Z Z Y D E S O U Z A 2103 N2 U
0 2M2 B E R
R E G . ARCHITECT QLD NO. 5266 DETAILED DESIGN
002
GENERAL NOTES: Use written dimensions only. DO NOT scale SIZE. REV.
R E G . ARCHITECT NSW NO. 10914 drawings. Contractors to verify all dimensions on site prior to
1 7 8 D A V I S R O A D 1:500 @ A2
S I T E P L A N
commencing works. These drawings are to be read in conjunction
R E G . ARCHITECT NZ NO. 6126 w i t h E n g i n e e r 's d e s i g n a n d d e t a i l s , t h e a c c o m p a n y i n g S p e c i f i c a t i o n
C O O T H A R A B A Q L D 4 5 6 5
AIA NO. 67835 and Schedule of Finishes. If in doubt, please request clarification.
D R A W N B Y .
DO NOT ASSUME.
AB
LK, A D
GSPublisherVersion 0.15.100.64
Section 9
Abbreviations:
Planter
1 2 3 4 5 6
C
D
E
A/C - Air Conditioning Unit
Outdoor Spa AB - Above Bench
Fire Pit
2.0 x 2.0m
Swimming Pool
12.0 x 4.0m
ACG - Air Conditioning Grille
Beach B - Blind
3.0 x 4.0m Sun Terrace
Up 4.2 x 4.5m T3 Bal# - Balustrade Type
Up BG - Box Gutter
BW - Blockwork
Pool Equipment Under
C - Ceiling
Comms. - Communications
Pool Shower
Planter
D - Dryer
Fence
Fall
Pool
D# - Door Type
Pool Fence
DP - Down Pipe
Gate
Gate
Up DW - Dish Washer
Up
Planter Planter
F - Fridge or Freezer
Up
FG - Fixed Glass Window
Planter
FW - Floor Waste
Up
Planter
G# - Gate Type
H - Height
Lawn HC - Hose Cock
Open KB - King Bed
LV - Louvre Window
Outdoor
MW - Microwave
Terrace 3
Up
2.5 x 7.9m Roof Over NTS - Not to Scale
T1
P - Panty
SL FG LV LV FG SL FG LV LV FG Master
A A PB# - Plasterboard Type
W-09 W-10 W-11 W-12 W-13 W-14
FG W-25 W-26 FG Pergola Terrace
Roof Over
FG C. 3000H PP# - Polished Plaster Type
W-24
W-27
5.3 x 2.2m T1
FG
Bench QB - Queen Bed
Bench
W-08
LV LV FG LV SL FG LV FG
W-42 W-43 Master W-44 RBW# - Rendered Wall Type
LV LV Outdoor FG FG
A Bedroom A RS# - Roof Sheeting Type
W-41
W-45
SL SL
Terrace 1
QB
QB
C. 3000H
C. 3000H LV
3.3 x 5.1m T1 LV RWT - Rain Water Tank
5.2 x 7.1m
KB S - Sink
6,280
T1
Outdoor Dining
W-15
W-07
Bed 3 Bed 2
C. 3300H C. 3300H SCR# - Screen Type
-750
W-28
W-23
LV
SL - Sliding
4.1 x 3.8m T1 4.1 x 3.8m T1 SL SL
D-10 D-09 D-11 D-12 Living
Outdoor C. Raked SP - Steel Post
-1,350 Terrace 2 6.8 x 6.5m
W-06
W-16
LV Ensuite 3 Up
Ensuite 2 LV
C. 3000H
T&G 1 SR - Service Riser
C. 2700H D-20
C. 2700H
1.8 x 2.8m T2 1.8x 2.8m T2
5.2 x 7.1m
T1 FG -750 FG SS - Shower Screen
D-21
WIR SW - Shower Waste
W-40
Up
Roof Over C. 2700H 2.2 x 4.0m T1 LV
B BBQ B T# - Tile Type
A A S Bench Seat Feature
T&G# - Tongue and Groove
Hallway 3
Timber Steps
FG Garden FG
C. 2700H
Bathroom Timber Flooring Type
W-17
T1
W-37
C. 2700H
UB - Under Bench
SB
D-13
1.8 x 2.8m T2
W-22
W-29
W-49
LV FG
Hallway 2
LV ±0 LV
Master Vac - Vacuum Cupboard
D-22
W-36
Guest
C. 2700H
4,420
Roof Over
LV Ensuite VB# - Villaboard Type
Bench
T1
C. 2700H
Feature Tree C. 2700H
4.4 x 3.8m T1
Gravel D-23 4.0 x 3.1m T1 LV
W# - Window Type
Dining
W-21
W-30
SB
LV LV Roof Over
PDR
W-05
WIR - Walk in Robe
W-18
FG C. Raked
C. 2700H SH Gravel
Linen
3.4 x 6.8m T1
WC WM - Washing Machine
W-38
1.7 x 2.2m T2 LV LV FG LV LV Fall
W-39
LV D-08 Console D-14 LV LV LV LV
Reading Nook
W-33
LV LV
WP - Weather Proof
FG
C C
Roof Over
D-19
-750
W-19 Breezeway Feature
W-35
Hallway 1 Up
D-18
1,400
B Up FG
B
W-04
Planter
D-15
C. 3000H
FG C. 2400H
C. 2700H Entry T1
±0 = +xxx= AHD
T1
D
T1
D-07
C. 2400H
2.0 x 5.2m T1
W-34 LV FG
D
Wall Types:
D-02 W-46
D-24
LV LV FG LV Section 10
LV
Study
10
FG
S
Buffet Storage
WM DR W-01 W-20
Mud
W-03
S
Store
90
D-01 Roof Over C. 3000H
W-47
DW
Laundry Room FG LV LV FG 1.8 x 3.9m
10
110
FG C. 2700H LV (New) Internal Timber Framed
T1
S C. 2700H 2.2 x 1.4m
T1
C. 2700H
2.1 x 2.2m
Entry Porch Kitchen Wall w/ Painted Plasterboard to
2.2 x 3.8m T1 C. Raked
C. 2400H D-25
T1
1.1 x 5.3m T1 6.8 x 4.0m T1 Both Sides
W-02 Roof Over
W-48
OV F
Outdoor
5,000
LV CT
HWS
Gas
Roof Over
190
D-03
D-16
Lounge
D-17
Drying Court
2x A/C
Up C. 3000H
(New) External Blockwork Wall
C. 2700H Store Cool Room
6.2 x 4.5m
Butler's Pantry T1 w/ Plasterboard Internally and
Pivoting Screens
2.2 x 3.4m G1
C. 2700H Link Up Cellar Render Externally
Water
C. 2400H
Filter
2.2 x 2.8m T1
2.0 x 4.1m T1 LV Herb
Roof Over
Pump C. 2400H
2.1 x 2.3m T1
F Garden
10
S
90 50
D-05 D-04 W-32
25
185
E FG E
Garage (New) Hebel Wall w/ Cavity
10
Bins
C. 2700H
6.2 x 7.5m Epox1 Roof Over and Timber Framed Leaf
Internally. Plasterboard
Internally and Render Externally.
