2008/0169 Response to information request - 71 Seaview Tce Sunshine Beach · 132008.169

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       •     Use of large circular perimeter walls constructed of concrete which provide for radiant
             heat shielding of the habitable areas of the building and vulnerable elements of the
             building such as windows. These walls in some locations may also retard the
             passage of a fire front by providing a physical barrier to the fire (refer section
             diagrams prepared by Gavin Maddock Design Studio).

             Use of circular walls which help deflect burning embers around the structure and
             minimise build-up of embers which can then create secondary fires;

       •     Use of large terraces surrounding the main areas of the dwelling which would also
             act in some respects as a fire break.

       •     Vulnerable areas such as windows are located above and inset from the perimeter of
             the lower terraces there by reducing the radiant heat incident from any encroaching
             bushfire (radiant exposure requires a direct line of sight from a flame); and

       •     The building cascades down the hill and in part may be topographically located below
             the main fire front direction from the NW from the Noosa National park.

    In addition to the above the building will be required to be constructed in accordance with the
    requirements of Australian Standard for Building in Bushfire Prone Areas AS3959:2009. This
    covers various building construction methods and materials including a predominance of
    materials which are non-combustible and can withstand prescribed incident radiant heat.

    It is also recommended that a bushfire protection sprinkler system designed by a suitably
    qualified consultant experienced in bushfire spray protection design be installed. Such as
    system will assist in mitigating against ember attack, subdue the intensity of a bushfire
    impacting the dwelling and significantly reduce the chance of secondary fires from ember
    attack igniting any elements of the building.

    It is therefore considered that the proposal may be approved by Sunshine Coast Regional
    Council in respect to bushfire mitigation issues upon condition that a bushfire assessment
    report at building approval stage be prepared that addresses the following:

        1.   Determination of the appropriate Bushfire Attack Level for the building based on a
             design fire using a Fire Danger Index of 40 approaching the site from the Noosa
             National Park and from the below the dwelling from the east in accordance with the
             recommendations of AS3959: 2009. Sensitivity studies may be undertaken in
             accordance with the requirements of Method B in AS3959: 2009.

        2.   Based on the determined Bushfire Attack Level assign appropriate construction
             methods in accordance with the BCA and Australian Standard for Building in Bushfire
             Prone Areas AS3959:2009. This is to include review of architectural plans submitted
             for Building Approval;

        3. Inclusion of first aid / response fire fighting equipment such as pumps and fire fighting
            hoses personal protection equipment to be used by residents on their person and
            around the property in the event of a fire;

        4.   Preparation of a bushfire response plan to be adopted by residents in the event of a
             bushfire. Such response plans are to be practiced by residents. Guides are available
             from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Web Site;