FINAL Response to Information Request_ 03.05.2016

         Building D – 13.492m (a greater setback applies if tree cannot be retained through detailed OPW design).
         Building E – 15.968m (a greater setback may apply if tree cannot be retained through detailed OPW
          design).
         Building F – 17.861 (Southern boundary) and 15.133m (eastern boundary - greater setbacks may apply if
          trees along 3m wide path corridor cannot be retained through detailed OPW design).
         Building G – 13.269m (a greater setback may apply if trees along 3m wide path corridor cannot be
          retained through detailed OPW design) and 14.364m.

Information Required

     d) It is noted a setback of 15 metres is proposed to effectively respond to Specific Outcome 07. Given the
        area of vegetation, the height of the dominant vegetation Outcome 07. Given the area of vegetation, the
        height of the dominant vegetation community and the slopes surrounding the site, this setback is
        deemed to be inadequate. A full compliance with a 1.5 times setback in accordance with Specific
        Outcome 07. Notably, Regional Ecosystem 12.2.5 has a canopy range to 25 metres and, as such, a 1.5
        times setback is 37.5 metres would meet the probable solution to comply with Specific Outcome O7.

Response


Following the meeting with Council officers and its bushfire consultant on 16 March 2016, the proposal has been
amended to provide additional mechanisms to manage bushfire risk on the site to the maximum extent possible.
It is considered that the revised bushfire management strategy is appropriate to support a relaxation of the
Council’s Acceptable Outcome requirement of a “1.5 times setback”. The additional mechanisms include:

         The layout for Building F has been modified to increase the separation distance from the southern
          boundary which represents the greatest bushfire threat. This has resulted in a separation distance to the
          southern boundary of 20m and separation from the nearest canopy of 17.861m.

         A comprehensive Bushfire Management and Evacuation Plan (attached) has been prepared by the
          applicant to advise residents, occupants and staff in relation to managing bushfire hazards and what to do
          in the event of a bushfire emergency.

         A comprehensive Management Protocol has been prepared which defines the obligations of the Site
          Manager / Body Corporate to ensure that bushfire risk is managed to the greatest extent possible. Refer
          to the attached amended Bushfire Management Plan prepared by Duke Environmental.

         A fire retardant barrier (and associated maintenance regime) is proposed along the southern boundary
          which is expected to represent the greatest fire risk. The fire barrier will include a dense hedge using fire
          retardant species (1.2m height and width) with sleepers at the base to block any gaps. Refer attached
          Landscape Concept Plan prepared by Blackburne Jackson Architects.

         The internal private road has been widened to 6m from the previous minimum of 3.5 to 6m to ensure
          safe passing of vehicles in a bushfire emergency. Refer attached plans prepared by Blackburne Jackson
          architects.




JFP Ref: M2652                                                                                                    Page 10