Pivoting Screens
Crazy Paving
190
5,800
(Existing) External Blockwork
Wall w/ Plasterboard Internally
Workbench
and Render Externally
Planter
Note: Where referred to as
'Hebel' throughout the
documentation, the
Timber
D-06
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
F F blockwork does not have to be
CSR Hebel brand. Equivilent
7,910 5,200 7,000 5,200 5,290 products to be approved by
the Architect.
1 2 Driveway 3 4 5 6
Conc1
DRAW -
M . 0406 620 460
C O P Y R I G H T : No reproduction of all or part of this drawing may be CLIENT. DRAWING TITLE. PROJECT NO. M A R CNHG DRAWING
W . S A R A H W A L L E R A R C H I T E C T U R E .C O M .A U undertaken without the express written permission of Sarah Waller
J A N E L L E + D E Z Z Y D E S O U Z A 2103 N2 U
0 2M2 B E R NUMBER
E . S A R A H @ S A R A H W A L L E R A R C H I T E C T U R E .C O M .A U
Architecture.
N
R E G . ARCHITECT QLD NO. 5266 DETAILED DESIGN
110
GENERAL NOTES: Use written dimensions only. DO NOT scale SIZE. REV.
R E G . ARCHITECT NSW NO. 10914 drawings. Contractors to verify all dimensions on site prior to
1 7 8 D A V I S R O A D 1:100, 1:40 @ A 2
F L O O R P L A N
commencing works. These drawings are to be read in conjunction
R E G . ARCHITECT NZ NO. 6126 w i t h E n g i n e e r 's d e s i g n a n d d e t a i l s , t h e a c c o m p a n y i n g S p e c i f i c a t i o n
C O O T H A R A B A Q L D 4 5 6 5
AIA NO. 67835 and Schedule of Finishes. If in doubt, please request clarification.
D R A W N B Y .
DO NOT ASSUME.
A
G
LK, A D
GSPublisherVersion 0.15.100.64
Section 11
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
2 Bushfire Regulatory Framework
Given that bushfire hazard can cause harm to people and social wellbeing, damage to property and
impacts to the economy and environment, the management of bushfire hazard in Queensland is
considered an integral component of land use planning and development decisions.
There are three regulatory mechanisms/instruments applicable to the site that regulate development to
avoid and mitigate potential impacts associated with bushfire hazard:
• State Planning Policy (SPP) and associated guidelines (Department of Infrastructure‚ Local
Govenment and Planning (DILGP), July 2017);
• Noosa Plan 2020 (Noosa Council, 2022); and
• Australian Standard AS3959:2018 – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas
(Standards Australia, 2018).
2.1 State Planning Policy (SPP)
The SPP identifies the Queensland Government’s policies about matters of state interest in land use
planning and development (Department of Infrastructure‚ Local Govenment and Planning (DILGP), July
2017). The SPP is a broad and comprehensive statutory planning instrument. It sits above regional
plans, standard planning scheme provisions and local government planning schemes within the
hierarchy of planning instruments outlined in the Planning Act 2016.
The SPP is supported by the following guidance material:
• The SPP state interest guidance material - Natural hazards, risk and resilience - Bushfire (‘SPP
guidance’) (DSDMIP, 2019), which provides further context to the SPP and explains how the
SPP policies can be applied, in particular for local government when making or amending local
planning instruments. The SPP guidance is also intended to assist assessment managers and
practitioners in applying the SPP assessment benchmarks when state interests have not been
integrated into the local planning scheme (where applicable).
• The ‘Bushfire Resilient Communities – Technical Reference Guide for the State Planning Policy
State Interest - Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience – Bushfire (‘BRC Technical Guide’)
(QFES, 2019), which provides technical guidance and policy positions of the Queensland Fire
and Emergency Services (QFES). It includes procedures for undertaking a bushfire hazard
assessment (BHA), calculating asset protection zones and preparing a Bushfire Management
Plan.
The SPP assessment benchmarks outlined in Part E of the SPP and Section 4.0 of the SPP guidance
apply to development to the extent that the development is assessable against a planning scheme and
only to the extent that the planning scheme is inconsistent with the SPP.
The SPP is also supported by a state-wide map of bushfire prone areas (BPA) (also referred to as
‘bushfire hazard area’) that was developed based on the CSIRO modelling of potential fireline intensity
using the methodology described by Leonard et al. (2014). The BPA mapping identifies areas of Very
High (>40,000 kW/m), High (20,000 – 40, 000 kW/m) and Medium (4,000 – 20,000 kW/m) Potential
Bushfire Intensity. The Potential Impact Buffer includes all land within 100 metres of any area with a
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 5
Section 12
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
potential fireline intensity greater than 4,000 kW/m (i.e. medium, high or very high bushfire
hazard/potential bushfire intensity). This mapping triggers assessment against the State Planning Policy
Assessment Benchmarks.
An excerpt from the SPP Assessment Benchmark – BPA mapping published on the SPP Interactive
Mapping System (IMS) is provided in Figure 3. The site and surrounding the site is mapped as
containing areas of Very High, High and Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity and Potential Impact Buffer.
Figure 3: Excerpt from DSDMIP SPP IMS – Bushfire prone area (Source: DSDMIP SPP IMS).
2.2 Noosa Plan 2020
The site is located within the Noosa Council local government area and is subject to the provisions of
the Noosa Plan 2020. The planning scheme’s Bushfire Hazard Overlay maps the site as containing
areas of High and Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity and Potential Impact Buffer. An excerpt from the
overlay map identifying the mapped bushfire hazard areas in relation to the proposed development site
is shown in Figure 4.
Noosa Council’s Bushfire Hazard Overlay mapping designates bushfire prone areas for the purposes of
Section 12 of the Building Regulation 2006. The provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) or
Queensland Development Code (QDC) are applicable to any building assessment work in a designated
bushfire prone area.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 6
Section 13
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
The Noosa Plan 2020 Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code notes that a site-based assessment may be used
to ground-truth the extent of hazardous vegetation and the extent and nature of the bushfire hazard area
(bushfire prone area), using a quantitative and qualitative method, as per the planning scheme policy
PSP8 Natural Hazards.
The site-specific bushfire assessment provided in this plan has been undertaken in accordance with the
BRC Technical Guide (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), 2019).
Figure 4: Excerpt from Noosa Plan 2020 – Bushfire hazard overlay (Source: Noosa Council, 2022).
2.3 AS3959:2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas
The Australian Standard AS3959:2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas (Standards
Australia, 2009) specifies the requirements for the construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas in
order to improve their resistance to bushfire attack. AS3959:2018 applies to those areas where a
regulated map (i.e. a planning scheme overlay map) identifies an area as a bushfire prone area (or
similar), requiring calculation of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) in accordance with a methodology outlined
in the standard.
AS3959:2018 thus prescribes the construction details for buildings depending on the calculated BAL.
The detailed requirements relating to construction methods and materials are typically dealt with as part
of building design and enabled via private certification in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 7
Section 14
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
3 Bushfire Hazard Assessment
A site-specific bushfire hazard assessment (BHA) for the site has been undertaken in accordance with
the methodology outlined in the ‘Bushfire Resilient Communities’ (BRC) technical document (QFES,
2019). The methodology underpinning the BHA process consists of three stages:
1. An assessment to verify the reliability of existing BPA mapping over the site and land
surrounding the site (the ‘assessment area’).
