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Parc Noosa Bushfire Management Plan 3 May 2016_COMPILED
Attached to the e-mail MCU15/0109 - Response to Information Request - Email 4 of 6.
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For Owners and Tenants
REVISION 1.0 – 3 MAY 2016
Parc Noosa is located in a special part of Noosa Shire with areas of natural coastal vegetation on your
doorstep, with the Girraween Nature reserve to the East, and Noosa National Park (Weyba Section) to
the South. The proximity of this bushland to your dwelling raises the issue of fire risk. There is a need
for residents to be aware of their obligations in making sure fire does not present a threat to people,
property and the environment.
This brochure has been prepared to provide guidance on:
1. What you should do to reduce the risk of fire and:
2. What actions should be taken should a bushfire occur, and:
3. The body corporate management bushfire alert system.
This document will be reviewed annually at the body corporate Annual General Meeting, to ensure
the information incorporated is being effectively communicated to residents and guests of bushfire
prone buildings (see attached plan)
A permanent resident of each building will be nominated and elected as a fire warden for each
building. The fire warden will be called on to review this document with any permanent residents,
and will be responsible for checking on residents and alerting them in the event of a bushfire.
A summary of this Bushfire Management Plan will be permanently attached in a prominent position in
each unit of any of the bushfire prone buildings, with a map with possible evacuation paths.
The bushfire hazard
The residential area of Parc Noosa has a high risk of significant bushfires occurring due to the coastal
bushland around the development to the South and the East. The dry seasonal conditions that can
occur periodically in the region means there is likely to be a risk during some times of the year when a
bushfire may be accidentally or intentionally triggered near dwellings.
The significant bushfire hazard is primarily from the South (Noosa National Park Weyba Section) and
also significantly from the East (Girraween Nature Reserve). The significant issue with coastal
vegetation and fire, is that afternoon wind changes can cause fires burning in one direction, to change
direction and intensify as it is fuelled by stronger winds. It is important to recognise that while a
bushfire may not appear to be immediately threatening as it may be heading in a direction that may
not pose a threat, this can change rapidly with wind changes and a threat can intensify rapidly.
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There are four ways in which a bushfire attacks:
1. BURNING DEBRIS (EMBER ATTACK)
A fire front may not reach your home, however embers carried by strong winds can cause your home
to catch on fire. Strong winds associated with bushfires may cause burning vegetation or other
flammable material to travel long distances ahead of a fire front.
Burning debris can cause spot fire around the dwelling that may develop into a larger fire involving
the home. Ember attack can occur before, during and after a fire front has passed and is the main
cause of property loss in a bushfire.
2. RADIANT HEAT
Attack by radiant heat will largely depend upon the amount and type of available fuel and the
separation of that fuel from the building. The effect of radiation will depend on how far the building is
located from the source of heat.
Heat radiation from a bushfire may assist ignition by burning debris by heating the building and its
contents, breaking windows and allowing burning debris to enter the building.
3. FLAME CONTACT
Direct flame contact can occur when there are flammable materials close to the house. The likelihood
of flame contact is increased when prevailing winds make the flame more horizontal, thereby
reducing the effective distance from the fuel source to the building.
4. WIND
Strong winds usually accompany a bushfire and can add to a fire’s intensity and can carry embers. The
forces of wind, or the suction created by it, may also damage a building by breaking windows or
removing portions of wall and roof cladding. This assists the entry of burning debris and the ultimate
destruction of buildings.
Reducing the risk – what you should do
1. PLANNING AND DESIGN – YOUR PROPERTY
A fire management plan has been prepared for the development which designates specific control
measures for the development. The built environment has the following control measures in place
that the Body Corporate Management team will maintain and inspect annually. Measures in place
are:
a) A Fuel Control Area is designated as a bushfire buffer zone between the property of the
pedestrian pathway which adjoins the site boundary, and buildings. This Fuel Control area is
a 15m setback from the Eastern boundary, and a 19.5m setback from the Southern boundary
for Blocks E & F.
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This Fuel Control Area should comprise non-flammable material such as paved material and
pathways; water features and swimming pools; and can include mowed grass, fire retarding
plants (desirably ground layer species not exceeding 300mm in height. Full list of approved
species is available from the Resort Management).
It is important that access within this area be kept open to assist in the access of fire crews to
your property, as it is in this zone that fire crews will fight the bushfire to protect property.
