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Approved Document Bushfire Management Plan 132004.5633.03
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Log in to see the plans as drawnBushfire Management Plan 35 Rules Road, Pomona Lot 6 on RP848414 Noosa Shire Council, Qld Prepared by: Prepared for: Wollemi Eco-Logical Pty Ltd Vipassana Centre Qld. PO BOX 123 35 Rules Road WAMURAN QLD 4512 Pomona Qld. 4568 Project Reference: 21128 Version / Date: V5/30 April 2021 Amendment: Site Plan - NOOSA COUNCIL APPROVED DOCUMENT 132004.5633.03 27 JUL 2021 www.wollemi-eco.com.au
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Proviso
This report has been prepared for the sole use of Vipassana Centre Qld. for the purposes for
which it is provided. No part of this report, its attachments or appendices may be reproduced
or distributed to third parties, not connected with the delivery of the purpose, by or on behalf
of the client, without the express written consent of Wollemi Eco-Logical.
It should be noted that the recommendations within this BMP have been formulated based
on site conditions at the time of writing and utilising current best-practise hazard and impact
assessment methodologies, and have been developed to reduce the potential severity of
impacts on the proposed development in the event of a bushfire emergency rather than
prevent impacts altogether. No guarantee is provided or assumed that the area will not be
affected by bushfire at some time.
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Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................. 4
1.1 Subject Site ............................................................................. 5
1.2 Proposed Development .......................................................... 5
2.0 Bushfire Hazard Assessment ........................................................ 7
2.1 Current Bushfire Hazard Mapping .......................................... 7
2.2 On-Site Hazard Assessment .................................................... 7
2.2.1 Site Inspection & Findings ................................................. 9
2.2.2 Vegetation Classification ................................................. 10
2.2.3 Potentially Hazardous Vegetation ................................... 12
2.2.4 Potential Fire Runs .......................................................... 12
3.0 Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures ............................................. 14
3.1 Asset Protection Zones ......................................................... 14
3.1.1 Performance Outcomes .................................................. 14
3.2 Bushfire Attack Level - Construction Standards ................... 15
3.2.1 Bushfire Attack Level Assessment ................................... 15
3.3 Landscaping and Vegetation Management .......................... 21
3.4 Emergency Access & Egress .................................................. 22
3.5 Emergency Procedures ......................................................... 22
3.5.1 Management of Site Personnel ....................................... 22
3.5.2 Site Assembly................................................................... 23
3.5.3 Site Evacuation ................................................................ 24
3.5.4 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................... 25
3.6 Water Availability for Fire-Fighting Purposes ....................... 26
4.0 Recommendations and Conclusions .......................................... 26
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Wollemi Eco-Logical has been commissioned to undertake a Site-Specific Bushfire Hazard
Assessment and to prepare a Bushfire Management Plan for a proposed development on the
subject site (Figure 1).
This report aims to assess the Bushfire Hazard and risk to the proposed development with
regard to the Queensland State Government Single State Planning Policy - Part E (SPP 2017),
the Bushfire Resilient Communities Technical Reference Guide (QFES, 2019) and the Noosa
Plan 2017, Division 9 – Natural Hazards Overlays Code, and the Australian Standard –
Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas (AS3959-2018). These documents detail both the State
and Council interest in Bushfire Hazard with regard to determining suitability of development
applications. It is noted that the Bushfire Hazard Assessment methodology is current as at
March 2019.
Subsequently, this report references currently available best-practice Bushfire Hazard
Assessment and Risk Mitigation Methodologies, from the following sources: Vegetation
Hazard Classification & Potential Fire-line Intensity for Queensland sourced from ‘A new
methodology for state-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas in Queensland’. CSIRO,
Australia. (2014); Bushfire Attack Level (BAL), Building setback requirements and Construction
Standards as per the Australian Standard AS 3959- 2018 - Construction of buildings in bushfire
prone areas. These methodologies are used in conjunction with Noosa Shire Council (NSC)
Planning Scheme requirements to ensure appropriate assessment and mitigation of potential
bushfire hazard is undertaken.
Vegetation composition and extent, slope and industry standard Fuel Load calculations will
be used to determine the Potential Bushfire Hazard acting on the proposed development.
Once determined, Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures are detailed in order to demonstrate
compliance with Councils Planning Scheme performance outcome to ensure the safety of
people and property in the event of a bushfire emergency.
This BMP has been prepared by a suitably qualified Bushfire Consultant with 20 years relevant
experience in Environmental Management & Bushfire Planning and Design experience
specific to South East Queensland. It is noted that the following Bushfire Hazard Assessment
Methodology and Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures applied are current as at 2019.
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1.1 Subject Site
Address: 35 Rules Road, Pomona
Titles: Lot 6 on RP848414
Local Government: Noosa Shire Council
Total Area: 218,700m2
Topography: The site is undulating, west to east, with a highpoint generally
centrally located (east to west) on the southern boundary. The
meditation centre is centrally located, with a northwest aspect,
and falling downslope from the eastern extent, to the west at
approximately 7 degrees. Areas adjacent the development site
fall downslope to the northeast, northwest, southwest at up to
7 degrees, and upslope to the southeast.