2. A hazard assessment involving field investigations to ground-truth the accuracy of the BPA
mapping for the site, where required. The hazard assessment area must include the
development area and all land within 150 metres of the development footprint.
3. Using the results of the site-specific assessment, the asset protection zone width needed to
achieve the requisite radiant heat flux levels is calculated using the SPP Bushfire asset
protection zone (APZ) width calculator or Method 2 of AS3959:2018.
Where the precision and/or accuracy of BPA mapping or map input datasets are insufficient (e.g. where
there has been changes in land use and vegetation cover within the assessment area), the process
enables applicants to create a local-scale BPA map based on the results of the site investigation and to
apply modified input variables that reflect changes that have occurred over time. The BHA process
adapts the method used to generate the state-wide BPA mapping, described in Leonard et. al. (2014)
with further refinement to allow for the downgrade and/or filtering of small patches and narrow corridors
where needed in accordance with contemporary mapping rules outlined in the BRC technical guide and
Leonard and Opie (2017).
Where effective fuel loads have been reduced based on patch size and isolation in accordance with the
patch and corridor filtering rules outlined in 4.2.6 of the QFES BRC technical guide, reduced effective
fuel loads can be used as inputs into a Method 2 Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment.
The assessment has been based on vegetation existing within, adjacent and nearby to the site including
any areas subject to revegetation or regrowth, which have been assessed as if these areas have
reached their mature state.
3.1 Hazard Assessment
The following steps have been undertaken to assess spatial factors that contribute to potential bushfire
intensity for the site and surrounding land:
• Step 1: Identification of Fire weather severity
Identification of all Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) values estimated at a 1:20 year (5%) Annual
Exceedance Probability (AEP) using the Bushfire Hazard Area – Bushfire Prone Area – Inputs
dataset from the Queensland Government data portal.
• Step 2: Identification of Vegetation Hazard Classes
Assessment of vegetation communities to identify the relevant vegetation hazard classes
(VHCs) using a combination of remnant and pre-clearing regional ecosystem maps, high-
resolution aerial imagery and a ground-truthed assessment of vegetation present within the site
and within the required 150 m assessment area.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 8
Section 15
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
• Step 3: Slope assessment
Identification of site slope and effective slope, and determination of whether proposed buildings
are upslope or downslope of hazardous vegetation using Bushfire Hazard Area – Bushfire
Prone Area – Inputs dataset from the Queensland Government data portal and 1 m LiDAR-
derived contour data, or relevant Council contour data.
• Step 4: Remodeling of bushfire hazard and calculation of potential fireline intensity -
Where a change to the distribution, extent and/or classification of VHCs within the assessment
area is proposed, remodeling of bushfire hazard is undertaken to determine how the changes
to VHCs and associated fuel loads affect potential fireline intensity. Potential fireline intensity is
to be calculated in accordance with the method outlined in Leonard et. al. (2014).
VHCs and associated potential fuel loads are in accordance with Leonard et al. (2017), as provided in
the BRC Technical Guide and SPP Bushfire APZ width calculator published by the Queensland Fire
and Emergency Services (QFES).
Relevant spatial datasets published by the QFES were accessed via the Queensland Spatial Catalogue
(QSpatial) and the Catalyst Fire Management System (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services,
2020).
3.1.1 Step 1 – Fire Weather Severity
South-east Queensland has a subtropical climate with warm humid summers and mild winters and is
subject to influence from monsoonal climate systems and easterly troughs. Seasonality is not
pronounced; however the ‘wet’ season generally occurs during the December – April period. The fire
danger season usually occurs from spring to mid-summer (August/September to December) with the
greatest danger after a dry winter and spring and when deep, low-pressure systems near Tasmania
bring strong, hot and dry westerly winds to the coastal districts (Bureau of Meteorology, 2021). Severe
bushfire weather is characterised by days with high temperatures over 35 degrees, low relative humidity
and winds from the north to north-west.
The Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) provides an annual accumulated index of fire weather severity (i.e.
the potential danger of a bushfire) based on a combination of vegetation dryness, air temperature, wind
speed and humidity. The relevant FFDI for the site was derived from the Fire Weather Severity (Forest
Fire Danger Index) raster provided as part of the Bushfire Hazard Area – Bushfire Prone Area – Inputs
dataset.
The FFDI for the site and surrounding land is 47.
3.1.2 Step 2 - Vegetation Hazard Classes and Potential Fuel Loads
3.1.2.1 Vegetation Hazard Classes
Different types of vegetation communities determine the rate at which dry fuel accumulates. Some
vegetation communities protect fuel from drying out in all but extreme bushfire seasons and can then
be susceptible to very destructive bushfires. Alternatively, vegetation communities may expose fuels to
drying and therefore be frequently available for burning. Frequent bushfires can result in the
development of bushfire-tolerant grassy woodlands or grasslands and less destructive bushfire
behaviour.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 9
Section 16
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs) provided within the Bushfire Prone Area – Vegetation hazard class
– South east Queensland spatial dataset were reviewed for the site and surrounding land (Figure 5).
The following VHCs are mapped within the required 150 m assessment area:
• 2.1 Complex to simple, semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forest;
• 8.1 – Wet Eucalypt tall open forest;
• 9.1 – Moist to dry eucalypt forest on coastal lowlands and ranges;
• 9.2 - Moist to dry eucalypt woodland on coastal lowlands and ranges; and
• 40.4 – Continuous low grass or tree cover.
The reliability of State-mapped VHCs was assessed through:
• review of Vegetation management remnant and pre-clearing regional ecosystem (RE) mapping
published by the Department of Resources (DoR); and
• an assessment of existing vegetation on the site and surrounding properties undertaken by
Green Tape Solutions in April 2022 as part of site investigations to support preparation of a
BHAMP.
DoR’s remnant RE mapping shows that the majority of the assessment area is mapped as remnant
vegetation, containing the following REs (Figure 6):
• RE 12.11.2 - Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis, E. microcorys, Lophostemon confertus tall open
forest on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics
• RE12.11.3 - Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. propinqua +/- E. microcorys, Lophostemon confertus,
Corymbia intermedia, E. acmenoides open forest on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics;
and
• RE12.11.10 - Notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii on metamorphics +/- interbedded
volcanics
• RE 12.11.16 - Eucalyptus cloeziana open forest on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics
The site assessment determined that vegetation within the 150 m assessment area consists of a mosaic
of native vegetation, landscape vegetation and areas of maintained grassland/lawn with low tree cover.
The site is predominantly vegetated, with some cleared paddocks to the north. Much of the vegetation
surrounding the house site consists of canopy trees with a managed grassy understorey. Vegetation
adjacent to and within proximity of the development consists of four (4) site-verified communities.