It is vital that if you should notice any build-up of fuel, or any other fire hazard in this Fire
Control Area, that you alert the Resort Management.
b) The type of dwelling construction is also important with timber structures obviously having a
higher fire risk than brick or masonry structures. Desirably, this aspect has been addressed in
the initial property planning, with non-flammable building materials being used throughout
the most at-risk properties. Some of the other elements incorporated into the design in the
bushfire risk areas are:
Open spaces such as ceilings are sealed off.
Exterior surfaces are non-combustible.
Screening to operable windows and doors to prevent embers entering the building.
Cover vents and weep holes with spark guards.
Enclose underfloor spaces to prevent embers start spot fires under dwellings.
c) The access road to the East and South of the development has been built at minimum 6
metres wide. The road pavement has been designed in accordance with Council standards to
cater for emergency vehicles. This width enables two vehicles to pass comfortably in the
event of fire.
In the event of a fire, it is important to keep this access road clear to enable fire fighting
vehicles. As early as possible before a fire is approaching, you should ensure your vehicle is
parked in a garage, carpark, or off to the side of the road so as not to impede emergency
vehicles.
When evacuating the development, try and identify which way the fire is coming from, and
exit using the opposite exit.
d) There are fire hydrants along the length of the access road in the Fuel Control Area, at
approximately 100m intervals. It is important that areas adjacent the fire hydrants are kept
clear for fire fighting vehicle access.
e) A hedge of shrub planting along the East and South boundary is acting as an ember attached
shield. This will be made up of Syzygium species such as Powderpuff lillypilly (Syzygium wilsonii)
or Syzygium cascade. Both species are large shrubs that can be hedged to desired shapes and
are fire retardant.
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The hedge will be maintained to approximately 1.2m in height and approximately 1m in width,
with a low (300mm) height fire resistant timber sleeper wall to close any low gaps.
The screen utilises a drip irrigation system for watering and to double as moisture control.
The Resort Management will inspect the hedge every three months, and replace any die-back.
2. MANAGING YOUR PROPERTY
Proper property maintenance is vital in reducing the fire risk.
The Fuel Control Area and fuel reduction measures (as indicated above) must be maintained around
the buildings. The main function of the fuel reduction zone is to reduce the level of hazard, and in
particular, to eliminate, where possible, attack by radiant heat or flame contact.
In addition to reducing the fuel load, the Fuel Control Area helps to provide an area where burning
debris can fall with minimal opportunity to create further fire outbreaks.
Reducing the fuel load means removal of fallen leaves, dead or dying trees, unused flammable
structures and materials and rubbish and any other debris. Managing effectively means taking the
following actions prior to the bushfire season (usually in late Spring and early Summer):
• Removal of ground litter and dry, dead material by hand or by mechanical means (mowing
or lawn establishment) within the Fuel Control Area:
Remove rubbish, dry timber, wood piles and vegetation so that they are away from the
buildings:
Mow long grass & clear undergrowth from fences:
Clear roof and gutters of leaves and twigs on a regular basis, particularly during summer:
Trim branches so that they do not overhang into the Fire Protection Zone:
What if there is a fire?
Should there be a fire outbreak, there are a number of critical points to be aware of. It is best to
evacuate early, and leave the Queensland Fire and rescue service the job to protect property. If you
do decide to stay, only those who are capable of working quickly before, during and after a fire front
has passed should stay behind to affect protection measures.
Resort Management will alert all tenants via text message if there is a fire approaching through their
automated text message service. If you notice a fire and there has not been a text message alert it
may be that Resort Management are not aware of the fire. In this instance, please call 000, then alert
Resort Management.
Resort Management will stay in regular contact with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service during a fire
event, and will keep tenants updated as to the status of the fire via text message. Should you see
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anything that you believe may benefit the safety of residents, contact Resort Management and they
can pass the information on to residents via the text message service.
If safe to do so, as soon as you become aware of a bushfire event, alert your neighbours and check if
they are receiving the text message alerts.
Keep you mobile phone well charged.
1. AS THE BUSHFIRE APPROACHES
Early evacuation if safe to do so is the best course of action.
Before you can confront an oncoming bushfire, it is important that you protect yourself from radiant
heat. This can be assisted by wearing:
Cotton overalls or thicker long sleeved shirt and long pants of cotton or wool clothes which
are loose fitting;
A strong pair of shoes or boots with woollen or cotton socks:
Gloves, (canvas not plastic);
Inside the home:
Do not try to fight a fire front directly without:
Goggles, if the smoke is thick;
A ‘bandana’ or large handkerchief to protect the airways from smoke and hot air;
A wide-brimmed hat or hard hat if one is available;
Put a filled bucket in the roof;
Block any gaps under the doors with wet towels;
Do not go outside while the fire front is passing (wait until it passes);
Fill all sinks, baths and any buckets with water and wet towels, and adequate equipment and
personnel;
Place a ladder to provide access to the roof area;
Avoid heavy smoke and don’t drive in smoke;
Leave your ears uncovered – they warn you of heat levels;
Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit.
