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PM Submission - Keith Calvert - The Oasis Body Corporate - MCU21/0110
Subject: Application for the Proposed Hotel at Noosa Springs Ref No. MCU 21/0110 From: Keith Calvert Date: 2021-12-20T03:51:55+00:00 To: Mailbox Council Mail You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important<http://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> WARNING: There is an Office attachment attached to this email. These files can contain malicious content. If this email is unusual or unexpected DO NOT open the attachment and forward it to ICT for checking. Thank you. External sender. Do not open links or attachments if the email is unexpected or unusual or impersonates staff. The General Manager, Noosa Shire Council 9 Pelican St Tewantin Qld. 4565 2Oth December 2021 Dear Sir, This objection relates to the Application for the Proposed Hotel at Noosa Springs Ref No. MCU 21/0110 The attached reports are the culmination of research by The Oasis body corporate into the dangers of a bushfire in the Noosa Springs area. At the time of compilation (2020), the committee had been provided with a map which was thought to be an evacuation map, but was in fact an access map for the Emergency Services. Based on that, it appears that there is possibly no intention to evacuate any part of Noosa Springs in an emergency. However, at the meeting we had, we were told that the Emergency Services would assess the need for evacuation “on the ground” and would door knock to make sure everyone was out. So, there is still a possibility of evacuation from anywhere in Noosa Springs and our concerns about the use of Links Drive, Noosa Springs Drive and any other exit route remain. At the time of the report, there was no information available about the numbers of visitors and vehicles at the proposed hotel, and this needs to be factored in if evacuation is likely to occur. Parkridge and the proposed hotel are positioned to be most impacted by the most likely bushfire conditions i.e. winds from the south and southeast driving a fire through Noosa National Park and Girraween Nature Reserve. We were also advised that there would be backburns in the National Park and the Nature Reserve. None of these have taken place, so the fuel load will have continued to increase. The Oasis has nominated the 17th fairway as the assembly point for a “local” evacuation. The assembly points for all the other precincts, golf & spa resort and the proposed hotel should probably be investigated, as there could be a considerable number of people and pets involved in a “local” evacuation. There remains a very real danger to the residents of Noosa Springs of being trapped and unable to flee a bushfire. This will be exacerbated if a large number of people and/or vehicles are added to the community through the construction and operation of the proposed resort hotel. Yours faithfully, Keith Calvert Chairman The Oasis Body Corporate Committee Tel 0412 542 859 Note; Due to the short notice available for public comment, we reserve the right to add further comment and /or appeal at a later date. [Attachment: ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions.pdf] The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate Review of Emergency Evacuation provisions
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Section 2
Section 3
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
1.0 Objectives
Our objectives in raising our concerns are as follows:
We have noted that a lack of preparedness has been cited as contributing to the scale and
impact of some recent bushfires. We want to be prepared for any emergency bushfire situation
and to be able to communicate the relevant emergency plans to our Owners within The Oasis.
We would like a constructive dialogue with Noosa Council (as part of Council’s primary
responsibility to coordinate and manage disasters and emergency events in the region) and
with the relevant Emergency Services, to establish an agreed robust, practical and executable
Emergency Response and Evacuation plan for The Oasis.
We would like agreement that a regular (annual) review is undertaken with the Council and/or
the Emergency Services to ensure that the plan accommodates any changing circumstances
within the area.
Our concerns are based on the information contained in the New Noosa Plan 2019 - Bushfire
Hazard Overlay Map, and the recent bushfires in the area. We note that the level of bushfire
hazards information shown needs to be confirmed by specific bushfire hazard assessments.
2.0 Background
The area of Noosa Springs comprises ten (10) discrete “precincts”, including the new development
‘Parkridge’, and our precinct ‘The Oasis’. As the Body Corporate Committee, we represent the
Owners of properties within The Oasis which is a small residential development of 27 lots in the
middle of Noosa Springs golf course.
Elysium The Cascades
The The
Woods Point
The Oasis
The Ridge
NS Spa &
golf resort
Parkridge
The Palms
The Fairways
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 2 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
1.0 Objectives
Our objectives in raising our concerns are as follows:
We have noted that a lack of preparedness has been cited as contributing to the scale and
impact of some recent bushfires. We want to be prepared for any emergency bushfire situation
and to be able to communicate the relevant emergency plans to our Owners within The Oasis.
We would like a constructive dialogue with Noosa Council (as part of Council’s primary
responsibility to coordinate and manage disasters and emergency events in the region) and
with the relevant Emergency Services, to establish an agreed robust, practical and executable
Emergency Response and Evacuation plan for The Oasis.
We would like agreement that a regular (annual) review is undertaken with the Council and/or
the Emergency Services to ensure that the plan accommodates any changing circumstances
within the area.
Our concerns are based on the information contained in the New Noosa Plan 2019 - Bushfire
Hazard Overlay Map, and the recent bushfires in the area. We note that the level of bushfire
hazards information shown needs to be confirmed by specific bushfire hazard assessments.
2.0 Background
The area of Noosa Springs comprises ten (10) discrete “precincts”, including the new development
‘Parkridge’, and our precinct ‘The Oasis’. As the Body Corporate Committee, we represent the
Owners of properties within The Oasis which is a small residential development of 27 lots in the
middle of Noosa Springs golf course.
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ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 2 of 17
Section 4
Section 5
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
Recently we had been preparing our Emergency Assembly instructions within the estate for our
Owners. However, the recent bushfires in the area have focussed our minds on the issues
associated with a much broader Emergency Response and Evacuation event and what plans we
should put into place for when such an emergency arises.
This focus has drawn our attention to the following issues;
1. The potential bushfire risks in and around The Oasis.
2. The evacuation route from The Oasis, for residents, visitors and emergency services;
3. The population and the number of associated vehicles within Parkridge, The Fairways, the
spa and golf resort, and The Oasis.
4. The potential interaction and conflict with other Noosa Springs precincts during evacuation
events.
5. How Emergency Services alert residents to their arrival and the existence of an emergency.
6. The need to evacuate before Emergency Services arrive.
This paper focuses primarily on the issues and risks to residents and visitors from The Oasis,
It refers to the eastern and western precincts of Noosa Springs - for the avoidance of doubt these
comprise:
Eastern Precincts
The Oasis;
The Fairways;
Park Ridge;
Noosa Springs Spa & Golf Resort.
Western precincts
The Cascades;
The Woods;
The Point;
The Ridge;
The Palms, and
Elysium.
Our only consideration of other precincts within the Noosa Springs area has been the possible
conflict that may arise when significant numbers of vehicles are evacuating in the same timeframe.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 3 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
Recently we had been preparing our Emergency Assembly instructions within the estate for our
Owners. However, the recent bushfires in the area have focussed our minds on the issues
associated with a much broader Emergency Response and Evacuation event and what plans we
should put into place for when such an emergency arises.
This focus has drawn our attention to the following issues;
1. The potential bushfire risks in and around The Oasis.
2. The evacuation route from The Oasis, for residents, visitors and emergency services;
3. The population and the number of associated vehicles within Parkridge, The Fairways, the
spa and golf resort, and The Oasis.
4. The potential interaction and conflict with other Noosa Springs precincts during evacuation
events.