• Vegetation community 1 – Eucalypt forest south and south-west of house site
Vegetation located to the south and south-west of the house site consists of a remnant eucalypt forest
(plates 1 and 2). Species present include grey ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia), pink bloodwood
(Corymbia intermedia), Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana), Qld grey gum (Eucalyptus major),
and brush box (Lophostemon confertus). The midstory consists of Acacia sp., small leaved fig (Ficus
obliqua), celerywood (Polyscias elegans), soap tree (Alphitonia excelsa), muttonwood (Myrsine
variabilis) and juvenile canopy species. This community has only small amounts of weed incursion,
mainly in the form of exotic grasses such as Guinea grass, (Megathyrsus maximus) and lantana
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 10
Section 17
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
(Lantana camara).
The site has a significant amount of small to large woody debris. The site slope is roughly 23 degrees,
sloping downwards to the south-west. Most canopy trees are between 300-600mm DBH, though with
large remnant trees between greater than 600mm DBH scattered throughout. Arboreal hollows are
sparse, with few individual small hollows (<10cm) present in select mature trees. The canopy height is
up to 30m with an estimated canopy cover of 70-80%. This community is mapped as Category B
(Remnant) Least Concern regional ecosystem, under the DoR mapping. The Vegetation resembles and
combination of two remnant regional ecosystems, being regional ecosystem 12.11.3: Eucalyptus
siderophloia, E. propinqua +/- E. microcorys, Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia intermedia, E.
acmenoides open forest on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics; and regional ecosystem 12.11.16:
Eucalyptus cloeziana +/- E. propinqua, E. acmenoides, E. microcorys and E. grandis open forest.
Understory is generally shrubby +/- vine forest species. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to
strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics, especially phyllite of the
Kin Kin Beds. The site inspection confirms the accuracy of the DoR mapping. Similar areas of eucalypt
forest vegetation are associated with residential premises on adjoining properties.
Eucalypt forest vegetation within the 150 m assessment area has been classified as VHC 9.1 - Moist to
dry eucalypt forest on coastal lowlands and range.
Plate 1: vegetation community 1 Plate 2: vegetation community 1
• Vegetation community 2 – Eucalypt forest east of house site
Vegetation located to the east of the house site consists of a remnant eucalypt forest (plates 3 and 4).
Species present include grey ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia), pink bloodwood (Corymbia
intermedia), Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana), Qld grey gum (Eucalyptus major), and Crow’s
ash (Flindersia australis). The midstory consists of Acacia sp., celerywood (Polyscias elegans), purple
pea bush (Hovea acutifolia), lolly bush (Clerodendrum floribundum) and juvenile canopy species. This
community has only small amounts of weed incursion, mainly in the form of exotic grasses and lantana
(Lantana camara).
The site has a small amount of small to large woody debris. The site slope is roughly 22 degrees, sloping
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 11
Section 18
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
downwards to the south-east. Most canopy trees are between 200-400mm DBH. Arboreal hollows are
not present. The canopy height is up to 25m with an estimated canopy cover of 70%. This community
is mostly mapped as Category X regional ecosystem under the DoR mapping, with a small section
mapped as Category B regional ecosystem. The Vegetation resembles and combination of two remnant
regional ecosystems, being regional ecosystem 12.11.3: Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. propinqua +/- E.
microcorys, Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia intermedia, E. acmenoides open forest on
metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics; and regional ecosystem 12.11.16: Eucalyptus cloeziana +/- E.
propinqua, E. acmenoides, E. microcorys and E. grandis open forest. Understory is generally shrubby
+/- vine forest species. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics, especially phyllite of the Kin Kin Beds. The site
inspection findings suggest that the DoR mapping is incorrect, and that this area should be mapped as
Category B remnant vegetation.
The open forest community within the site and on adjoining land has been classified as VHC 9.1 –
Moist to dry eucalypt forest on coastal lowlands and range.
Plate 3: vegetation community 2, with managed Plate 4: vegetation community 2
grassy understorey
• Vegetation community 3 – Regrowth Eucalypt forest west of house site
Vegetation located to the west of the proposed house site consists of regrowth canopy trees with a
managed grassy understorey (plates 5 and 6). Tree species present include grey ironbark (Eucalyptus
siderophloia), pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia), Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana) and
Acacia species. The site has a small amount of small to large woody debris. The site slope is roughly
16 degrees, sloping downwards to the north-west. Most canopy trees are between 100-300mm DBH.
Arboreal hollows are not present. The canopy height is up to 25 m with an estimated canopy cover of
60%. This community is mostly mapped as Category X regional ecosystem under the DoR mapping. In
terms of canopy tree species composition, the vegetation resembles regional ecosystem being regional
ecosystems 12.11.3 and 12.11.16. The site inspection findings confirm the accuracy of the DoR
mapping.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 12
Section 19
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
The regrowth forest community within the site has been classified as VHC 39.2 – Low to moderate tree
cover in built-up areas. This is due to the fuel load present (~8 tonnes/ha).
Plate 5: vegetation community 3, with managed Plate 6: vegetation community 3
grassy understorey
• Vegetation community 4 – Exotic grassland north of house site
Vegetation located to the north of house site consists of a managed, grassy paddock, predominantly
made up of exotic grasses (plates 7 and 8). This community contains no large woody debris and no
trees or shrubs. The site slope is roughly 13 degrees, sloping downwards to the north. This community
is mapped as Category X regional ecosystem under the DoR mapping. The site inspection findings that
the DoR mapping is correct.
This community corresponds to VHC 40.4 – Continuous low grass or tree cover.
Plate 7: vegetation community 4, looking Plate 8: vegetation community 4, looking upslope
downslope from the house site, to the north towards the house site, from the north
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 13
Section 20
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
Non-vegetated areas (driveways and buildings) and low-threat vegetation (including grassland
maintained in a minimal fuel condition, maintained lawns and cultivated gardens) within the 150 m
assessment area have been classified as VHC 40.4 – Continuous low grass or tree cover and VHC 39.2
- Low to moderate tree cover in built-up areas. These areas have been excluded from the BAL
assessment as they meet the criteria for exclusion as low threat vegetation.
Figure 6 depicts the location of ground-truthed VHCs within the 150 m assessment area.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 14
Section 21
Figure 5: State-mapped
Vegetation Hazard Classes
(VHCs).
Project: PR22116_178 Davis Road,
Cootharaba
Property Boundary 8.1
Proposed Development 9.1
Cadastral 9.2
150m buffer 16.1
State VHCs 38.5
2.1 40.4
4.1 42.6
Notes:
- Survey Data by Green Tape Solutions
- Site Infrastructure from Client
- VHCs by SPP
- Base map Copyright (c) Nearmaps and its data suppliers.
Created By: ED
Date: 10/05/2022
Version: 1
Section 22
Figure 6: Ground-truthed
Vegetation Hazard Classes
(VHCs).
Project: PR22116_178 Davis Road,
Cootharaba
Property Boundary
Proposed Development
Cadastral
150m buffer
Ground-truthed VHCs
9.1
39.2
40.4
Notes:
- Survey Data by Green Tape Solutions
- Site Infrastructure from Client
- VHCs by GTS
- Base map Copyright (c) Nearmaps and its data suppliers.