Do not wear synthetic clothing as it burns easily.
(The above clothing also apply if you intend to evacuate)
2. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND PETS
If safe to do so, you should evacuate vulnerable groups including children, the elderly
household pets and anyone with medical/respiratory conditions or other disabilities;
If not safe to evacuate, keep them inside the house;
Give them plenty of water to drink; and make sure you keep track of their movements;
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3. OUTSIDE THE HOME
If you have time, and it is safe to do so:
Close windows and doors and any shutters and fit any screens;
Block the downpipes and fill the gutters with water;
Put doormats inside and store all combustible materials inside;
Keep you mobile phone charged;
Monitor the radio – keep a spare set of batteries;
Turn off any gas;
Hose down outside your dwelling/landscaped areas.
4. FIGHTING THE FIRE
Ways to fight any fire should it occur should also be part of your property management strategy.
Things to consider in planning for a possible fire include:
Your property has a tap. Check water, taps and hoses. Keep a hose permanently attached
with metal fittings. Ensure hose can reach where you want to reach it to;
Heavy duty hoses with wide-spray nozzles, if possible.
Gather buckets (preferably metal), mops, spray backpack units, ladders, rakes, and shovels in
one place for ready access during a fire.
Battery operated radio and torches in case of electrical failure.
When the bushfire is close, remain outside as long as possible patrolling the area for spot
fires;
Suppress any spot fires which start close to the house or in the guttering;
Take refuge when the smoke starts to thicken;
Take your hoses and fittings inside when you move inside; and activate any sprinkler system.
Do not run into unburnt area as burnt areas are safer.
5. THE CAR
Park in a cleared area;
Close all doors, windows and vents;
Leave the keys in the ignition and store woollen blankets inside.
6. AS THE BUSHFIRE PASSES OVER
Remain calm and keep other occupants calm. Move to the side of the building away from the main
fire front. Carry out regular inspections, particularly of windows to determine if they have shattered
and embers have entered any rooms.
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7. AFTER THE BUSHFIRE HAS PASSED
Before passing through a closed doorway, feel the door – if it is hot do not open it as there may be a
fire on the other side – leave it closed to stop the fire spreading and exit via another route.
Check the building for fires – the roof, roof spaces and any underfloor areas. If the building is on fire
move onto burnt out ground but keep clear of burning trees.
8. EVACUATION
The decision to evacuate or stay in the event of a major bushfire is one that should be considered well
before a bushfire event. Early evacuation is a serious consideration where:
You are worried about your children or other vulnerable members (such as the elderly or
disabled) of the household;
You suspect that you or members of the household will be unable to cope with the stress of
staying;
It is safe to leave and you have a clear idea of where a safe refuge is to be found; and you
know the destination to be safe.
Note: you must evacuate if directed to do so by the Police. Police undertake evacuations with the
advice of fire authorities.
IF YOU DECIDE OR ARE DIRECTED TO EVACUATE – DO IT EARLY!
Close all doors and windows and consider leaving them unlocked – a firefighter may need
access to your home;
Know where you are going and drive carefully.
9. EVACUATION MEETING POINTS
The attached map indicates the main evacuation path to exit Resort Drive and continue North on
Links Drive (Route “A”). Alternate evacuation meeting points are indicated at the main entrance to
Noosa Springs Golf Club (“B”) and the entrance to the Noosa Springs Day Spa and Gym entrance (“C”).
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A PRECINCT F PRECINCT E2
B
NOOSA SPRINGS
DAY SPA FITNESS
CENTRE &
CLUBHOUSE
C
PRECINCT E1
01 FIRE & EVACUATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
1:1000
LEGEND
VEHICLE EVACUATION ROUTE
NOMINAL FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION
FUEL CONTROL AREA
EXTERNAL EVACUATION POINT
PROPOSED PRECINCT E2 DEVELOPMENT ALTUM CONSTRUCTIONS Development Approval north
scale: 1:1000 @ A1
FIRE AND EVACUATION issue: 01 date: 21-04-16
NOOSA SPRINGS, NOOSA HEADS MANAGEMENT PLAN 7043/DA28
The designs, drawings and specification are copyright and always remain the property of Blackburne Jackson Design Pty Ltd.