5. How Emergency Services alert residents to their arrival and the existence of an emergency.
6. The need to evacuate before Emergency Services arrive.
This paper focuses primarily on the issues and risks to residents and visitors from The Oasis,
It refers to the eastern and western precincts of Noosa Springs - for the avoidance of doubt these
comprise:
Eastern Precincts
The Oasis;
The Fairways;
Park Ridge;
Noosa Springs Spa & Golf Resort.
Western precincts
The Cascades;
The Woods;
The Point;
The Ridge;
The Palms, and
Elysium.
Our only consideration of other precincts within the Noosa Springs area has been the possible
conflict that may arise when significant numbers of vehicles are evacuating in the same timeframe.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 3 of 17
Section 6
Section 7
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
3.0 Bushfire hazards – overview
The map below is copied from the Noosa Plan 2019 – Natural Hazard Overlay and shows the
Potential Bushfire Intensity zones in the general Noosa Springs area and the surrounding areas.
High Potential Bushfire Intensity Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity Potential Impact Buffer
The Oasis (circled in red above) is fairly centrally located within this region, surrounded by the
fairways of the Noosa Springs golf course.
The Oasis is the smallest of the Noosa Springs precincts, consisting of 27 Lots – 17 houses have
been built and are occupied, four are in the process of being built and will be finished within the
next 6 months, and 4 remain to be built.
The Oasis is surrounded by areas of varying Potential Bushfire Intensity, and a Bushfire Impact
Buffer affects much of The Oasis (circled in red above).
Our concerns are focussed on the immediate risks to The Oasis, the available evacuation routes
for Oasis residents and visitors and the potential conflicts with other evacuating precincts.
The argument that residents will be given enough time to evacuate in an orderly and safe manner
and therefore nothing needs to be done is a very dangerous assumption. The recent bushfire in
the vicinity of The Fairways in Resort Drive occurred in the middle of the night without any
warning to sleeping residents.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 4 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
3.0 Bushfire hazards — overview
The map below is copied from the Noosa Plan 2019 — Natural Hazard Overlay and shows the
Potential Bushfire Intensity zones in the general Noosa Springs area and the surrounding areas.
a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity Potential Impact Buffer
The Oasis (circled in red above) is fairly centrally located within this region, surrounded by the
fairways of the Noosa Springs golf course.
The Oasis is the smallest of the Noosa Springs precincts, consisting of 27 Lots — 17 houses have
been built and are occupied, four are in the process of being built and will be finished within the
next 6 months, and 4 remain to be built.
The Oasis is surrounded by areas of varying Potential Bushfire Intensity, and a Bushfire Impact
Buffer affects much of The Oasis (circled in red above).
Our concerns are focussed on the immediate risks to The Oasis, the available evacuation routes
for Oasis residents and visitors and the potential conflicts with other evacuating precincts.
The argument that residents will be given enough time to evacuate in an orderly and safe manner
and therefore nothing needs to be done is a very dangerous assumption. The recent bushfire in
the vicinity of The Fairways in Resort Drive occurred in the middle of the night without any
warning to sleeping residents.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 4 of 17
Section 8
Section 9
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
4.0 Potential bushfire risks in and around The Oasis.
4.1 Bushfire Impact Zones
The map below shows the various bushfire zones in relation to The Oasis.
12 Lots are included in the Potential Impact Buffer zone. Of those 12 Lots, 11 are built on, or
are in the process of being built on.
In the absence of any explanation of what the Potential Impact Buffer zone is, it is assumed
that it indicates potential exposure to smoke, burning embers and vegetation.
Q: Parts of The Oasis are included in the Potential Impact Buffer zone – what might be expected to
happen within the zone, and what does this mean for those residences?
The only evacuation route for The Oasis is Oasis Drive, which is included in the Potential Impact
Buffer zone, and in High and Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zones at a point where traffic
is likely to be stopped before entering the roundabout on Links Drive.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 5 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
4.0 Potential bushfire risks in and around The Oasis.
4.1 Bushfire Impact Zones
The map below shows the various bushfire zones in relation to The Oasis.
12 Lots are included in the Potential Impact Buffer zone. Of those 12 Lots, 11 are built on, or
are in the process of being built on.
In the absence of any explanation of what the Potential Impact Buffer zone is, it is assumed
that it indicates potential exposure to smoke, burning embers and vegetation.
Q: Parts of The Oasis are included in the Potential Impact Buffer zone — what might be expected to
happen within the zone, and what does this mean for those residences?
The only evacuation route for The Oasis is Oasis Drive, which is included in the Potential Impact
Buffer zone, and in High and Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zones at a point where traffic
is likely to be stopped before entering the roundabout on Links Drive.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 5 of 17
Section 10
Section 11
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
4.2 Additional hazards
There are two additional potential hazards, local to The Oasis precinct, which could impede any
evacuation from The Oasis, or could increase the risk of bushfire impact on the community.
These hazards are:
a. Origin LPG storage tanks;
b. Noosa Golf waste vegetation pile.
The location of these potential hazards, in relation to Oasis Drive and the Potential Bushfire
Intensity zones, is shown in the two maps below.
Noosa Golf waste vegetation Origin LPG storage tanks
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
4.2 Additional hazards
There are two additional potential hazards, local to The Oasis precinct, which could impede any
evacuation from The Oasis, or could increase the risk of bushfire impact on the community.
These hazards are:
a. Origin LPG storage tanks;
b. Noosa Golf waste vegetation pile.
The location of these potential hazards, in relation to Oasis Drive and the Potential Bushfire
Intensity zones, is shown in the two maps below.
Noosa,Golf waste vegetation Origin:LPG storage’ tanks
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 6 of 17
Section 12
Section 13
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
4.2.a Origin LPG storage tanks
Origin have sited two LPG tanks on Noosa Springs Golf Course land close to the north west
corner of the Oasis Drive/Links Drive/Resort Drive roundabout. The tanks are adjacent to the
northern side of Oasis Drive, and are surrounded by trees and a wooden fence, and there is a
significant number of trees, shrubs and dry vegetation in the area.
This location is in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, which stretches across the entrance
of Oasis Drive. There is an adjoining Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone which also
straddles Oasis Drive.
Whilst we have been assured by Noosa Springs Resort management that the area around the
tank is monitored on a regular basis and kept clear of unnecessary vegetation, it is shown in in
an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity.
Our concern is if the tanks are subjected to intense bushfire exposure and anything goes wrong
it may prevent residents and visitors leaving The Oasis and, at worst, could injure or kill
someone.
Q: What are the regulations associated with the storage of such hazardous materials.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risk associated with these tanks?
4.2.b Noosa Springs Golf Course waste vegetation
A considerable amount of cut vegetation is periodically stored by the golf course at the western
end of their compound to the south of Oasis Drive. It is contained at its north side by a wooden
fence that runs parallel to Oasis Drive.
The waste pile is in a Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, with an adjacent High Potential
Bushfire zone. On the side facing Oasis Drive, it is retained by a timber fence.