Created By: ED
Date: 10/05/2022
Version: 1
Section 23
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
3.1.2.2 Potential Fuel Loads
Fuel loads have been allocated for each VHC to represent the long-unburnt condition that would be
typically exhibited 10 years after fire. In accordance with the values provided in Figure 14 of the BRC
Technical Guide (QFES, 2019a), the potential fuel load values for ground-truthed VHCs within and
surrounding the site are as provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Potential fuel loads for classified vegetation within 150 m assessment area.
Total Total
potential overall
VHC surface potential Prone type 1 Fuel continuity2
fuel load fuel load
(t/ha) (t/ha)
Moist to dry Eucalypt Bushfire-prone –
open forest on
9.1 21 24.2 1 Forest or shrub 1 Continuous
coastal lowlands and
plains fires
Low to moderate tree Low hazard Discontinuous
39.2 cover in built-up 5 8 3 2
areas
Continuous low grass
40.4 4.5 5.0 2 Grassfire prone 1 Continuous
or tree cover
3.1.3 Step 3 - Site and Effective Slope
Two slope input parameters are required for the estimation of fire behaviour and separation. Site slope
is the slope of the ground between the edge of the proposed development (or site boundary) and the
edge of hazardous vegetation. Effective slope refers to the slope of the land beneath hazardous
vegetation. Effective slope is the more important parameter as it has a direct influence on the potential
rate of fire spread, fuel consumption and thus, potential fireline intensity. For each vegetation hazard
class, the effective slope is determined by assessing the slope beneath classified vegetation (in
degrees) which most influences bushfire behaviour and the relative position of land supporting
hazardous vegetation in relation to the development i.e. upslope or downslope. Where there is more
than one slope beneath classified vegetation, each slope should be individually assessed, and the
worst-case scenario adopted.
The topography of the site and surrounding land is steep and undulating. The site slope and effective
slope values were determined using LiDAR-derived 1 metre contour data published by the Noosa
Council. Table 2 below shows the slopes involved for the Method 2 BAL calculations. Only the
vegetation to the south, south-west and east of the dwelling site is classified hazardous vegetation.
1 Prone type taken from the VHC_Data sheet of the SPP Bushfire APZ Calculator.
2 Fuel continuity type taken from Figure 14 of the QFES BRC Technical Guide.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 17
Section 24
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
Vegetation to the west and north is low hazard, managed vegetation, and is therefore excluded from
assessment.
Table 2: Slope angles for assessable fire runs to the development site
Slope location in
Max effective Max site slope Fire run in relation
relation to development Fire run scale
slope (degrees) (degrees) to development
area
Fully developed
East 21.3 20.9 Downslope
fire
Fully developed
South & South-west 22.8 19.3 Downslope
fire
3.1.4 Step 4 - Remodelling of Bushfire Hazard
Given that site-specific assessment determined that VHCs provided within the BPA – VHC – South east
Queensland spatial dataset do not entirely reflect the ground-truthed VHCs, remodelling of bushfire
hazard has undertaken to determine how the changes to VHCs and associated fuel loads affect potential
fireline intensity. Potential fireline intensity has been calculated in accordance with the method outlined
in Leonard et. al. (2014).
Potential fireline intensity (PFI) is a standard measure of the rate at which an advancing fire would
consume fuel energy per unit time per unit length of the fire front. This metric combines potential fuel
load (PFL), maximum landscape slope (slope) and fire weather severity (FFDI) to provide a potential
fireline intensity metric. The potential fireline intensity (PFI) is represented as the following equation:
PFI = 0.62 PFL2 x FFDI exp (0.069 x slope)
Where: PFI = Potential fire line intensity (kW/m), PFL = Potential fuel load (tonnes / ha), FFDI = Potential
severe fire weather (FFDI) and Slope = Max slope
Table 3 shows the potential fireline intensity ranges (in kilowatts per metre) and the corresponding
potential bushfire hazard classes.
Table 3: Potential fireline intensity ranges and bushfire hazard classes
Potential Fireline Intensity (kW/m) Potential Bushfire Hazard Class
40,000+ kW/m Very high
20,000 – 40,000 kW/m High
4,000–20,000 kW/m Medium
0 – 4,000 kW/m Low/Not bushfire prone
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 18
Section 25
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
Section 4.2.6 of the QFES BRC technical guide provides a series of mapping rules (‘patch and corridor
filtering’) for modifying the potential fireline intensity of bushfire-prone areas to reflect the likelihood of
lower potential fireline intensities in smaller vegetation patches and narrow vegetated corridors. These
rules are applied as follows:
1. Remove patches of continuous fuel < 1 ha in area that are surrounded by either no fuel or non-
continuous fuel and are further than 100 m from any other continuous fuel greater than 2 ha;
2. Downgrade the effective fuel load of small patches of continuous fuel measuring a. 1 – 2 ha –
downgrade by 66% and b. 2 – 3 ha – downgrade by 50 % if the patch is surrounded by either
non-continuous fuel or a low-hazard vegetation or land-use type and if the patch is further than
100m from any other continuous -fuel vegetation patch greater than 2 ha; and
3. Remove narrow corridors and area of continuous fuel that are less than 50 m in width.
Based on the results of the site-specific assessment, vegetation within the assessment area does not
meet any of the patch and corridor filtering rules outlined in the BRC Technical Guide.
The potential fireline intensity was calculated for bushfire-prone vegetation within 150 m of the site using
the inputs from Steps 1 - 3. In accordance with Section 7.6 of the BRC Technical Guide, fireline intensity,
radiant heat flux and bushfire attack level is not required to be calculated for non-bushfire prone (i.e.
VHCs with a prone type of 2) or low hazard VHCs (i.e. VHCs with a prone-type of 3), therefore VHCs
39.2 and 40.4 have been excluded from calculation of potential fireline intensity. Remodelled potential
fireline intensity for bushfire-prone vegetation to the east and south/south-west of the site is provided in
Table 4.
Table 4: Potential fireline intensity for classified VHCs within 150 m assessment area
Location of Effective slope –
classified average slope
Fire Potential Potential
vegetation in beneath bushfire-
weather fireline bushfire
relative to VHC Status prone vegetation in
severity intensity hazard
development relation to
(FFDI) (PFI) class
area development
(degrees)
72,080
E 9.1 Remnant 21.3 Downslope 47 Very high
kW/m
82,746
S/SW 9.1 Remnant 22.8 Downslope 47 Very high
kW/m
The results of the potential fireline intensity calculation for bushfire-prone vegetation within the
assessment area show that vegetation associated with the eucalypt forest to the east and south/south
west of site (VHC 9.1) have a potential bushfire hazard class of ‘very high’. All other vegetation within
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 19
Section 26
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
150 m of the development site is not classified as bushfire-prone and therefore, calculation of radiant
heat flux/bushfire attack level (BAL) is not applicable.
Section 5 outlines the requirements for management and mitigation of bushfire hazard for the bushfire-
prone vegetation within the site.
3.2 Radiant Heat Exposure and Bushfire Attack Levels
Bushfire attack levels (BALs) are used to quantify the levels of attack (radiant heat exposures/flux) that
built structures may experience during a fire event. The BAL is defined as ‘a means of measuring the
severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact, using
increments of radiant heat expressed in kilowatts per metre squared, and the basis for establishing the
requirements for construction to improve protection of building elements from attack by bushfire’
(Standards Australia, 2018).