Figure 1: Subject Site
1.2 Proposed Development
It is understood the existing facility is proposed to be expanded with additional
accommodation units and associated facilities, resulting in an increase in patronage of the
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facility. The proposed development layout is represented in Figure 2, proposed buildings are
highlighted in aqua.
Proposed Extension
Figure 2: Proposed Development Layout
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2.0 Bushfire Hazard Assessment
The prevalence of Bushfire in the landscape is dependent on vegetation type and fuel load
available to sustain a bushfire. Bushfire intensity and rate of spread are influenced by fuel
load, (including type and extent of vegetation), topography and to a lesser extent aspect. Land
uses surrounding potentially hazardous vegetation, and consequently the connectivity of
vegetation communities, all influence the potential for a bushfire to develop and be
sustained.
2.1 Current Bushfire Hazard Mapping
On review of State Bushfire Hazard Overlay Mapping, as maintained by the Department of
Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DILGP) the site is mapped as containing
patches of Very High, High and Medium Bushfire Hazard areas, and Potential Impact Buffer
Areas (Figure 3).
Figure 3: State Bushfire Hazard Overlay Mapping
To verify Bushfire Hazard mapping, a Site-Specific Bushfire Hazard Assessment is triggered,
and is addressed below.
2.2 On-Site Hazard Assessment
This Site Specific Bushfire Hazard Assessment references: Vegetation Hazard Classification &
Potential Fire-line Intensity for Queensland sourced from A new methodology for state-wide
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mapping of bushfire prone areas in Queensland. CSIRO, Australia. (2014)1; Bushfire Attack
Level (BAL), Building setback requirements and Construction Standards as per the Australian
Standard AS 3959- 2018 - Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas2; and Bushfire Risk
Mitigation Measures in compliance with current industry best-practice assessment
methodologies. Vegetation composition and extent, slope and industry standard Fuel Load
calculations will be used to determine the Potential Bushfire Hazard acting on the proposed
development. Additionally, this BMP will address the requirements of the proposed
development against Noosa Plan 2017, Division 9 – Natural Hazards Overlays Code with
regard to the proposed development.
Two key features of the landscape strongly contribute towards the behaviour of bushfires:
1. Vegetation community structure/composition
The structure and composition 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, making the vegetation susceptible to very
destructive bushfires, whilst other vegetation communities may expose fuels to drying
and therefore be frequently available for burning.
2. Slope
As a general rule, bushfire intensity and the rate of spread of bushfires rises in
proportion to slope, with bushfires burning faster uphill and slower downhill. Studies
have shown that the speed and intensity of fires moving up slopes generally doubles
every 10 degrees of slope. Steeper slopes also increase the difficulty of constructing
ring roads and firebreaks and limit the access for emergency crews.
Several investigative tools were utilised to determine the site specific bushfire hazard risk
including:
▪ A review of local aerial photography;
▪ A review of site and local topography;
▪ Review of site development plan;
▪ A review of DERM Regional Ecosystem Mapping; and
▪ An inspection of the site.
1 This methodology updates the calculations apparent in the Australian Standard AS3959: 2018 based on current fire weather modelling and
includes 43 detailed Vegetation Hazard Classes, in addition to the 20 broad Hazard categories used to update State-wide Mapping.
2 The Australian Standard AS3959: 2018 defines Fire Danger Index as the chance of a fire starting, its rate of spread, its intensity and the
difficulty of its suppression, according to various combinations of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and both the long and
short-term drought effects.
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The risk assessment comprised an analysis of the site and the surrounding lands (i.e. within
100m) to determine characteristic bushfire risk based on Vegetation Hazard Classifications
for vegetation within 100m of the site.
2.2.1 Site Inspection & Findings
A site inspection was completed on the 12 March 2019 to verify the bushfire hazard mapping
over the site and surrounds. All vegetated areas of the site and within 100m of the proposed
development site were assessed during the site investigations.
A summary of the findings of the site inspection is provided:
1. Site access is via Rules Road, a public gravel roadway, from the northwest of the site.
Rules Road connects to Reserve Street, with direct access to Pomona Town centre to
the north, and Bruce Highway to the southwest via Pomona Connection Road.
2. The subject site currently contains a well-established meditation centre and
associated built infrastructure. This includes mediation hall, accommodation and
ablutions blocks, kitchen and dining areas, office facilities, internal track and driveway
and parking network and associated infrastructure.
3. The site is undulating, west to east, with a highpoint generally centrally located (east
to west) on the southern boundary. The meditation centre is centrally located, with a
northwest aspect, and falling downslope from the eastern extent, to the west at
approximately 7 degrees. Areas adjacent the development site fall downslope to the
northeast, northwest, southwest at up to 7 degrees, and upslope to the southeast.
4. Regulated Vegetation as maintained by Qld Department of Natural Resources & Mines
(DNRM), Refer Figure 4), maps the eastern extent of the site, and adjacent areas to
the north, east and southeast, and to the west, as containing Regional Ecosystem (RE)
12.9-10.17, described as ‘Eucalyptus acmenoides, E. major, E. siderophloia +/-
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata woodland on sedimentary rocks’. (Areas on and
to the northwest, and southwest of the proposed development are mapped as
containing RE 12.3.2, described as ‘Eucalyptus grandis tall open forest on alluvial
plains’.