The original Negotiated Decision Notice that was issued in 2008 for the original Oasis
development of 27 lots had the following condition:
“Cleared vegetation is to be suitably processed by one of the following methods and
removed from the site:
Processing through a woodchipper or shredder. The resulting mulch is to be
stockpiled loose in heaps of less than 1000 cubic metres, less than 2.5 metres
high with a minimum of 10 metres between edges of heaps.”
As far as we are aware, the waste vegetation is only mulched when there is no more room, or
there is a need for mulch on the golf course.
We are aware of instances of spontaneous combustion occurring in large waste vegetation
piles, and the possibility of a fire being initiated in the pile by stray embers from a local bushfire
or backburn are both issues of concern. Should the waste pile be ignited, the use of Oasis Drive,
as the only vehicular route to leave the Oasis, may be compromised.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 7 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
4.2.a Origin LPG storage tanks
Origin have sited two LPG tanks on Noosa Springs Golf Course land close to the north west
corner of the Oasis Drive/Links Drive/Resort Drive roundabout. The tanks are adjacent to the
northern side of Oasis Drive, and are surrounded by trees and a wooden fence, and there is a
significant number of trees, shrubs and dry vegetation in the area.
This location is in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, which stretches across the entrance
of Oasis Drive. There is an adjoining Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone which also
straddles Oasis Drive.
Whilst we have been assured by Noosa Springs Resort management that the area around the
tank is monitored on a regular basis and kept clear of unnecessary vegetation, it is shown in in
an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity.
Our concern is if the tanks are subjected to intense bushfire exposure and anything goes wrong
it may prevent residents and visitors leaving The Oasis and, at worst, could injure or kill
someone.
Q: What are the regulations associated with the storage of such hazardous materials.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risk associated with these tanks?
4.2.b Noosa Springs Golf Course waste vegetation
A considerable amount of cut vegetation is periodically stored by the golf course at the western
end of their compound to the south of Oasis Drive. It is contained at its north side by a wooden
fence that runs parallel to Oasis Drive.
The waste pile is in a Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, with an adjacent High Potential
Bushfire zone. On the side facing Oasis Drive, it is retained by a timber fence.
The original Negotiated Decision Notice that was issued in 2008 for the original Oasis
development of 27 lots had the following condition:
“Cleared vegetation is to be suitably processed by one of the following methods and
removed from the site:
Processing through a woodchipper or shredder. The resulting mulch is to be
stockpiled loose in heaps of less than 1000 cubic metres, less than 2.5 metres
high with a minimum of 10 metres between edges of heaps.”
As far as we are aware, the waste vegetation is only mulched when there is no more room, or
there is a need for mulch on the golf course.
We are aware of instances of spontaneous combustion occurring in large waste vegetation
piles, and the possibility of a fire being initiated in the pile by stray embers from a local bushfire
or backburn are both issues of concern. Should the waste pile be ignited, the use of Oasis Drive,
as the only vehicular route to leave the Oasis, may be compromised.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 7 of 17
Section 14
Section 15
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
Q: Are there regulations specifying the requirements for storage of waste vegetation?
Q: Are there limits on the volume of waste that can be stored?
Q: What can be done to minimise the risk associated with this waste vegetation pile?
5.0 Evacuation Routes
The only vehicular evacuation route for Oasis residents and visitors is along Oasis Drive to the Links
Drive roundabout and then along Links Drive to the roundabout with Noosa Springs Drive.
High Potential Bushfire Intensity Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity Potential Impact Buffer
5.1 Oasis Drive
A section of Oasis Drive, either side of the entry/exit gates is shown in a Medium Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone, and the next section, approaching the roundabout, is a High Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone.
There is a central road reserve along most of Oasis Drive which would prevent the passing of
any obstacle.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risks, and ensure safe evacuation if this area is alight?
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 8 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
Q: Are there regulations specifying the requirements for storage of waste vegetation?
Q: Are there limits on the volume of waste that can be stored?
Q: What can be done to minimise the risk associated with this waste vegetation pile?
5.0 Evacuation Routes
The only vehicular evacuation route for Oasis residents and visitors is along Oasis Drive to the Links
Drive roundabout and then along Links Drive to the roundabout with Noosa Springs Drive.
Woosa Springs DME
a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity Wo Potential Impact Buffer
5.1 Oasis Drive
A section of Oasis Drive, either side of the entry/exit gates is shown in a Medium Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone, and the next section, approaching the roundabout, is a High Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone.
There is a central road reserve along most of Oasis Drive which would prevent the passing of
any obstacle.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risks, and ensure safe evacuation if this area is alight?
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 8 of 17
Section 16
Section 17
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
5.2 Links Drive
Most of Links Drive (from Oasis Drive to the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout (approximately
0.5 kms) is in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Zone.
There is a considerable fuel load evident along this road, especially on the eastern side.
The road consists of two separate single lanes (one in each direction) with no opportunity to
overtake. Switching to the other lane is not considered viable because of the vegetation in the
central road reserve and the likelihood that Emergency Services will be using that side of the
road to access the emergency locations.
Q: How will council deal with the extensive fuel load beside the road to reduce the risk of not being
able to use this road for evacuation in the case of fire?
Q; What will be the alternate evacuation route in this situation?
Q: Can Council undertake a Fire Ecology assessment at their cost to confirm the bushfire potentials?
5.3 Evacuation routes from the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout
From the Links Drive/Noosa Springs Drive roundabout there appear to be three alternative
evacuation routes:
the bridge over Eenie Creek Road, along Noosa Springs Drive to Leslie Drive,
west along Noosa Springs Drive to the locked gates allowing access to Eenie Creek Road.
east along Wallum Road and the proposed “red route” to the sports complex.
High Potential Bushfire Intensity Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity Potential Impact Buffer
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 9 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
5.2 Links Drive
Most of Links Drive (from Oasis Drive to the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout (approximately
0.5 kms) is in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Zone.
There is a considerable fuel load evident along this road, especially on the eastern side.
The road consists of two separate single lanes (one in each direction) with no opportunity to
overtake. Switching to the other lane is not considered viable because of the vegetation in the
central road reserve and the likelihood that Emergency Services will be using that side of the
road to access the emergency locations.
Q: How will council deal with the extensive fuel load beside the road to reduce the risk of not being
able to use this road for evacuation in the case of fire?
Q; What will be the alternate evacuation route in this situation?
Q: Can Council undertake a Fire Ecology assessment at their cost to confirm the bushfire potentials?
5.3 Evacuation routes from the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout
From the Links Drive/Noosa Springs Drive roundabout there appear to be three alternative
evacuation routes:
the bridge over Eenie Creek Road, along Noosa Springs Drive to Leslie Drive,
west along Noosa Springs Drive to the locked gates allowing access to Eenie Creek Road.
east along Wallum Road and the proposed “red route” to the sports complex.
= High Potential Bushfire Intensity Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity ~~ Potential Impact Buffer
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 9 of 17
Section 18
Section 19
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
5.3.a Noosa Springs Drive bridge over Eenie Creek Road
Noosa Springs Drive is a 2-way road which is bounded by trees and vegetation on both sides of
the road. There are two zones of High Potential Bushfire Intensity, one zone of Medium
Potential Bushfire Intensity and the remainder is in a Potential Impact Buffer zone.
