municipal fire prevention plan - city of hume · the municipal fire prevention plan 2010 was...

Issue: 2 Date: SEPTEMBER 2010 Page: 1

MUNICIPAL

FIRE PREVENTION PLAN

2010

HUME CITY COUNCIL MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION PLAN 2010


TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page

MAYORS FOREWORD ................................................................................4

MUNICIPAL ENDORSEMENT......................................................................5 1.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................6

2.0 COUNCIL’S ROLE .......................................................................................6 2.1 Responsibilities ....................................................................................6 2.2 Municipal Fire Prevention Officer .........................................................6 2.3 Municipal Fire Prevention Committee and Meetings.............................6-7 2.4 Fire Prevention Plan Review ................................................................7 2.5 Audit of Plan.........................................................................................7 2.6 Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places - Places of Last Resort (MNSP) 8-9 2.7 Community Fire Refuges

3.0 VISION..........................................................................................................9

4.0 PLAN OBJECTIVES.....................................................................................10

5.0 LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES.............................................................10 5.1 Municipal Fire Prevention Plan.............................................................10 5.2 CFA Act 1958.................................................................................... 10-11 5.3 MFB Act 1958 ......................................................................................11 5.4 Electricity Safety Act ............................................................................11

6.0 FIRE SERVICES / BRIGADES .....................................................................12 6.1 Country Fire Authority ..........................................................................12 6.2 Metropolitan Fire Brigade .....................................................................13 6.3 CFA/MFB Boundaries ..........................................................................13

7.0 RISK MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................14

7.1 Risk Management Approaches 14-15 7.2 Risk Environments ...............................................................................16 7.3 Risk Assessments & Treatments..........................................................16 7.4 Implementation ....................................................................................17 7.5 Risk Action Summary 2006-2010.........................................................18 7.6 Risk Action Summary Plan 2010-2013.............................................. 19-20

8.0 OTHER AUTHORITIES & ORGANISATIONS................................................21

8.1 Vic Roads ............................................................................................21 8.2 Railways ........................................................................................... 21-22 8.3 Water Authorities .................................................................................23 8.4 Catchment Management Authorities ....................................................23 8.5 Department of Natural Resources and Environment ............................24 8.6 Parks Victoria.......................................................................................24 8.7 Special plans........................................................................................25



APPENDICES Appendix A: Management Arrangements ................................Pages 26-29

1. Membership, Distribution List and Record 2. Amendment summary 3. Acronyms and abbreviations 4. Glossary of Relevant Terms

Appendix B1: WILDFIRE PREVENTION PLAN .............................Pages 30-48 Appendix B2: BROADMEADOWS VALLEY PARK FIRE PREVENTION

PLAN ...................................................................Pages 49-66

Appendix B3: MUNICPAL NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES PLAN ................................................................................................... ....Pages 67-87

Appendix C - MAPS ..................................................................Pages 88-95

MAP 1: MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION PLAN

MAP 2: INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR WOODLANDS HISTORIC PARK

MAP 3: INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN for MT. RIDLEY ROAD ENVIRONS AND UPPER MALCOLM CREEK

MAP 4: MELBOURNE AIRPORT

MAP 5: MELBOURNE AIRPORT GREY BOX FOREST AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH

MAP 6: SUNBURY LANDFILL

MAP 7: FIRE AND WEATHER DISTRICTS



MAYOR’S FOREWORD

Hume is a municipality of diverse communities and landscapes, which includes urban and semi-rural communities, farmland and industrial areas across 504 square kilometres. The management of Fire Prevention activities in this landscape is an ongoing challenge and represents a shared responsibility involving many people and organisations, with Hume having a critical role in fire prevention and protection. Council’s capacity to develop fire prevention strategies is enhanced through liaising with and encompassing the expertise of agencies like the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria – members of the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee. Council’s motivation in the development of the Fire Prevention Plan is for the health and safety of the Hume community. This includes safety at home, in the workplace and in outdoor spaces. Fire does not discriminate and that is why Council is supportive of education efforts in reminding people to be fire safe, wherever they may be. With the drought conditions of the last few years, integrated fire management planning at a State level is now at the forefront of all fire prevention efforts. For that reason, Hume City Council is supportive of the State-funded Integrated Fire Management Planning Project. Led by the CFA, this project will bring together agencies and organisations responsible for fire management planning in Victoria to oversee a consistent fire management planning framework. This approach will ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly identified, and that information requirements of the different agencies can be met, helping create a safer community for all Victorians. I would like to congratulate the members of the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee in their review of this Plan. It will assist Council to achieving our ultimate objective of creating a safer community for all.