Site assessment confirmed, to the extent necessary for the purpose of this
assessment, the vegetation on and adjacent the site was generally reflective of
structure and floristic characteristic of mapped vegetation communities. All-be-it,
containing fragmentation due to current and former land uses, and a transition to
Notophyll vine forest understorey to the northwest.
5. Adjacent vegetation to the north through northeast to east of the proposed
development was more consistent with Eucalypt Open Forest communities for the
purpose of bushfire hazard assessment.
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6. Adjacent vegetation to the southeast through south was considered reflective of
structure of mapped woodland vegetation communities. These areas contained a
grassy understorey, regenerating mid and upper strata, and apparent areas of
fragmentation from former land uses. Extent of communities in these directions is
generally limited by rural residential development to the south through southeast.
7. Adjacent vegetation to the southwest was reflective of a Melaleuca woodland
community as associated with waterway corridor and lower lying areas.
8. Adjacent vegetation to the west was considered reflective of structure of mapped
woodland vegetation communities. Fragmentation is apparent by roadways and
powerline easements and some rural residential land uses.
Figure 4: Regional Ecosystem Mapping
2.2.2 Vegetation Classification
The structure and composition 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, making the vegetation susceptible to very destructive bushfires,
whilst other vegetation communities may expose fuels to drying and therefore be frequently
available for burning.
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Vegetation communities surrounding the proposed development were referenced against
mapped RE’s in the general vicinity, and Vegetation Hazard Classifications and Potential Fire-
line Intensity calculations as detailed in the CSIRO (2014) report. Potential Fuel Load
calculations were undertaken on site to validate vegetation classifications and subsequently
potential bushfire hazard to the proposed development.
Vegetation ecotones result in varying fuel load availability. Subsequently, vegetation
communities have been referenced against predominant vegetation with highest fuel loads.
Observed vegetation communities are described in Table 1. Site vegetation is in the
immediate vicinity of the built structures of the proposed development are understood to be
managed based on setback requirements determined by his assessment. The following
‘directions of hazard’ are referenced against the relevant proposed development structures.
Setback requirements, and building construction standards, in these directions are detailed
in Section 3.1.
Table 1 Vegetation Hazard Classifications
Direction of Vegetation DNRM Vegetation Potential Potential Potential
Bushfire Description (Sub- Regional Hazard Class Fuel Load Fire-line Bushfire
Hazard Unit – if relevant) Ecosystem (CSIRO, 2014) (t/ha) Intensity Hazard
(kw/m)
North Wet Eucalypt RE:12.3.2 Class 9.1 Moist 24.1t/ha 23,898 High
through Forest, shrubby to dry eucalypt
Northwest understorey, open forests
(Male 1-10 & transition to vine on coastal
Server forest understorey lowlands and
accom.) to northwest ranges
fragmented and
modified
Northeast Wet Eucalypt open RE: 12.9- Class 10.1 20.8 t/ha 17,801 Medium
through East forest community, 10.17 Spotted gum
shrubby dominated
understorey open forests
Southwest Mixed Melaleuca NA Class 21.1: 14.9t/ha 7,957 Medium
(Female 1-7 sp. woodland Melaleuca dry
& Server transitioning to open forest on
accom.) Eucalypt Woodland sandplains or
to south depositional
plains
Southeast Dry Eucalypt open RE:12.9- Class 10.2 18/ha 13,331 Medium
through woodland, 10.17 Spotted gum
south fragmented by dominated
former land uses woodlands
West Eucalypt open RE:12.9- Class 10.2 18/ha 13,331 Medium
woodland to 10.17 Spotted gum
forest, some dominated
fragmented by woodlands
infrastructure and
land uses
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2.2.3 Potentially Hazardous Vegetation
Based on the above assessment, vegetation posing a High Potential Bushfire Hazard to the
proposed development is present to the northwest, and medium potential hazard vegetation
is present in all other directions. These vegetation communities have the potential to
accumulate high to moderate fuel loads and subsequently present a potential Bushfire Hazard
to the proposed development. It is noted however that the setback to potentially hazardous
vegetation to the immediate west, is considered to be >50m due to infrastructure, dams and
other associated fragmentation. N.B. Vegetation within the existing development footprint
has been classified as having a Low Potential Bushfire Hazard, due to its managed nature and
low fuel load potential, all-be-it within a Potential Impact Buffer area.
The following section details Bushfire Risk Mitigation measures to be implemented on the site
to address the Bushfire Hazard and compliance requirements acting on the proposed
development.
2.2.4 Potential Fire Runs
In Queensland, wildfires can occur at any time of the year, however the fire season usually
coincides with progressive drying following the autumn rain season, peaking during the spring
months of more severe fire weather, and concluding with the arrival of more regular storm
events and rain in late spring and summer. On the east coast, this peak fire season is
characterised by frequent dry northerly to westerly winds and lower humidity. Furthermore,
there is a low likelihood of a severe bushfire developing under south to easterly winds, which
generally facilitate high humidity, cooler land temperatures and periods of rainfall.
It is also important to assess the length of fire run to grasp an understanding of the scale of
fires that may be able to eventuate in a particular area. The length of fire run influences the
area in which a fire has to develop and reach its potential maximum intensity for the
conditions prevailing at the time of the fire. Fire runs less than 1km in length may be safely
regarded as having a lesser risk than longer fire runs.