The southbound side of Noosa Springs Drive, from the Leslie Drive roundabout, will be used by
Emergency Services vehicles going to the emergency. The cycle lanes will provide a limited
ability to avoid obstacles.
5.3.b West along Noosa Springs Drive
This section of Noosa Springs Drive is a 2-way road with no central reservation. This evacuation
route is entirely within a Potential Bushfire Buffer zone, except for a short zone of Medium
Potential Bushfire Intensity.
Access to Eenie Creek Road is achieved by driving off Noosa Springs Road onto the cycle
pathway approximately 275m from the roundabout and passing through two normally locked
gates, onto Eenie Creek Road.
It is noted that this set of gates is the first access point to Eenie Creek Road for vehicles from
the western precincts in the Noosa Springs area.
If Eenie Creek Road is still open to traffic, there may be some difficulty in evacuating traffic
merging onto Eenie Creek Road as there is no layby or parking area that could be used to assist
merging at that location.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 10 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
5.3.a Noosa Springs Drive bridge over Eenie Creek Road
Noosa Springs Drive is a 2-way road which is bounded by trees and vegetation on both sides of
the road. There are two zones of High Potential Bushfire Intensity, one zone of Medium
Potential Bushfire Intensity and the remainder is in a Potential Impact Buffer zone.
The southbound side of Noosa Springs Drive, from the Leslie Drive roundabout, will be used by
Emergency Services vehicles going to the emergency. The cycle lanes will provide a limited
ability to avoid obstacles.
5.3.b West along Noosa Springs Drive
This section of Noosa Springs Drive is a 2-way road with no central reservation. This evacuation
route is entirely within a Potential Bushfire Buffer zone, except for a short zone of Medium
Potential Bushfire Intensity.
Access to Eenie Creek Road is achieved by driving off Noosa Springs Road onto the cycle
pathway approximately 275m from the roundabout and passing through two normally locked
gates, onto Eenie Creek Road.
It is noted that this set of gates is the first access point to Eenie Creek Road for vehicles from
the western precincts in the Noosa Springs area.
If Eenie Creek Road is still open to traffic, there may be some difficulty in evacuating traffic
merging onto Eenie Creek Road as there is no layby or parking area that could be used to assist
merging at that location.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 10 of 17
Section 20
Section 21
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
5.3.c East along Wallum Road and the “red route” to the sports complex.
This is the map provided recently by Council.
This evacuation route appears to be used in situations where the locked gates along Noosa
Springs Drive are no longer available as an access point. Obviously, the selection of the
appropriate evacuation route is heavily dependent on where the fire is, and where it is headed,
and any changes in those conditions. Restricting the available evacuation routes would appear
to increase the risks to those who are trying to evacuate.
Q: Why is the access to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive apparently not going to be used
once the “Red route” has been established?
This evacuation route is bordered by trees and vegetation along its entire length (approx. 1.1
kms). It is bordered by some High Potential Bushfire Intensity zones, goes through a section of
Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone and the rest is located within a Potential Impact
Buffer zone.
The surfaces of the route vary from concrete and bitumen track to grassed areas, rough land
and gravelly tracks.
At the Sports Complex there is a locked gate.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 11 of 17
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
5.3.c East along Wallum Road and the “red route” to the sports complex.
This is the map provided recently by Council.
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This evacuation route appears to be used in situations where the locked gates along Noosa
Springs Drive are no longer available as an access point. Obviously, the selection of the
appropriate evacuation route is heavily dependent on where the fire is, and where it is headed,
and any changes in those conditions. Restricting the available evacuation routes would appear
to increase the risks to those who are trying to evacuate.
Q: Why is the access to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive apparently not going to be used
once the “Red route” has been established?
This evacuation route is bordered by trees and vegetation along its entire length (approx. 1.1
kms). It is bordered by some High Potential Bushfire Intensity zones, goes through a section of
Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone and the rest is located within a Potential Impact
Buffer zone.
The surfaces of the route vary from concrete and bitumen track to grassed areas, rough land
and gravelly tracks.
At the Sports Complex there is a locked gate.
ES Paper - Review of Emergency evacuation provisions Page 11 of 17
Section 22
Section 23
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
The evacuation route has some features that could prove to be confusing to people under
evacuation conditions, as the route is not straight and not necessarily obvious.
i. At the bend in Wallum Lane, the route goes along Rotary Way towards the Men’s Shed.
However, there is also a cycleway to the left of Rotary Way, which may cause confusion.
This cycle way appears to be passable by vehicles, but there are several places where the
cycleway narrows (to go over culverts) and it is unlikely that vehicles could pass safely.
Evacuation track at entry gate to Men’s Shed
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The evacuation route has some features that could prove to be confusing to people under
evacuation conditions, as the route is not straight and not necessarily obvious.
i. At the bend in Wallum Lane, the route goes along Rotary Way towards the Men’s Shed.
However, there is also a cycleway to the left of Rotary Way, which may cause confusion.
This cycle way appears to be passable by vehicles, but there are several places where the
cycleway narrows (to go over culverts) and it is unlikely that vehicles could pass safely.
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Section 25
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
ii. The helicopter operations area is a restricted area. The route turns left into this area, then
turns right and right again to cross a rough piece of land that has recently been mowed. This
leads back to the original alignment of the track. The route through the helicopter
operations area could lead to confusion in an emergency.
entry to helicopter operations area
Entry to helicopter operations area
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
ii. The helicopter operations area is a restricted area. The route turns left into this area, then
turns right and right again to cross a rough piece of land that has recently been mowed. This
leads back to the original alignment of the track. The route through the helicopter
operations area could lead to confusion in an emergency.
RESTRICTED |
AREA
HELICOPTER
OPERATIONS
IN PROGRESS
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
Helicopter operations area – helicopter storage to right – rough track ahead
Q: The tracks before and after the helicopter operations area are on the same alignment and this is
shown in Google maps. Can the original arrangement of track be re-established so that the track is
straighter and no transit through the helicopter operations area is required?
Final section of track – sports
Rough track complex straight ahead
iii. The track to the Criterium Circuit at the Sports Complex is then loose gravel and is not very
wide although the vegetation bordering the track has recently been cut back.
iv. There is a locked gate that enables access to the Sports Complex carpark and thence to the
roundabout.
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Q: The tracks before and after the helicopter operations area are on the same alignment and this is
shown in Google maps. Can the original arrangement of track be re-established so that the track is
straighter and no transit through the helicopter operations area is required?
iii. |The track to the Criterium Circuit at the Sports Complex is then loose gravel and is not very
wide although the vegetation bordering the track has recently been cut back.
iv. There is a locked gate that enables access to the Sports Complex carpark and thence to the
roundabout.
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Section 28
Section 29
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
The roads headed north and east from the Sports Complex roundabout are all subject to
Potential Bushfire Intensity and Impact Buffer zones.
Q: How will these evacuation route options be managed during an evacuation event?
Q: Which organisation decides which evacuation route(s) will be used?
Q: How will that decision be policed?
Q: Who is responsible for opening the locked gates on these evacuation routes?
- Gates to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive;
- Gate at Sports Complex.
Q: What are the Council going to do to improve the “Red route” and when will it be suitable for
ordinary vehicles to use?