Cr Geoff Porter, Mayor 2010


Issue: 1 Date: June 2010 Page: 5

This form to be updated when approved by council


Issue: 2 Date: September 2010 Page: 6

1. INTRODUCTION

Hume City is a place of great contrasts, taking pride in its rich heritage and history, its wonderful natural features, the internationally acclaimed Melbourne Airport, its leading manufacturing and technology industries, its award winning wineries, its cultural diversity and its active community.

Located just 20 kilometres to the north-west of Melbourne’s Central Business District and bordering rural Victoria, Hume City is readily accessible to interstate and international visitors.

Hume's vast 503 square kilometres comprise approximately 60% rural land and 30% urban land and the remaining 10% is occupied by Melbourne Airport. The Melbourne Airport, which is managed by Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Limited (APAM), is located within the Hume City Council and Essendon Airport (managed by LINFOX Airports Pty Ltd) is in close proximity. Flight paths traverse the Municipality into both airports. These paths are an East / West alignment and generally travel over residential areas.

It has a combination of rapidly growing urban centres such as Craigieburn and Sunbury; rural areas and townships like Bulla, Mickleham and Kalkallo; and numerous environmentally significant assets (e.g. Jacksons, Deep, Emu and Merri Creek conservation areas and Aboriginal sites).

The City is strategically positioned between the Tullamarine Freeway, Hume Highway, Calder Highway and the Western Ring Road and incorporates a major road/rail freight interchange, situated on the Melbourne-Sydney railway line. A variety of leading industry sectors choose to maintain a presence in Hume City, including freight; engineering; aviation; automotive manufacturing; steel; plastics; electronics; communication; tourism; food processing; vineyards; paper manufacturing; education; construction and retailing.

In 2010, Hume is a hive of activity and has a rapidly expanding population of 168,000. It has rich cultural diversity, with a vibrant mix of in excess of 128 nationalities and over 100 languages other than English spoken in the home. It is also proud to be a multi-faith community, with many religions practised in Hume.

Burgeoning industry has been a catalyst for rapidly developing housing estates, commencing in Broadmeadows and Dallas. The 1960s and 1970s saw development in Gladstone Park and Tullamarine. More recently, Meadow Heights, Greenvale, Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn and Attwood have brought housing opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The township of Sunbury and surrounds is one of Melbourne's most historic villages with significant landmarks such as Emu Bottom Homestead and Rupertswood Mansion, dramatic landscapes and Aboriginal history.

Rail infrastructure consists of the main Melbourne Sydney passenger / freight line to the north as well as a passenger / freight line to Bendigo, metropolitan rail services are provided by METRO with lines to Upfield and Craigieburn.



2. COUNCIL’S ROLE

2.1. Responsibilities

Council has a legislative responsibility under the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Act 1958 to develop and maintain a Municipal Fire Prevention Plan (MFPP).

The Municipal Fire Prevention Committee provides advice and recommendations to Council in the preparation of its Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. The Municipal Fire Prevention Plan endorsed by the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee (MFPC) is presented to Council for adoption.

The Municipal Fire Prevention Plan 2010 was reviewed by the MFPC in December 2009 and updated during 2010 in preparation to be audited by the CFA during 2010 to ensure legislative requirements are met and a statement of compliance obtained.

The Plan will be reviewed and maintained annually until the outcomes of the State Government’s Integrated Fire Management Planning (IFMP) Project is implemented with assessments involved in the Victorian Fire Risk Register (VFRR)and Urban Profiling process to be conducted towards the end of 2010.

This process will involve an extensive consultative process engaging the MFPC and other Stakeholders as part of the Fire Management Plan Process.

2.2. Municipal Fire Prevention Officer

It is a statutory requirement of municipalities under the CFA Act 1958 to provide an officer to carry out the role of “Municipal Fire Prevention Officer [MFPO]”. This individual carries responsibilities under the CFA Act 1958 for fire prevention.

The MFPO is the executive officer of the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee. The MFPO may also delegate their powers to Assistant Fire Prevention Officers who issue permits to burn and fire prevention notices in the municipality.

The Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) is responsible for maintaining the MFPP and ensuring its implementation.

2.3. Municipal Fire Prevention Committee and Meetings

The Municipal Fire Prevention Committee is established under Section 54 of the CFA Act 1958.The functions of the Committee are as defined in Section 55 of the Act.

The Act allows the Committee to be made up from members as follows:

� the MFPO (who is executive officer and chairman)

� one representative from each rural and urban brigade

� one representative from each group of brigades

� a representative from Council and

� a representative from DSE / Parks Victoria

� a representative from Vic Roads

� a representative from MFB

Upon the request of the Committee, additional members may include:

� a representative from any public Statutory authority or

� any local interest group specified The current Municipal Fire Prevention Committee membership is shown in Appendix A1.