Fire runs may be modified by natural features such as creeks, swampy wet areas, rock
formation or wet vegetation types depending on weather conditions and how dry the fuel is.
Fire runs may also be limited by roads, cleared/developed areas, firebreaks or active
intervention of fire suppression techniques such as lighting of backing fires from control lines.
Understanding Fire Runs is an important tool in managing Bushfire Hazard and potential
impacts to people and property in the event of a bushfire emergency.
Potential Fire Runs
Potential fire runs to proposed development in all directions have been considered.
The potential fire runs from the north through northwest are relatively limited. Although
connectivity is apparent for approximately 600m to the northwest, fire run in this direction is
limited by the township of Pomona to the north, and extensive clearing to the east and west.
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Consequently the fire runs are limited in frontage, and is considered unlikely to support the
development of a bushfire (wildfire) in reaching full potential adjacent the proposed
development.
The potential fire runs to the proposed development from the northeast through east to
southeast are potentially quite extensive, with a fire run for approximately 1.5km to the North
Coast Railway line, and further afield for multiple kilometres. Although some clearing and
fragmentation is apparent to the immediate east of the subject site, connectivity is relatively
uninterrupted and the fire run is considered sufficient to support the development of a
bushfire (wildfire) in this direction.
The potential fire run to the south is limited to <90m in length by established rural residential
land uses adjacent the site. Consequently the fire runs are limited in length and frontage, and
is considered unlikely to support the development of a bushfire (wildfire) from this direction
potential adjacent the proposed development.
Potential Fire run to the west is relatively contiguous for approximately 600m, then contains
some fragmentation due to rural residential land uses, before connecting to Mount Cooroora
as part of Tuchekoi National Park to the northwest. Although fragmentation is apparent,
observed potential fuel load, and continuity of vegetation present is consistent with
potentially supporting the development of a bushfire (i.e. Wildfire) developing into full
intensity from this direction.
Personal Communications with Qld. Fire and Emergency Services Fire Warden Ian Pike (Coles
Creek Fire Ward), on the 25/03/2019 occurred regarding known fire history and hazards in
the area. In recent years a single fire had started to the west of the subject site, adjacent Rules
Road, and a managed burn occurred to the subject site boundary. General feel for the subject
site was that ‘hazard was relatively limited, even to the east’, with not significant concerns
raised about the site of hazard posed to it. This is relatively consistent with the above Medium
hazard determination, and discussions around fire runs.
Potentially hazardous vegetation is present on and adjacent the site, fire runs are considered
to be limited in length, extent, width and fuel load potential to the north and south, but
relatively in-tact to the east and to a lesser extent to the west. Consequently, in favourable
conditions fire runs are considered viable to connect a bushfire (i.e. Wildfire) to the subject
site. However, it is noted this hazard is not considered extreme or unmanageable given the
existing development footprint and associated low potential hazard, lack of bushfire impacts
to date, and establishment of appropriate setbacks for the proposed development.
The following section details Bushfire Risk Mitigation measures to be implemented on the site
to address the Bushfire Hazard and compliance requirements acting on the proposed
development.
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3.0 Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures
The following section describes Bushfire Risk Mitigation measures, recommended to be
utilised at the subject site to reduce the risk of Bushfire impacting on people and property.
The scope of proposed Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures have been drawn from the
following sources:
▪ the Queensland State Government Single State Planning Policy - Part E (SPP 2017);
▪ the Bushfire Resilient Communities Technical Reference Guide (QFES,2019);
▪ the Noosa Plan 2017, Division 9 – Natural Hazards Overlays Code; and
▪ the Australian Standard (AS 3959- 2018) - Construction of buildings in bushfire prone
areas.
The intent of the above legislation is to protect people and premises in the event of a bushfire
emergency, through achieving acceptable Performance Outcomes for the development given
the identified bushfire hazard. Performance Outcomes are generally achieved by appropriate
separation of a development from bushfire hazard, appropriate access for fire-fighting
vehicles, and appropriate construction standards of buildings. Additional factors are detailed
where considered appropriate.
3.1 Asset Protection Zones
Asset protection zones (APZ’s) provide a defensive tool to assist in the reduction of potential
bushfire impact to people and property situated in bushfire prone areas. APZ’s are the most
strategically valuable defence against radiant heat and flame, and to a lesser extent, embers.
Whilst APZ’s should prevent buildings from being subjected to direct contact from flames, and
reduced levels of radiant heat in the event of a bushfire, building construction standards will
also be key to ensuring the performance of buildings subjected to ember attack. Bushfire
Attack Level for the proposed development is determined in Section 3.2.
Based on the above Bushfire Hazard Assessment, APZ’s may be required adjacent the
proposed development. These are detailed in the following section.
3.1.1 Performance Outcomes
APZ and setback distances have not been prescribed in the SPP 2017. The SPP refers to
‘provision of appropriate defendable space between dwellings and medium or above Bushfire
Hazard’. The Bushfire Resilient Communities Technical Reference Guide (QFES, 2019), refers
to determining APZ’s based on achieving a 29kW/m2 fireline intensity. This is achieved by
using either the Method 2 Bushfire Attack Level Assessment as per the AS3959,2018 for
Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas or Bushfire Asset Protection Zone Width
Calculator (QFES, 2019), which uses the calculations underpinned by the AS3959, 2018
calculation.