Q: What has Council planned to reduce the bushfire risks along the “Red route”?
We are concerned that if Oasis residents need to evacuate, the evacuation is very reliant on
Emergency Services having prior knowledge of a fire and being able to provide residents with
ample warning and advise on the evacuation routes available.
What if, as has been the case with recent fires in the area, enough prior warning is not possible,
and it has not been possible to make access available to the locked proposed escape routes?
Q: How will residents be able to evacuate in advance of Emergency Services arrival, such as nearly
happened in the Resort Drive fire?
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The roads headed north and east from the Sports Complex roundabout are all subject to
Potential Bushfire Intensity and Impact Buffer zones.
Q: How will these evacuation route options be managed during an evacuation event?
Q: Which organisation decides which evacuation route(s) will be used?
Q: How will that decision be policed?
Q: Who is responsible for opening the locked gates on these evacuation routes?
- Gates to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive;
- Gate at Sports Complex.
Q: What are the Council going to do to improve the “Red route” and when will it be suitable for
ordinary vehicles to use?
Q: What has Council planned to reduce the bushfire risks along the “Red route”?
We are concerned that if Oasis residents need to evacuate, the evacuation is very reliant on
Emergency Services having prior knowledge of a fire and being able to provide residents with
ample warning and advise on the evacuation routes available.
What if, as has been the case with recent fires in the area, enough prior warning is not possible,
and it has not been possible to make access available to the locked proposed escape routes?
Q: How will residents be able to evacuate in advance of Emergency Services arrival, such as nearly
happened in the Resort Drive fire?
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Section 30
Section 31
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
6.0 Conflict with evacuations from other precincts
If the eastern precincts in Noosa Springs must be evacuated, we estimate that there may be as
many as 250 vehicles evacuating from Parkridge, plus 40+ from The Fairways and 200+ from
the golf and spa complex. These will meet the 35+ coming from The Oasis at the Oasis
Drive/Links Drive roundabout. (Note: These figures assume one vehicle per residence).
With anything up to 500 vehicles trying to evacuate, the potential for any of the single lane
evacuation routes to be blocked as a result of mechanical and/or human failure in evacuation
conditions needs to be assessed and provision made for its occurrence.
The possibility that the western precincts in Noosa Springs may need to be evacuated at the
same needs to be assessed. Our estimates indicate that there may be as many as 450 vehicles
evacuating from Noosa Springs and Elysium.
This raises the issue of how such an evacuation will be managed to ensure everyone is able to
evacuate in an orderly and timely manner. The method of evacuation needs to consider:
The number of people who may need to be evacuated;
The number of vehicles involved in that evacuation, and
The risks associated with that evacuation.
The table below lists the ten precincts, together with the numbers of residences, carparks,
residents and other users, and an estimate of the number of vehicles likely to be mobilised in
an evacuation event.
This information is broadly correct, although there may be more up to date information than
we have been able to access. Regardless, the data is indicative of the scale of the issue in
relation to the number of people who might be affected, and the number of vehicles that might
be mobilised in the event of evacuation.
It is conservative to assume that residents in one unit will leave in one car, whereas visitors,
especially for the spa and golf resort, may leave with one person per vehicle.
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6.0 Conflict with evacuations from other precincts
If the eastern precincts in Noosa Springs must be evacuated, we estimate that there may be as
many as 250 vehicles evacuating from Parkridge, plus 40+ from The Fairways and 200+ from
the golf and spa complex. These will meet the 35+ coming from The Oasis at the Oasis
Drive/Links Drive roundabout. (Note: These figures assume one vehicle per residence).
With anything up to 500 vehicles trying to evacuate, the potential for any of the single lane
evacuation routes to be blocked as a result of mechanical and/or human failure in evacuation
conditions needs to be assessed and provision made for its occurrence.
The possibility that the western precincts in Noosa Springs may need to be evacuated at the
same needs to be assessed. Our estimates indicate that there may be as many as 450 vehicles
evacuating from Noosa Springs and Elysium.
This raises the issue of how such an evacuation will be managed to ensure everyone is able to
evacuate in an orderly and timely manner. The method of evacuation needs to consider:
= The number of people who may need to be evacuated;
= The number of vehicles involved in that evacuation, and
= The risks associated with that evacuation.
The table below lists the ten precincts, together with the numbers of residences, carparks,
residents and other users, and an estimate of the number of vehicles likely to be mobilised in
an evacuation event.
This information is broadly correct, although there may be more up to date information than
we have been able to access. Regardless, the data is indicative of the scale of the issue in
relation to the number of people who might be affected, and the number of vehicles that might
be mobilised in the event of evacuation.
It is conservative to assume that residents in one unit will leave in one car, whereas visitors,
especially for the spa and golf resort, may leave with one person per vehicle.
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Section 33
The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
PRECINCT RESIDENTI CARPARKS PEOPLE EVACUATION
AL UNITS VEHICLES
Eastern Noosa Springs Precincts
The Oasis 27 54 + 14 ~60 (including 27 + 14
children)
Parkridge Precinct F 154 268 421 154
**
- Visitors 50 50 - ~200 50
- Staff 6 6 6
** from Altum Masterplan 14/12/2015
Parkridge Precinct 29 52 60 + 29
E2
- Visitors 11 11
The Fairways 42 42 - 168 42
NS Clubhouse & spa 0 207 200 + 200 +
+ 3 disabled
Golfers, spa & restaurant users and staff.
TOTAL VEHICLES 491
Western Noosa Springs Precincts
Noosa Springs
- The Cascades 60 120 60
- The Palms 68 136 68
- The Point 37 74 37
- The Ridge 61 121 61
- The Woods 48 48 48
NOTE: The number of people in Noosa Springs is an estimate based on 2 per building/unit
Elysium 189*** 378 189
NOTE: The number of people in Elysium is an estimate based on 2 per building/unit
TOTAL VEHICLES 463
Q: Has Council considered the possibility of a wholesale evacuation of the whole of Noosa Springs?
7.0 Emergency Services
The recent bushfire at the southern end of Resort Drive and the golf course was attended by
Emergency Services vehicles, without using their sirens. As a result, some residents were
unaware of the emergency on their doorstep until the morning, whilst others were panicked by
neighbours knocking on doors.
Q: What was the reason for emergency sirens not being used?
Q: How can we ensure that sirens are used within Noosa Springs to alert residents?
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The Oasis Noosa Springs Body Corporate - Emergency response concerns
PRECINCT RESIDENTI CARPARKS PEOPLE EVACUATION
AL UNITS VEHICLES
Eastern Noosa Springs Precincts
The Oasis 27 54+14 ~60 (including 27+14
children)
Parkridge Precinct F 154 268 421 154
*wK
- Visitors 50 50 - ~200 50
- Staff 6 6 6
** from Altum Masterplan 14/12/2015
Parkridge Precinct 29 52 60 + 29
E2
- Visitors 11 11
The Fairways 42 42 - 168 42
NS Clubhouse & spa 0 207 200 + 200 +
+ 3 disabled
Golfers, spa & restaurant users and staff.