AS3959:2018 adopts six BAL categories, which are based on the level of radiant heat flux to which
buildings may be exposed to during a bushfire event. This level of heat flux generally relates to the type
of vegetation, effective slope and how far a building is from hazardous vegetation. BALs apply to
buildings and any attached or adjacent structure within 6 m of the building.
The BRC Technical Guide requires that radiant heat exposure/bushfire attack levels (BALs) are
calculated using either the SPP Bushfire APZ calculator (QFES, 2019b), which is the preferred method
or Method 2 of AS3959:2018. Where Method 2 is used, the following inputs are to be used:
• site-specific values for FFDI (Step 1)
• ground-truthed VHCs (Step 2) and their associated fuel loads (provided in Figure 14 of the BRC
Technical Guide); and
• site and effective slopes (Step 3).
When calculating minimum separation distances based on radiant heat exposure (Bushfire attack level)
in accordance with Method 2 of the Australian Standard AS3959:2018, the Standard requires that
understorey fuel load be used to determine the rate of spread and total fuel load (understorey +
overstorey) be used to determine flame height. AS3959:2018 defines understorey as ‘the vegetation
beneath the overstorey’ and the overstorey as ‘the canopy, being the tallest stratum of the vegetation
profile’. Where a continuous fire run is >150m, a nominal 10 t/ha is added to the ‘understorey’ fuel load
to give a ‘total fuel load’ to account for canopy fuels, except where it can be demonstrated that canopy
fuels will not be involved in the fire front (e.g. where there is an absence of ladder fuels and substantial
separation of canopy trees).
The site is located within a large patch of remnant open forest with a substantial density of a ladder
fuels. Given the extent of this patch, a potential continuous fire run greater than 150m is highly likely.
Accordingly, the following fuel loads shall be used in the Method 2 assessment –
• Understorey - potential fuel load of 24.2 t/ha;
• Total fuel load – potential fuel load of 34.2 t/ha (i.e. 24.2 + 10 t/ha).
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 20
Section 27
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
The Flamesol Method 2 Minimum Distance calculator has been used to calculate the minimum
separation distance required between the development and bushfire-prone vegetation for each BAL
level. These results are provided in Appendix 1 and Figure 7 and summarised in Table 5.
Table 5: Determination of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) minimum separation distances for bushfire-prone
vegetation.
Bushfire
BAL-Flame
attack level BAL-40 BAL-29 BAL-19 BAL-12.5
zone (FZ)
(BAL) →
South/South-
0 - <30.9 m 30.9 - <39.9 m 39.9- < 54 m 54 - <70.59 m 70.59 - < 100m
west
East 0 - <28 m 28 - <36.7 m 36.7- < 50.4 m 50.4 - <66.2 m 66.2 - < 100m
PO7 of the Noosa Plan 2020 specifies that building envelopes on lots greater than 2500m2 are to be
separated from hazardous vegetation such that they achieve a radiant heat flux of 29 kW/m2 (BAL-29).
To achieve this outcome, the proposed habitable dwelling will need to be sited at least 39.9m from
unmanaged vegetation to the south/south-west and 36.7m from unmanaged vegetation to the east.
PR22116_BHAMP_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba Page 21
Section 28
Figure 7: Bushfire Attack
Levels
Project: PR22116_178 Davis Road,
Cootharaba
Property Boundary
Proposed Development
Cadastral
150m buffer
APZ
Hazardous vegetation
Bushfire Attack Levels
Flame Zone
BAL 40
BAL 29
BAL 19
BAL 12.5
Notes:
- Survey Data by Green Tape Solutions
- Site Infrastructure from Client
- BALs and APZ by GTS
- Base map Copyright (c) Nearmaps and its data suppliers.
Created By: ED
Date: 10/05/2022
Version: 1
Section 29
Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan
4 Bushfire Management Plan
The SPP requires that where it is not possible to avoid a bushfire prone area, development mitigates
bushfire risk to people and property to an acceptable or tolerable level. This can be achieved through
development design and siting, hazard reduction practices and emergency mitigation measures for any
buildings bordering potentially bushfire-susceptible vegetation. These practices and measures include
fuel reduction and management, road infrastructure to provide safe access and egress, appropriate
building design and construction standards, procedures for fighting bushfires and fire intensity reduction
management measures.
The development does not seek to mitigate bushfire hazard through additional vegetation clearing
beyond the development area boundary and shall contain all bushfire management and mitigation
measures within the development area.
4.1 Agencies / Persons Responsible
The responsible fire authority is the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). It is the
responsibility of the proponent to ensure that the relevant measures required by this plan are in place
prior to inspection by the Council and/or the building certifier, and to ensure that the measures are in
place prior to enacting the approval. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the proponent to ensure that
a copy of this report is always on hand at the site.
4.2 Owner / Occupier Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the relevant lot owner to maintain each lot in accordance with the conditions
outlined in this report. The owner / occupier responsibilities include:
• An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is to be established and maintained between the proposed
building and bushfire-prone vegetation. The APZ is to be managed in accordance with the
measures outlined in Section 4.5.
• All access routes are to remain clear of obstacles to enable effective emergency vehicle access
and egress; and
• No burning is to be undertaken on-site without a Permit to Burn as issued by the local Fire
Warden (and approval if required, in writing, from Council).
• The storage or handling of hazardous chemicals on the premises must not result in an
unacceptable risk to people, property and the environment. Hazardous chemicals should not
present a risk to or impose upon emergency services when responding to an emergency or
evacuation.
4.3 Reporting and Auditing
This bushfire report is a controlled working document that is to be updated and revised to reflect adaptive
management and constructive feedback. Some sections of the plan may be modified, new procedures
may be implemented, and responsibilities altered, depending on feedback and application.
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This bushfire report will only ever be modified with the agreement of Noosa Council. This agreement
allows for changes to the plan scope, as determined through consultation and the acceptance of the
proponent. That is, where further actions are deemed necessary or where actions can be reduced in
scope.
4.4 Siting of Buildings
In accordance with the SPP 2017 (and associated guidance material) and the Noosa Plan 2020, the
proposed design has considered the key principles when siting development. The relevant clauses that
have been considered are:
• Utilising land that is predominantly cleared to minimise ecological impacts to native vegetation;
• Maximising where practicable building setbacks from any hazardous vegetation; and
• Siting of buildings so that elements of the development that are least susceptible to fire are
situated closest to the bushfire hazard (e.g. driveways, parking areas and protective landscape
treatments).
4.5 Asset Protection Zones
The use of an APZ is the most effective defence against flame and radiant heat and to a lesser extent,
ember attack. The APZ incorporates defendable space and allows for managing heat intensities at the
building surface. Appropriate vegetation management measures shall be required to manage fine fuels,
which have the greatest influence on the spread of a conventional flame front-driven bushfire
(Queensland Government and CSIRO, 2020).