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The ‘Noosa Plan 2017, Division 9 – Natural Hazards Overlays Code’ (O7) requires ‘building
works to be sited, designed and constructed to minimise the number of people and property
subject to a bushfire risk; and maximise the protection of people and property during the
passage of a fire front’. Councils Probable Solution (S7.1) of ‘1.5 times the predominant
mature canopy tree height or 10m whichever is the greater; and 10m from any retained
vegetation strips or small areas of vegetation’ is detailed. This separation distance, does not
consider level of bushfire hazard (i.e. Medium to Very High), nor the building construction
standards of the proposed development. In addition, given the nature and limitations of the
site, setbacks dictated by mature vegetation height may lead to unnecessary extensive
vegetation loss both on and adjacent the subject site.
Consequently, and as per the Bushfire Resilient Communities Technical Reference Guide
(QFES, 2019), the required setbacks (APZ’s) detailed in the AS3959-2018, with regard the
minimum distance required to achieve appropriate BAL ratings for the proposed
development, are considered appropriate to inform the identified bushfire hazard to the
proposed development and consequently meeting the intent of Councils Planning Scheme
and State Methodologies. Subsequently, the following section details the minimum distance
required to achieve a Maximum BAL-29 for the proposed development. These calculations
are subsequently used to inform required APZ distances adjacent the proposed development,
in order to comply with the performance outcomes of the Australian Standard (AS3959-2018)
and the intent of the NSC Performance Outcome.
3.2 Bushfire Attack Level - Construction Standards
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires all Class 1-3, and 10a (associated with a
dwelling) buildings to be constructed in accordance with the Australian Standard 3959 (2018)
- Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas (AS3959-2018). This Standard provides
minimum construction standards for new dwellings in designated Bushfire Prone Areas.
The construction standards are intended to improve the performance of buildings subjected
to burning debris, radiant heat or flame contact. The AS3959- 2018 methodology prescribes
Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL’s) to the facades of proposed buildings to which corresponding
construction safety standards are applied. AS3959-2018 defines Bushfire Attack Levels 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, which is the basis for establishing the requirements for
construction to improve protection of building elements from attack by bushfire.’
3.2.1 Bushfire Attack Level Assessment
In accordance with the Australian Standard – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas
(AS3959, 2018), an assessment of the required construction standards for the proposed
development of has been undertaken using a Method 2 Minimum distance calculation (Tables
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2-7). This minimum Distance Assessment has been provided to inform required setbacks to
potentially hazardous vegetation, with respect to required building construction standards. It
is understood this will be used to determine vegetation management requirements with
respect to desired/achievable building construction standards and detailed design
considerations
This assessment has been based on the following assumptions:
▪ A Fire Danger Index (FDI) of 47 (QFES 2021);
▪ Proposed development will be located in the layout as represented in Figure 2.
▪ Adjacent assessable vegetation communities and fuel load potentials (Method 2 BAL)
have been determined as follows:
▪ North through Northwest (Male 1-10 & Server accom.) – reflective of ‘Class 9.1
Moist to dry eucalypt open forests on coastal lowlands and ranges’ with a 24.1
t/ha fuel load potential;
▪ Northeast through East – reflective of ‘Class 10.1 Spotted gum dominated open
forests’ with a 20.8t/ha fuel load potential;
▪ Southwest (Female 1-7 & Server accom.) – reflective of ‘Class 21.1: Melaleuca
dry open forest on sandplains or depositional plains’ with a 14.9t/ha fuel load
potential;
▪ Southeast through south – reflective of ‘Class 10.2 Spotted gum dominated
Woodland’ with a 18t/ha fuel load potential;
▪ West – reflective of ‘Class 10.2 Spotted gum dominated woodlands’ with a
18t/ha fuel load potential.
Additional parameters, including slope, used to determine the minimum distances for
relative BAL ratings are detailed in the following Tables.
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Table 2: BAL Setback Requirements - Potentially Hazardous Vegetation to the Northwest
Table 3: BAL Setback Requirements - Potentially Hazardous Vegetation to the North
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Table 4: BAL Setback Requirements - Potentially Hazardous Vegetation to the Northeast through East
Table 5: BAL Setback Requirements - Potentially Hazardous Vegetation to the Southwest
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Table 6: BAL Setback Requirements - Potentially Hazardous Vegetation to the Southeast through South
Table 7: BAL Setback Requirements - Potentially Hazardous Vegetation to the West
In accordance with AS 3959 (2018), the required setbacks to achieve specific Bushfire Attack
Level ratings for the proposed development on the subject site has been determined. Based
on this assessment, the following summary is provided in Table 7. It is noted the BAL-19
setback requirements are highlighted, as it is understood this is the preferred construction
standards for the proposed development.
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Table 8: BAL Minimum Setback Requirements Summary
Elevation Setback Required for Specific BAL Ratings
BAL – 12.5 BAL - 19 BAL - 29 BAL - 40
Northwest (men’s accom.) 28.6m 21m 14.7m 11m
North 22.9m 15.9m 10.8m 8m
Northeast through east 29.2m 20.5m 14m 10.3m
(annex & Hall)
Southwest (women’s 16.8m 11.6m 7.8m 5.7m
accom)
Southeast through South 23.7m 16.3m 11m 8m
(women’s accom.)