TOTAL VEHICLES 491
Western Noosa Springs Precincts
Noosa Springs
- The Cascades 60 120 60
- The Palms 68 136 68
- The Point 37 74 37
- The Ridge 61 121 61
- The Woods 48 48 48
NOTE: The number of people in Noosa Springs is an estimate based on 2 per building/unit
Elysium | 189%** | 378 | 189
NOTE: The number of people in Elysium is an estimate based on 2 per building/unit
| | TOTAL VEHICLES | 463
Q: Has Council considered the possibility of a wholesale evacuation of the whole of Noosa Springs?
7.0 Emergency Services
The recent bushfire at the southern end of Resort Drive and the golf course was attended by
Emergency Services vehicles, without using their sirens. As a result, some residents were
unaware of the emergency on their doorstep until the morning, whilst others were panicked by
neighbours knocking on doors.
Q: What was the reason for emergency sirens not being used?
Q: How can we ensure that sirens are used within Noosa Springs to alert residents?
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Section 34
[Attachment: 20191204 The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary.pdf]
The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary
1.0 Objectives
Our objectives in raising our concerns are as follows:
There is only one evacuation route from The Oasis to Noosa Springs Drive. We want to be
prepared for an emergency bushfire situation and be able to communicate the relevant
emergency plans to our Owners within The Oasis.
We would like to understand what options will be available to evacuate from Noosa Springs
Drive and how that will be managed.
We would like a constructive dialogue with Noosa Council (as part of Council’s primary
responsibility to coordinate and manage disasters and emergency events in the region) and
with the relevant Emergency Services, to establish an agreed robust, practical and executable
Emergency Response and Evacuation plan for The Oasis.
We would like agreement that a regular (annual) review is undertaken with the Council and/or
the Emergency Services to ensure the ongoing ability of the plan to accommodate changing
circumstances within the area.
Our concerns are based on the information contained in the New Noosa Plan 2019 - Bushfire
Hazard Overlay Map, and the 3 recent bushfires in the area. We note that the level of bushfire
hazards information shown in the Bushfire zone maps needs to be confirmed by specific
bushfire hazard assessments.
2.0 The Oasis
The smallest of the Noosa Springs precincts.
27 lots – 18 built & occupied, 5 being built, 4 to be built.
One evacuation route for vehicles – Springs Crescent > Oasis Drive > Links Drive.
Q: Parts of The Oasis (9 Lots) are included in a Potential Impact Buffer zone – what might be
expected to happen within the zone, and what does this mean for those residences?
2.1 Origin LPG storage tanks
Origin have sited two LPG tanks in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, on Noosa Springs Golf
Course land at the north west corner of the Oasis Drive/Links Drive/Resort Drive roundabout.
The tanks are adjacent to the northern side of Oasis Drive, and are surrounded by trees and a
wooden fence, and there is a significant amount of dried vegetation in the area.
Our concern is if the tanks are subjected to intense bushfire exposure and anything goes wrong it
may prevent people leaving The Oasis and, at worst, could injure or kill someone.
Q: What are the regulations associated with the storage of such hazardous materials.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risk associated with these tanks?
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The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary
1.0 Objectives
Our objectives in raising our concerns are as follows:
There is only one evacuation route from The Oasis to Noosa Springs Drive. We want to be
prepared for an emergency bushfire situation and be able to communicate the relevant
emergency plans to our Owners within The Oasis.
We would like to understand what options will be available to evacuate from Noosa Springs
Drive and how that will be managed.
We would like a constructive dialogue with Noosa Council (as part of Council’s primary
responsibility to coordinate and manage disasters and emergency events in the region) and
with the relevant Emergency Services, to establish an agreed robust, practical and executable
Emergency Response and Evacuation plan for The Oasis.
We would like agreement that a regular (annual) review is undertaken with the Council and/or
the Emergency Services to ensure the ongoing ability of the plan to accommodate changing
circumstances within the area.
Our concerns are based on the information contained in the New Noosa Plan 2019 - Bushfire
Hazard Overlay Map, and the 3 recent bushfires in the area. We note that the level of bushfire
hazards information shown in the Bushfire zone maps needs to be confirmed by specific
bushfire hazard assessments.
2.0 The Oasis
The smallest of the Noosa Springs precincts.
27 lots — 18 built & occupied, 5 being built, 4 to be built.
One evacuation route for vehicles — Springs Crescent > Oasis Drive > Links Drive.
Q: Parts of The Oasis (9 Lots) are included in a Potential Impact Buffer zone — what might be
expected to happen within the zone, and what does this mean for those residences?
2.1 Origin LPG storage tanks
Origin have sited two LPG tanks in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, on Noosa Springs Golf
Course land at the north west corner of the Oasis Drive/Links Drive/Resort Drive roundabout.
The tanks are adjacent to the northern side of Oasis Drive, and are surrounded by trees and a
wooden fence, and there is a significant amount of dried vegetation in the area.
Our concern is if the tanks are subjected to intense bushfire exposure and anything goes wrong it
may prevent people leaving The Oasis and, at worst, could injure or kill someone.
Q: What are the regulations associated with the storage of such hazardous materials.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risk associated with these tanks?
20191204 The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Page 1 of 4
Section 35
Section 36
The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary
2.2 Noosa Springs Golf Course waste vegetation
Noosa Springs Golf Course stores waste vegetation at the western end of their compound. The
waste pile is in a Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, with a High Potential Bushfire zone
adjacent. On the side facing Oasis Drive, the waste pile is retained by a timber fence.
Periodically the pile is mulched and distributed around the golf course.
Our concerns are as follows:
If the waste pile were to ignite, its proximity to the Oasis Drive exit could prevent egress;
We are aware that spontaneous combustion can occur in waste vegetation piles which
could initiate a bushfire;
Stray embers from a local bushfire or backburn could ignite the pile.
Q: Are there regulations specifying the requirements for storage of waste vegetation?
Q: Are there limits on the volume of waste that can be stored?
Q: What can be done to minimise the risk associated with this waste vegetation pile?
3.0 Evacuation Routes
3.1 Oasis Drive
A section of Oasis Drive, either side of the entry/exit gates is shown in a Medium Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone, and an adjacent section, approaching the roundabout, is a High Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risks, and ensure safe evacuation if this area is alight?
3.2 Links Drive
Most of Links Drive (from the Oasis Drive roundabout to the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout,
approximately 0.5 kms) is in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Zone.
There is a considerable fuel load evident on either side of this road, including the central road
reserve, but especially on the eastern side.
Q: How will council deal with the extensive fuel load beside the road to reduce the risk of not
being able to use this road for evacuation in the case of fire?
Q; What will be the alternate evacuation route in this situation?
Q: Can Council undertake a Fire Ecology assessment at their cost to confirm the bushfire
potentials?
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2.2 Noosa Springs Golf Course waste vegetation
Noosa Springs Golf Course stores waste vegetation at the western end of their compound. The
waste pile is ina Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zone, with a High Potential Bushfire zone
adjacent. On the side facing Oasis Drive, the waste pile is retained by a timber fence.
Periodically the pile is mulched and distributed around the golf course.
Our concerns are as follows:
e If the waste pile were to ignite, its proximity to the Oasis Drive exit could prevent egress;
e Weare aware that spontaneous combustion can occur in waste vegetation piles which
could initiate a bushfire;
e Stray embers from a local bushfire or backburn could ignite the pile.