The Noosa Plan 2020 specifies that buildings are to be separated from hazardous vegetation such that
they achieve a radiant heat flux of 29 kW/m2 (BAL-29) or lower. Table 5 provides the minimum horizontal
distance between the edge of unmanaged/hazardous vegetation and buildings required to achieve BAL-
29. An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) has been established to the south, south-west and east of the
proposed dwelling, to ensure that the dwelling will be able to achieve and maintain a BAL-29
construction rating (Figure 7). This APZ comprises the following:
• Inner Protection Area (IPA): 0 – 15 m from the edge of the dwelling (Figure 8). This area is
to be maintained as an area that is effectively free of flammable material to provide defendable
space and for managing heat intensities at the building surface. The IPA is to be managed as
follows:
o Removal of all canopy trees and shrubs within the IPA. New trees are not to be planted
in the IPA.
o Landscaping treatments within the IPA shall comprise low threat vegetation, including
lawn areas managed in a minimal fuel condition (i.e. ≤ 100 mm nominal height as
specified in AS3959:2018) and landscape garden plant species that are of low
combustibility (i.e. species with high leaf moisture content, low volatile oil content,
absence of shedding bark, low production of leaf litter etc.). Flammable plants are not
permitted.
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o Plants must be arranged to minimise vertical and horizonal connectivity of plant
material. Plants must be no closer than 10 metres from an exposed window or door.
o Mulches within any landscaped areas are to be non-combustible.
• Outer Protection Area (OPA): 15 – 36.7m/39.9m measured from the edge of the dwelling
(Figure 8). This area is to be maintained in low/reduced fuel load state to deprive an advancing
fire front of fuel continuity. The OPA is to be managed as follows:
o To minimise clearing of native canopy vegetation, removal of trees is not proposed
within the OPA. However, removal of sub-canopy trees and understorey vegetation
(shrub layer) is required to remove continuous and ladder fuels.
o Landscaping treatments within the OPA shall comprise low threat vegetation, including
lawn/grassed areas managed in a minimal fuel condition (i.e. ≤ 100 mm nominal height
as specified in AS3959:2018) and plant species that are of low combustibility (i.e.
species with high leaf moisture content, low volatile oil content, absence of shedding
bark, low production of leaf litter etc.). Plants should also be arranged to minimise
vertical and horizonal connectivity of plant material.
o Flammable plants are not permitted (except for existing retained trees).
o Garden beds and shrubs are not to be located under trees.
o All trees are to have lower limbs removed up to a height of 2 metres above the ground.
o Mulches within any landscaped garden areas are to be of non-combustible materials
(e.g. pebbles).
Regular maintenance of the APZ should be undertaken to remove fuels and debris, particularly prior to
and during the fire season (i.e. late Winter to early Summer). This must include regular vegetation
management and maintenance where necessary and practicable (e.g. grass slashing, weed removal
etc.) and removal of debris and rubbish.
4.6 Access Roads
Direct access shall be provided via a driveway along the eastern and northern boundary of the site to
Davis Road. This driveway is approximately 400m long and is currently unsealed, but will be sealed
with bitumen in the future. The driveway follows a ridgeline through the property and passes through
areas of intact, unmanaged forest. The existing driveway passes through a managed access corridor
of around 20m wide, where understorey fuel is managed via regular slashing but canopy trees are
retained.
This driveway will provide for the egress of dwelling occupants in the event of an approaching
bushfire, and the driveway is either flat or downhill the entire way out to Davis Rd. The driveway
surface is capable of supporting Rural Fire Service 4WD vehicles, but the longitudinal gradient of the
driveway exceeds 12.5% at two locations, which may cause issues for emergency services vehicle
access uphill to the dwelling. There is a short stretch of driveway close to the property entrance that
has a slope of around 13.5%, and another short stretch of driveway just below the dwelling site that
has a slope of around 16%. There are no alternative locations for the driveway on the property that
would have a lesser slope, so these driveway slopes cannot be avoided.
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In the event of a bushfire emergency where a bushfire were to cut off resident egress to the south via
the internal access driveway, residents can still egress the dwelling/property to the north via the
cleared paddock north of the dwelling and then through the neighbouring property at 112 Davis Rd.
This adjoining property is mostly non-bushfire prone vegetation (Macadamia orchards, grassed
paddocks, landscaped gardens) and would allow for safe access out to Davis Rd to the north, away
from a bushfire that might be advancing from the south. Access through this adjoining property could
be achieved on foot or by vehicle, due to the existing driveway which accesses the existing dwelling
on that property, which is proximal to the boundary with the subject property at 178 Davis Rd. This
neighbouring driveway is easily accessible from the subject property at 178 Davis Rd, downhill via the
cleared grassy paddock and through a basic wire rural fence.
4.7 Electricity Supply
The proposed development will have access to mains electricity supply. Where practicable, electrical
transmission lines will be installed underground.
4.8 Water Supply
The site does not have access to a reticulated water supply. The proposed dwelling will have the
required minimum level of stored, dedicated, on-site water supply for fire-fighting purposes, in the form
of a swimming pool. The total capacity of stored water on site for fire-fighting purposes will exceed 5,000
litres, therefore complying with AO3.2 of the Noosa Plan 2020 Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code.
4.9 Climate Change and Fire Weather – Projections for 2050
Climate change can act in two ways to affect fire behaviour. First, it is likely to exacerbate the fire-
weather risk on any given day, leading to increased frequency or intensity of extreme and very extreme
fire-weather days particularly within the fire season. Secondly, an increase in the accumulated fire risk
over a year might represent a longer fire season and a reduction in the number of days suitable for
prescribed burning.
It is recommended to review this document and associated bushfire procedures at the site over the
coming decades in response to any potential increases of bushfire risk from climate change.
4.10 Emergency Response Procedures
An onsite fire management and evacuation strategy should be developed and available to implement in
the event of an emergency. In the event of a pending fire emergency, assistance is to be obtained by
contacting dialling 000.
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Figure 8: Bushfire Asset Protection Zone plan Project: PR22116_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba = Property Boundary APZ Outer Protection Area APZ Inner Protection Area a Proposed dwelling and shed aes Notes: - APZ by Green Tape Solutions -Development plan from Client -Base map Copyright (c) Esri and its data suppliers. Created By: RH Date: 11/05/2022 0 5) 10°45 20m Version: 1 Green Tape “SOLUTIONS -
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5 Assessment Against the Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code
The site is mapped with the Noosa Plan 2020 Bushfire Hazard Overlay, which triggers a response to
the Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code. An assessment against this code is provided in Table 6.
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Table 6: Assessment against the Noosa Plan 2020 Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code.
Performance Outcomes Acceptable Outcomes Compliance Assessment
For assessable development
Safety of people and property
PO1 Development maintains the AO1.1 Development which will materially increase Complies with PO1
safety of people and property the number of people living or congregating
The Asset Protection Zone allows for the development to
from the adverse impacts of on premises, including reconfiguring a lot, is
sit within a BAL 29 rating, 39.9m from hazardous
bushfire. not located within a medium or high bushfire
vegetation to the south and south-west and 36.7m from the
hazard area.
hazardous vegetation to the east. BAL 29 is considered to
be an acceptable level of radiant heat exposure for a
dwelling.
AO1.2 Development maximises setbacks from
hazardous vegetation to achieve an
acceptable risk.
Editor’s Note — PSP8 Natural Hazards
provides guidance for assessing bushfire
hazard risk and preparing a bushfire hazard
management plan.