West 23.6m 16.2m 10.9m 8m
The above setback requirements for each elevation have been provided to inform asset
protection zones required to separate the proposed development from potential sources of
bushfire hazard, given achievement of relevant building construction standards. N.B. In order
to comply with NSC minimum setback requirements, a minimum of 10m setback has been
applied. It is understood that the Bushfire Asset Protection Zones, as detailed above, are
represented in Figure 5, with respect to the proposed development layout. Consequently, the
proposed development is considered to achieve a maximum BAL rating of BAl-29 for all
structures.
Figure 5: Required Vegetation Setbacks
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As per the AS3959, 2018, Class 1-3 and associated 10a structures are required to be
constructed in accordance with the Australian Standard 3959 - Construction of buildings in
bushfire-prone areas (AS3959-2018). Subsequently, all proposed accommodation structures
are required to be constructed to a BAL-29 construction standard. The proposed annexe,
meditation halls and ablutions blocks are all located >6m from Class 1-3 structures and are
consequently not required to be constructed in accordance with the Australian Standard 3959
- Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas (AS3959-2018).
The nominated construction standards should be reviewed by an experienced
consultant/designer at the time of detailed building design. Should the proposed site layout
or vegetation setbacks identified above change, this may alter the determination of the
required BAL.
3.3 Landscaping and Vegetation Management
The landscaping and ongoing management of vegetation in areas susceptible to Bushfire
Hazard is an important tool to mitigate bushfire risk. Previously detailed APZ’s should prevent
buildings from being subjected to direct contact from flames, and reduced levels of radiant
heat in the event of a bushfire. Please note: building footprint, and location, and vegetation
setbacks able to be achieved, will dictate the asset protection zone widths required adjacent
the proposed development.
Landscaping and vegetation retention within the APZ should consider the following
guidelines:
▪ Immediately adjacent proposed buildings should either be fully cleared and regularly
maintained (i.e. lawn) or retain trees as clumps or islands and provide a tree canopy
cover of less than 15% and tree canopies should be located greater than 2 metres from
any part of the roofline of a building. Any trees should have lower limbs removed up
to a height of 2 metres above the ground.
▪ Any landscaping performed on site shall maintain the APZ effectively free of available
fuel. Landscaping plants may be used in this area so long as they are selected for their
low combustibility, by virtue of high moisture content, low volatile oil content, high
leaf mineral levels, large fleshy leaves, and absence of shedding bark. They should be
placed so as to not provide either vertical or horizontal connectedness of plant
material, and avoid overhanging rooflines or contact with flammable parts of
buildings. Any planted trees should be of species which grow to over 2m, to maintain
separation between lower canopy and the ground.
▪ Turf is to be maintained regularly to reduce the potential for long grass to fuel an
advancing fire toward buildings. It is recommended to manage understorey
vegetation for a minimum of 20m adjacent proposed structures to effectively collapse
a fire front.
It is noted that a clear setback is currently apparent to the northwest through north.
Consequently, management of vegetation in this direction is expected to be limited to a small
number of trees and associated mid and lower strata vegetation. Setbacks to the southwest
through south to southeast is less well established, and although hazard in this direction is
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considered relatively lower than other elevations, setbacks are less well formed currently.
Consequently, it is considered the majority of vegetation impacts associates with the
proposed development will be in this area in order to achieve appropriate setbacks as detailed
above.
3.4 Emergency Access & Egress
New developments in bushfire prone areas should be serviced by safe access/exit points for
both residents and emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency. The
development is to avoid entrapment potential, provide safe and effective access for
emergency services vehicles and safe evacuation routes for occupants.
The Noosa Plan 2017, Division 9 – Natural Hazards Overlays Code – 12.36: Vehicle Access and
Fire Trails, O9: Firebreaks and Fire Access tracks prescribes (Outcome 9) ‘(a) adequate access
for fire-fighting and other emergency vehicles; and (b) adequate width to minimise the risk of
fire cross over’. S9.1 Probable solution (a) refers to a 20m wide firebreak around the
perimeter of the development, and Probable Solution (b) refers to the establishment of ‘fire
access tracks between the development and surrounding vegetated land that’.
A 20m wide fire break is not considered achievable given the nature and use of the site, site
extent and vegetation setbacks able to be achieved. Consequently, establishment of
appropriate fire access tracks are considered achievable and the preferred outcome for the
site. These fire access tracks are able to be factored into the required vegetation setbacks as
detailed in Section 3.2. Recommendations for access tracks are as follows:
• to achieve a cleared width of 6m;
• a formed width of 3.5m;
• be all weather access (i.e. gravel), formed pavement is not considered appropriate
given the nature of the development i.e. an extension of an existing use, and not a
Reconfiguration of a Lot, Material change of use etc.
• be accessible from the low potential bushfire hazard area (i.e. immediately adjacent
the parking area, office, dining rooms etc.
• enable turn around areas adjacent and/or through access to the east of the proposed
‘annexe for single meditation’.
Indicative location of fire access tracks is provided in Figure 6.