Q: Are there regulations specifying the requirements for storage of waste vegetation?
Q: Are there limits on the volume of waste that can be stored?
Q: What can be done to minimise the risk associated with this waste vegetation pile?
3.0 Evacuation Routes
3.1 Oasis Drive
A section of Oasis Drive, either side of the entry/exit gates is shown in a Medium Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone, and an adjacent section, approaching the roundabout, is a High Potential
Bushfire Intensity zone.
Q: What can be done to reduce the risks, and ensure safe evacuation if this area is alight?
3.2 Links Drive
Most of Links Drive (from the Oasis Drive roundabout to the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout,
approximately 0.5 kms) is in a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Zone.
There is a considerable fuel load evident on either side of this road, including the central road
reserve, but especially on the eastern side.
Q: How will council deal with the extensive fuel load beside the road to reduce the risk of not
being able to use this road for evacuation in the case of fire?
Q; What will be the alternate evacuation route in this situation?
Q: Can Council undertake a Fire Ecology assessment at their cost to confirm the bushfire
potentials?
20191204 The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Page 2 of 4
Section 37
Section 38
The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary
3.3 Evacuation routes from the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout
From the Links Drive/Noosa Springs Drive roundabout there appear to be three alternative
evacuation routes:
the bridge over Eenie Creek Road, along Noosa Springs Drive to Leslie Drive;
west along Noosa Springs Drive to the locked gates allowing access to Eenie Creek Road,
(Potential Impact Buffer plus Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zones);
east along Wallum Road (High Potential Bushfire Intensity zone) and the “red route” to the
sports complex. (Potential Impact Buffer and Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zones and
a locked gate).
Q: How will these evacuation route options be managed during an evacuation event?
Q: Which organisation decides which evacuation route(s) will be used?
Q: Who is responsible for opening the locked gates on these evacuation routes?
- Gates to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive;
- Gate at Sports Complex.
Q: How will that decision be policed?
Q: What are the Council going to do to improve the “Red route” and when will it be suitable for
ordinary vehicles to use?
Q: What has Council planned to reduce the bushfire risks along the “red route”?
Q: Why is the access to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive apparently not going to be
used once the “Red route” has been established?
Q: The tracks before and after the helicopter operations area are on the same alignment and this
is shown in Google maps. Can the original arrangement of track be re-established so that the track
is straighter and no transit through the helicopter operations area is required?
Q: How will residents be able to evacuate in advance of Emergency Services arrival, such as nearly
happened in the Resort Drive fire?
3.4 Conflict with evacuations from other precincts
If the whole of the eastern precincts in Noosa Springs must be evacuated, we estimate that there
may be as many as 250 vehicles evacuating from Parkridge, plus 40+ from The Fairways and 200+
from the golf and spa complex. These will meet the 35+ coming from The Oasis at the Oasis
Drive/Links Drive roundabout. (Note: These figures assume one vehicle per residence).
With anything up to 500 vehicles trying to evacuate, the potential for any of the single lane
evacuation routes to be blocked as a result of mechanical and/or human failure in evacuation
conditions needs to be assessed and provision made for its occurrence.
The possibility that the western precincts in Noosa Springs may need to be evacuated at the same
time needs to be assessed. Our estimates indicate that there may be as many as 450 vehicles
evacuating from Noosa Springs and Elysium.
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3.3 Evacuation routes from the Noosa Springs Drive roundabout
From the Links Drive/Noosa Springs Drive roundabout there appear to be three alternative
evacuation routes:
e the bridge over Eenie Creek Road, along Noosa Springs Drive to Leslie Drive;
e west along Noosa Springs Drive to the locked gates allowing access to Eenie Creek Road,
(Potential Impact Buffer plus Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zones);
e — east along Wallum Road (High Potential Bushfire Intensity zone) and the “red route” to the
sports complex. (Potential Impact Buffer and Medium Potential Bushfire Intensity zones and
a locked gate).
Q: How will these evacuation route options be managed during an evacuation event?
Q: Which organisation decides which evacuation route(s) will be used?
Q: Who is responsible for opening the locked gates on these evacuation routes?
- Gates to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive;
- Gate at Sports Complex.
Q: How will that decision be policed?
Q: What are the Council going to do to improve the “Red route” and when will it be suitable for
ordinary vehicles to use?
Q: What has Council planned to reduce the bushfire risks along the “red route”?
Q: Why is the access to Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive apparently not going to be
used once the “Red route” has been established?
Q: The tracks before and after the helicopter operations area are on the same alignment and this
is shown in Google maps. Can the original arrangement of track be re-established so that the track
is straighter and no transit through the helicopter operations area is required?
Q: How will residents be able to evacuate in advance of Emergency Services arrival, such as nearly
happened in the Resort Drive fire?
3.4 Conflict with evacuations from other precincts
If the whole of the eastern precincts in Noosa Springs must be evacuated, we estimate that there
may be as many as 250 vehicles evacuating from Parkridge, plus 40+ from The Fairways and 200+
from the golf and spa complex. These will meet the 35+ coming from The Oasis at the Oasis
Drive/Links Drive roundabout. (Note: These figures assume one vehicle per residence).
With anything up to 500 vehicles trying to evacuate, the potential for any of the single lane
evacuation routes to be blocked as a result of mechanical and/or human failure in evacuation
conditions needs to be assessed and provision made for its occurrence.
The possibility that the western precincts in Noosa Springs may need to be evacuated at the same
time needs to be assessed. Our estimates indicate that there may be as many as 450 vehicles
evacuating from Noosa Springs and Elysium.