Impacts on Ecologically Important Areas
PO2 Bushfire mitigation measures No acceptable outcome provided Complies with PO2
do not adversely impact on:
The development has been designed to primarily utilise
existing cleared and semi-cleared areas on the forest
fringe therefore not fragmenting the eucalypt forest habitat
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Performance Outcomes Acceptable Outcomes Compliance Assessment
a. biodiversity values, to the south and east. The APZ will require the removal of
connectivity and some native vegetation, but existing canopy vegetation will
ecosystem be retained in the majority of the APZ. The bushfire APZ
functioning; and has a total footprint of 5823m2, consisting of an inner
protection area of 1905m2 (full vegetation clearing) and an
b. the long term
outer protection area of 3918m2 (understorey clearing only,
physical integrity of
retention of canopy vegetation). Most of the understorey
waterways, wetland
vegetation within the APZ is already cleared and
and areas of native
managed/slashed on a regular basis, so the impact on
vegetation.
ecological values from the APZ construction and
maintenance will be minimal.
The vegetation removal for the development will not impact
habitat connectivity within the existing core habitat and
corridor areas on the property. Vegetation removal can be
compensated for through an offset, if required by Council.
Given the small area of vegetation removal on the outer
edge of the remnant patch, the proposal will not have a
significant impact on the biodiversity values, connectivity
and ecosystem functioning on site or within the locality.
Water Supply for Fire Fighting Purposes
PO3 Development provides an AO3.1 Premises are connected to the reticulated Complies with AO3.2
adequate water supply for fire water supply.
The site does not have access to a reticulated water
fighting purpose which is
supply, however the dwelling will have a swimming pool
Editor's note—For reconfiguring a lot, water
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reliable, safely located and supply needs to provide for a minimum flow (12m x 4m), with a capacity of more than 5,000 litres. This
freely accessible. and pressure of 10 litres a second at 200kPa pool water supply will always be made available for fire-
at all times for fire fighting purposes. fighting purposes.
OR
AO3.2 Where there is no available reticulated water
supply, the premises has:
a. an accessible dam, swimming pool
or water tank available for fire
fighting purposes with an onsite
water volume of not less than 5,000
litres; and
b. a water supply outlet pipe 50
millimetres in diameter fitted with a
standard fire brigade fitting
connected to the water supply (other
than where the water supply is in a
swimming pool or dam).
AO3.2 Editor’s Note—Water supply capacity for fire
fighting purposes is in addition to water supply
capacity for other uses and activities on the
premises.
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Essential Community Infrastructure
PO4 Essential community AO4.1 Development involving essential community Not applicable
infrastructure is able to infrastructure is not located within a medium
The development is for a material change of use (MCU) for
function effectively during and or high bushfire hazard area.
a dwelling, not for essential community infrastructure.
immediately after bushfire
events. OR
AO4.2 Where located in a medium or high bushfire
hazard area, development involving essential
community infrastructure is designed to
function effectively during and after a bushfire
event in accordance with a Bushfire Hazard
Management Plan.
Editor’s Note— PSP8 Natural Hazards
provides guidance for assessing bushfire
hazard risk and preparing a bushfire hazard
management plan.
Hazardous Materials
PO5 Public safety and the AO5 Hazardous materials are not manufactured or Complies with PO5
environment are not stored in bulk in a bushfire hazard area.
No hazardous materials will be manufactured on site.
adversely affected by the
Hazardous materials on the premises will not be stored or
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impacts of bushfire on handled in bulk quantities. Hazardous materials will not
hazardous materials present an unacceptable risk to people, property and the
manufacturing or storing in environment
bulk.
Access and Evacuation Routes
PO6 Roads provide for easy and AO6.1 The road layout provides for through-roads Complies with PO6
safe evacuation of residents and avoids cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads.
Direct access shall be provided via a driveway along the
of premises and access by
eastern and northern boundary of the site to Davis Road.
emergency services. OR
This driveway is approximately 400m long and is currently
unsealed, but will be sealed with bitumen in the future. The
AO6.2 The development has a perimeter road
driveway follows a ridgeline through the property and
reserve with a minimum width of 20 metres
passes through areas of intact, unmanaged forest. The
and maximum gradient of 12.5%.
existing driveway passes through a managed access
corridor of around 20m wide, where understorey fuel is
OR
managed via regular slashing but canopy trees are
AO6.3 Cul-de-sacs or no-through roads are provided retained.
with fire trails or access easements, which are
capable of being navigated by conventional
This driveway will provide for the egress of dwelling
vehicles and which link to through roads.
occupants in the event of an approaching bushfire, and the
AO6.4 Safe access and egress is available at all driveway is either flat or downhill the entire way out to
times to all of the development for emergency Davis Rd. The driveway surface is capable of supporting
vehicles and personnel. Rural Fire Service 4WD vehicles, but the longitudinal
gradient of the driveway exceeds 12.5% at two locations,
AO6.5 Where an emergency access point is which may cause issues for emergency services vehicle
required, it complies with the relevant works access uphill to the dwelling. There is a short stretch of
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codes and PSP6 Engineering Design driveway close to the property entrance that has a slope of
Standards. around 13.5%, and another short stretch of driveway just
below the dwelling site that has a slope of around 16%.
There are no alternative locations for the driveway on the
property that would have a lesser slope, so these driveway
slopes cannot be avoided.
In the event of a bushfire emergency where a bushfire
were to cut off resident egress to the south via the internal
access driveway, residents can still egress the
dwelling/property to the north via the cleared paddock
north of the dwelling and then through the neighbouring
property at 112 Davis Rd. This adjoining property is mostly
non-bushfire prone vegetation (Macadamia orchards,
grassed paddocks, landscaped gardens) and would allow
for safe access out to Davis Rd to the north, away from a
bushfire that might be advancing from the south. Access
through this adjoining property could be achieved on foot
or by vehicle, due to the existing driveway which accesses
the existing dwelling on that property, which is proximal to
the boundary with the subject property at 178 Davis Rd.
This neighbouring driveway is easily accessible from the
subject property at 178 Davis Rd, downhill via the cleared
grassy paddock and through a basic wire rural fence.
Lot design
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PO7 Lot design and building siting AO7 Each residential lot: Not applicable – the development proposal is not for a
minimises bushfire hazard subdivision
risk to people and property.
a. includes a building envelope, identified
on a plan of subdivision;
b. is of sufficient size and shape to allow
for efficient emergency access to
buildings for fire fighting appliances (e.g.
by avoiding battle-axe/hatchet lots and
long narrow lots with long access
driveways to buildings);
c. where more than 2500m², achieves
setbacks from hazardous vegetation in
line with Bushfire Attack Level 29
requirements as per AS3959; and
d. is designed so that buildings and
structures are sited in locations of
lowest hazard within the lot and
elements of the development least
susceptible to fire are closest to the fire
hazard.
Firebreaks and fire access tracks
PO8 Firebreaks and fire access AO8.1 Where development involves the creation of a Complies with PO8
tracks provide: new road and lots, a firebreak is provided by
Direct access to the dwelling site is provided via a driveway
providing a cleared road reserve not less than
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The text continues on section 42.