3.5 Emergency Procedures
3.5.1 Management of Site Personnel
In order to appropriately mitigate the exposure of people to the risks associated with bushfire,
it is recommended to keep an accurate account of all personnel on site at any given time. In
the event of a Bushfire Emergency, it is imperative that all personal on site are accounted for,
assembled, and evacuated from site where required. Primarily this is to be focussed on
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visitors to the facility, however it is considered prudent to also record volunteers, employees,
contractors and other personnel on site.
Consequently, it is recommended that a site register (e.g. daily sign in/out) be developed and
maintained for the site. In the event of a bushfire emergency, all individuals known to be on
site are subsequently able to be accounted for. This is both important for the safety of people
on site and for the safety of Emergency Services personnel in locating individuals potentially
at risk on site, in the event of a bushfire emergency.
3.5.2 Site Assembly
In the event of a Bushfire Emergency, personnel on site are to be assembled in a safe area,
prior to site evacuation, should evacuation be required. This assembly serves to ensure all site
personnel are accounted for, located in a safe environment, and not exposed to potential
sources of bushfire hazard on uncontrolled areas of the site, or exposed to potential
entrapment by, for example, being isolated within visitor cabins during a fire front.
Due to the nature of the site, the site assembly location is proposed to be the main dining hall
and kitchen building (refer Figure 6). This structure is centrally located, and immediately
adjacent site evacuation routes. This site has been chosen due to: location adjacent primary
site access/egress; being located in the lowest potential bushfire hazard area of the site, due
to the presence of managed landscapes in all directions; located adjacent 2 large water bodies
(dams); readily available water, power and communications; the recent construction
standards of the structure include steel fly screens on observed openings; and space to
comfortably accommodate all personnel expected to be on site until such time as the bushfire
hazard passes or evacuation is undertaken.
The following recommendations are made to ensure this structure is as suitable as possible
for an assembly point in the event of a bushfire emergency:
• It is recommended this structure be maintained to ensure all openings are protected
by steel mesh (fly screens) as per the AS3959-2018);
• The installation of gutter guards be considered to minimise the accumulation of leaf
litter in gutters and corrugated iron openings, and to reduce the potential for ember
ingress into roof apertures;
• Consideration to the installation of a roof/gutter perimeter sprinkler system, serviced
by both mains power and backup petrol pump (e.g. firefighter pump), suitably sized to
account for building size, flow and pressure requirements. The purpose of this is to
saturate the building and surrounding area prior to a bushfire front impacting the
assembly area, and to provide some protection during a fire front for personnel inside,
should evacuation not be possible.
• Provision of clear signage to identify the location as an assembly point.
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3.5.3 Site Evacuation
Tune into Warnings:
‘Don’t assume you’ll receive a warning as a fire approaches and don’t assume a fire crew will
be available to assist every home. It’s up to you to monitor conditions, know what the Fire
Danger Rating is each day and to tune into local media including radio, social media and
websites’. Refer to: https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety/Pages/tune-in-to-
warnings.aspx (current as at 9/03/2020) for warnings in your area.
‘When an Emergency Warning is issued for your area, you are in danger. At this level of
warning you will be asked to leave immediately or seek shelter immediately if conditions have
become too dangerous to leave.’
In the event of a Bushfire Emergency, site evacuation may be required should the site be in
the path of a bushfire front. The primary site evacuation route is to the west towards Rules
Road (refer Figure 6). It is recommended that site evacuation be undertaken should Qld Fire
and Emergency Services warning levels reach level 3 – Emergency Warning: You Are In
Danger, or prior should the impending risk be increasing.
Another informal evacuation route is potentially available to the south, to established rural
residential development. It is recommended this be used only under the direction and
supervision of Emergency Services personnel.
In the event this route is cut off by bushfire hazard, the above described assembly area is
considered appropriate to act as an shelter for site personnel for while the bushfire front
passes, unless otherwise advised/directed by emergency services personnel.
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Figure 6: Site Assembly, Evacuation Route & Fire Access Tracks
3.5.4 Roles and Responsibilities
It is recommended that a nominated Fire Warden be identified and present at all times the
facility is used for visitor courses. A Fire Warden’s role is to enact the requirements of this
Bushfire Management Plan with regard to the notification, assembly and evacuation of site
personnel, operation or sprinkler systems, liaison with Emergency Services personnel, and
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any other related task with ensuring site personnel are appropriately coordinated and advised
of hazard and required actions in the event of a bushfire emergency.
To support this role, it is recommended that all visitors to the site are inducted into
emergency management procedures on arrival, and again on assembly in the event of a
bushfire emergency. Additionally, each built structure on site is to be provided with an
emergency procedures, map showing assembly and evacuation routes.
3.6 Water Availability for Fire-Fighting Purposes
The Noosa Plan 2017, Division 9 – Natural Hazards Overlays Code (O8) prescribes the
proposed development is to provide ‘an adequate and accessible water supply for fire-fighting
purposes that can be accessed by fire-fighting appliances’.
The proposed development is not on a reticulated water supply. Water is collected on site by
way of rainwater tanks, there are also 2 large dams located to the immediate west of the
buildings of the site, associated with the site entry. It is also understood a bore water system
is in place to supply the site with water, and a series (i.e. 2-3) large (i.e. ≥22,500L) water tanks
toward the eastern extent of the site, adjacent the proposed ‘annex for single meditation’.