20191204 The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Page 3 of 4
Section 39
Section 40
The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Q: Have Council considered the possibility of a wholesale evacuation of the whole of Noosa Springs? 4.0 Emergency Services The recent bushfire at the southern end of Resort Drive and the gold course was attended by Emergency Services vehicles, without using their sirens. As a result, some residents were unaware of the emergency on their doorstep until the morning, whilst others were panicked by neighbours knocking on doors. Q: What was the reason for emergency sirens not being used? Q: How can we ensure that sirens are used within Noosa Springs to alert residents? 20191204 The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Page 4 of 4 [OCR of page images] The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Q: Have Council considered the possibility of a wholesale evacuation of the whole of Noosa Springs? 4.0 Emergency Services The recent bushfire at the southern end of Resort Drive and the gold course was attended by Emergency Services vehicles, without using their sirens. As a result, some residents were unaware of the emergency on their doorstep until the morning, whilst others were panicked by neighbours knocking on doors. Q: What was the reason for emergency sirens not being used? Q: How can we ensure that sirens are used within Noosa Springs to alert residents? 20191204 The Oasis emergency evacuation concerns - summary Page 4 of 4
Section 41
[Attachment: Notes from meeting with Council.docx] Notes from meeting with Council, Police & QPWS on 5th December 2019. Attendees Ben CARROLL – Queensland Police John McSWEENEY – Dept of Environment and Science (QPWS) Carl BILLINGHAM – Director, Infrastructure Services, Noosa Council Craig DOOLAN – Environmental Services Manager Michael LYONS - Environment and Sustainable Development Technical Officer QFES did not attend. Phil DAUPHIN – Oasis Body Corporate Greville POYSER – Oasis Body Corporate Keith CALVERT – Oasis Body Corporate Bushfire related risk The Natural Hazard mapping shown on Noosa Council’s website is an approximation prepared at State level and needs more detailed analysis to determine actual local bushfire risks. An example a local bushfire risk profile undertaken by Council was shown for the area to the east of Links Drive which showed the area to only be Medium Bushfire risk - see Attachment 1 Potential Bushfire Intensity - Girraween Nature Refuge. The area generally is classed as Coastal Heathland which, unlike areas with eucalypts, burns out very quickly and with less intensity. The Oasis is seen by the Emergency Services as a relatively low risk area – to the east we are protected by the 11th, and to the west by the 12th and 17th plus the lakes. Because of this our Potential Impact Buffer will be considerably less than the default 100m shown on the Council Natural Hazard mapping. Links Drive is at the base of a hill so the fire speed will be slowed accordingly. The biggest concern for the Oasis is a wind blowing from the South East and/or the spotting of embers. Green waste Council will not intervene – they consider it to be the responsibility of landowner - If there are vermin, then they will get involved. Waste is currently mulched down twice a year – this could be undertaken more frequently but will involve additional costs. Note: The Oasis is charged a fixed monthly Green Waste fee of $115.50 per month and is also charged approximately $35 per cubic metre for the resultant mulch if ordered by Body Corporate. Links Drive Noosa Springs Investment (NSI) have undertaken the maintenance of the areas bordering Links Drive. NSI have assumed this responsibility as previously when Council were requested by NSI to resume the maintenance of Noosa Springs Drive, Council completely removed the existing median strip and plantings, to reduce the maintenance. Council claim they do not have the resources to maintain Links Drive to the current standard and would charge if they had to do the work, as will NSI if the standard of “housekeeping” is required to be increased. The current level of “housekeeping” could be increased, and the refurbishment of the sprinkler system completed as this will help mitigate the bushfire risk, but will require additional money, if considered warranted. All stakeholders will need to discuss the apportionment of costs between them – Parkridge, The Fairways, Spa & Golf Resort, & The Oasis. QPWS also advised that taking down trees can be counter-productive as they keep the understorey moist and help in bushfire prevention. Emergency actions/evacuation In an emergency (fire, flood, cyclone) the ES will assess the potential risks to lives and property and determine whether evacuation is necessary. If it is, the ES will door-knock and ensure all occupants are evacuated safely. Evacuation for the Oasis may be by moving to safe ground on the 17th fairway or by relocation via a designated evacuation route. Evacuees with medical problems e.g. respiratory problems will be transported by ambulance. In the event of an out of control bushfire, the evacuation routes will be kept open by Emergency Services, using water bombing if necessary. They will also open any locked gates. Any entry to the area will be restricted to Emergency Services only, until the area is declared safe by them. We didn’t get to discuss a situation where there is a need to evacuate before the Emergency Services arrive. Emergency planning It was suggested (recommended) that the following plans should be developed and put into place: Fire management plan for whole area i.e. all Noosa Springs precincts, Parkridge, Elysium, Golf Club and The Oasis. This will require effective communication between the various Body Corporates and other stakeholders. Individual precinct plans This will require effective communication between the Body Corporate and the precinct residents/occupants. House plans Individual residences need a plan identifying what to do in the event of an emergency. An Emergency pack should be prepared consisting of: Medications Key documents Suitable clothing Computers & mobile phones & chargers/power packs. Prized possessions This to be either ready in a convenient container or be kept in a convenient position in the house so that it can be retrieved quickly. It was pointed out that these planning activities applied not only to fire events, but also to cyclonic and flooding events. Other advice The local police commander, together with QFES, offered to provide further guidance if requested. Next year Queensland Parks & Wildlife are planning to back burn areas to the south, between Lake Weyba and David Low Way, subject to weather conditions. Regarding the non-use of sirens for the Resort Drive fire, we were advised that the ES didn’t want to alarm the whole neighbourhood! It was suggested that we research Rural Fire & Emergency/Rural Firefighting/Plans for help in understanding what needs to be discussed and documented. Attachments Potential Bushfire Intensity Girraween Nature Refuge Overall fuel hazard assessment guide – Department of Sustainability & Environment A new methodology for State-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas in Queensland – CSIRO. Please note that Attachments 2 and 3 are documents of around 45 pages long but do provide some useful background into fire hazard risk determination. [word/footer1.xml] Notes from meeting with Council [Attachment: Noosa Council emergency evacuation routes.docx] DEPARTMENTAL PROCEDURE Emergency Access – Noosa Springs Drive Corporate Plan Reference: Council and the Noosa community are resilient in the face of emergencies and disaster events. Approved by: Allan Hull, Civil Operations Manager Procedure owner: Civil Operations Manager Purpose The purpose of this procedure is to outline the action required to provide emergency access for residential communities on the southern side of Eenie Ck Road in the event that the Noosa Springs Drive Overpass Bridge is unusable. Scope This procedure applies to Operations and Maintenance staff of the Infrastructure Services Department in relation to creation of an alternate access and to Communications and Community Engagement staff in relation to provision of information to the community through formal Council channels. Responsibility The Civil Operations Manager is responsible for approving this procedure. The Works Coordinator is responsible for reviewing and communicating this procedure. Operations and Maintenance staff – are responsible for following this procedure to facilitate emergency access. bACKGROUND The Noosa Springs Drive Overpass Bridge provides the only formal access a residential community to on the southern side of Eenie Creek Road. Should circumstances render this bridge unusable, there would be no formal access to these estates. There are two alternate access points to the area. The first is directly onto Eenie Creek Road from Noosa Springs Drive via a set of gates and the second is through Girraween Sports Complex via a dirt track at the end of Wallum Lane. The first option is not ideal as a long term solution due to safety concerns for traffic turning straight onto Eenie Creek Road and may only be used short term under traffic control while the second option is being upgraded to accommodate two way traffic. PROCEDURE Open the gate and remove bollards at Girraween Sports Complex to create an alternate access route for vehicles. Implement necessary traffic control measures to allow contra-flow of traffic along alternate route. Install detour signage. Within 48 hours, remove grass and widen the track to allow for two way traffic. Open to traffic and monitor the condition of the access through Girraween Sports complex. Maintain as necessary. Inform the community through posting the information on Council’s website and on social media via its Facebook page. workplace health & safety All staff must comply with Council’s workplace health and safety requirements. Version control: Version Reason/ Trigger Change (Y/N) Endorsed/ Reviewed by Date 1.0 Approve Procedure Allan Hull, Civil Operations Manager 4/11/2019 MAP [word/footer1.xml] 2 [word/footer2.xml] Page 2 of 3 [word/footer3.xml] Page 1 of 3 [word/header1.xml] INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Procedure – EMERGENCY ACCESS NOOSA SPRINGS [word/header2.xml] INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Procedure – EMERGENCY ACCESS NOOSA SPRINGS [Attachment: image1.tmp (image text)] fe) NOOSA COUNCIL
Section 42
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