Consequently, available water is considered to be sufficient to support fire-fighting in the
event of a bushfire emergency. To support access to and a suitable volume of water for
bushfire fighting, it is recommended that clear access to the dam water storage on the west
of the site, be maintained, and hardstand provided where necessary to accommodate a
medium rigid fire truck. In addition, tank storage on site is to be accessible for fire-fighting
with male 50mm camlock connectors installed on one of proposed tanks to the west of the
site, with a dedicated water supply of 10,000L at this location.
4.0 Recommendations and Conclusions
This report details the assessment of Bushfire Hazard and risk mitigation measures acting on
the proposed development, with consideration to the requirements of: the Queensland State
Government Single State Planning Policy - Part E (SPP 2017); the Noosa Plan 2017, Division 9
– Natural Hazards Overlays Code; and the Australian Standard (AS 3959- 2018) - Construction
of buildings in bushfire prone areas.
This assessment has confirmed vegetation posing a High Potential Bushfire Hazard to the
proposed development from the northwest, and a Medium Potential Hazard in all directions
(Refer Section 2.2). These vegetation communities have the potential to accumulate high to
moderate fuel loads and subsequently present a potential Bushfire Hazard to the proposed
development. It is noted however that the setback to potentially hazardous vegetation to the
immediate west, is considered to be >50m due to infrastructure, dams and other associated
fragmentation and managed landscapes. N.B. Vegetation within the existing development
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footprint has been classified as having a Low Potential Bushfire Hazard, due to its managed
nature and low fuel load potential, all-be-it within a Potential Impact Buffer area.
Potentially hazardous vegetation is present on and adjacent the site, fire runs are considered
to be limited in length, extent, width and fuel load potential to the north and south, but
relatively in-tact to the east and to a lesser extent to the west. Consequently, in favourable
conditions fire runs are considered viable to connect a bushfire (i.e. Wildfire) to the subject
site. However, it is noted this hazard is not considered extreme or unmanageable given the
existing development footprint and associated low potential hazard, lack of bushfire impacts
to date, and establishment of appropriate setbacks for the proposed development.
The following Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures, as detailed above, are considered
appropriate to substantially mitigate the Bushfire Hazard acting on the proposed
development:
▪ Asset Protection Zone (APZ) widths have been determined for areas of the proposed
development (refer Section 3.1). Setback requirements for each elevation has been
provided to inform asset protection zones required to separate the proposed
development from potential sources of bushfire hazard, given achievement of
relevant building construction standards. Proposed Setbacks >13m are proposed in all
directions, and >15m to the northwest are currently achieved.
▪ BAL determination and Construction Standard requirements have been determined
for the proposed development (refer Section 3.2). Subsequently, all proposed
accommodation structures are required to be constructed to a BAL-29 construction
standard. The proposed annexe, meditation halls and ablutions blocks are all located
>6m from Class1-3 structures and are consequently not required to be constructed in
accordance with the Australian Standard
▪ Vegetation management within the APZ has been detailed to ensure low fuel
availability and reduced connectivity to buildings (refer Section 3.3).
▪ Vehicular Access and Egress of the proposed development has been detailed and is
considered appropriate for the Bushfire Hazard acting on the site (refer Section 3.4).
Recommendations for fire access track have been provided.
▪ Emergency Procedures have been detailed, including: management of Site Personal;
Site Assembly; Site Evacuation; and Roles and Responsibilities for emergency
response. (refer Section 3.5).
▪ Water Availability for Fire-fighting Purposes as per Councils Planning Scheme has been
detailed (refer Section 3.6). Recommendations have been made for water storage,
and accessibility, sprinkler and building standards, and given the achievement of
recommendations are considered appropriate for the site and proposed
development.
The proposed development is an extension of existing, well-established use on the site. Given
the implementation of the above detailed Bushfire Risk Mitigation measures, the proposed
development is considered consistent with existing use and is consequently considered
appropriate for the site and bushfire hazard posed.
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This assessment has been undertaken based on vegetative condition and bushfire hazards
identified on and adjacent the subject site in March 2020. It is noted that the following
Bushfire Hazard Assessment Methodology and Bushfire Risk Mitigation Measures applied are
current as at 2019.
It should be noted that the recommendations within this BMP have been formulated based
on site conditions at the time of writing and utilising current best-practise hazard and impact
assessment methodologies, and have been developed to reduce the potential severity of
impacts on the proposed development in the event of a bushfire emergency rather than
prevent impacts altogether. No guarantee is provided or assumed that the area will not be
affected by bushfire at some time.
Site occupants should seek advice from the local fire authority every 5 years (as a minimum)
to ensure the subject recommendations remain appropriate as site conditions and hazard
assessment methodologies may change over time.
Bushfires are an intrinsic part of Australia's environment, are often unpredictable, and have
potentially extremely serious consequences. All Queenslanders should be familiar with the
official Bushfire Warnings system and have a completed Bushfire Survival Plan. Print ready
guides for preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan and to assist in the interpretation of the official
Bushfire Warnings system are available for download from the Rural Fire Service Queensland
website – https://ruralfire.qld.gov.au/bushfires/.
There are three formal Bushfire Warning levels:
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