The Committee meets up to four (4) times per year with meetings chaired by the MFPO or an Assistant MFPO and are conducted in accordance with Section 59 of the Act.

Meeting times are on the second Monday of the following months commencing at 5.00pm at various locations in April - September - October - December.

2.4. Fire Prevention Plan Review

The MFPC will update the Plan annually as well as following any substantial change in legislation or any other matter that may impact upon the plan (including an emergency which has utilised part of this plan). The plan shall be formally reviewed every 3 years in accordance with Section 55B of the CFA Act 1958.

Organisations delegated with any responsibilities in this Plan are required to notify the MFPO of any changes of detail (e.g. contact information), as they occur. Amendments are produced and distributed by the Hume City Council as required.

The Findings from the Royal Commission and Government decisions may influence the actions and policies of State Government agencies and the plan may require amendment to reflect these changes.

Following implementation of the plan for any specific event, a debrief shall be conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses apparent during the incident. These issues will be addressed and confirmed through distribution of an amendment as appropriate.

2.5. Audit of Plan

In accordance with Section 55B of the CFA Act 1958, the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan shall be audited every three (3) years by the CFA

2.6. Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places - Places of Last Resort (MNSP)

As Hume City Council is situated partly in the Metropolitan Fire District (MFD) and partly in the CFA region, the considerations outlined below are applicable in consideration of nominating a MNSP.

• the risks involved in people staying in the area being considered for an NSP, versus leaving the area and travelling to a nearby urban area; and

• the following considerations:

i. Adequacy of egress routes out of the area being considered for an NSP, including number of egress routes,

ii. Whether egress routes are major or minor roadways, iii. The type and amount of vegetation along key egress routes; and iv. The capacity of egress routes to accommodate potentially large

numbers of vehicles and to accommodate potential vehicle breakdowns).

2.6.1. A subcommittee of the MEMPC was formed in July 2010 for the purpose

of developing Council’s Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan (MNSPP) utilising the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) NSP Guidelines and to carry out a review of the Community Emergency Risk Management Plan.



2.6.2. The subcommittee of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning

Committee (MEMPC) made the following recommendation to the MEMPC:

• That as vegetation through Hume is primarily grasslands / shrubland with isolated woodland, and

• That the fire risk is manageable within existing controls afforded by the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan and planning / preparation by DSE and CFA, and

• That the available egress routes from the rural areas replicate the Strategic Fire break network, and consist of high quality well designed and constructed roads;

• Residents in rural areas would be better served by escaping the area using the road network to reach nearby urban areas for safety rather than travelling to a MNSP.

2.6.3. The Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC)

has considered the Draft MNSPP and has confirmed the recommendation that no MNSP’s are required in Hume City Council (Meeting 11/08/2010).

2.6.4. Council considered a report regarding the MNSPP on August 30th and

adopted the recommendation that no MNSPs are required in Hume City Council.

2.6.5. The MNSPP will be placed on the website, and made available for

inspection at the municipal offices for public inspection during normal office hours free of charge in accordance with the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 - SECT 50F Municipal Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan 50F. Municipal Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan (4).

2.6.6. An annual assessment of MNSPP will be undertaken and completed by

31 August annually.

2.7. Community Fire Refuges

2.7.1. There is no Community Fire Refuge designated within the municipality.



3. VISION

The vision of the Fire Prevention Plan is grounded in Council’s stated position for Hume “To develop and foster a fire safe community” by working in partnership with State and local authorities and the local community whilst promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability.

4. PLAN OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan is to create a fire safe municipality, with a focus on education and preparedness.

The plan has of the following objectives to achieve this purpose:

a) To Develop Strategies / action plans to achieve fire prevention and protection.

b) To Develop Strategies to reduce the risk of fire and plan for future developments.

c) To Educate the community as to their responsibilities, to heighten their awareness of fire danger and the existence of emergency plans in case of fire.

d) To Identify and Liaise all authorities or organisations with responsibility for fire prevention.

5. LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1. Municipal Fire Prevention Plan [MFPP]

The purpose of a Municipal Fire Prevention Plan is to:

• Encourage a wide and ongoing involvement by individuals, community and interest groups in fire prevention matters

• Develop fire prevention solutions that address the needs of diverse communities

• Sustain a fire prevention planning partnership between fire management agencies, the municipalities, community groups and the community

• Direct financial and human resources towards managing priority risks

• Increase community knowledge about fire safety

• Develop and resource management plans at local level in high risk areas

• Create a safer community

5.2. The Country Fire Authority [CFA] Act 1958

The CFA Act 1958 places specific requirements upon municipalities regarding their involvement and responsibilities for fire prevention activities. The Act requires:

� Section 43(1): “It shall be the duty of every municipal council and every public authority to take all practicable steps (including burning) to prevent the occurrence of fires on and to minimise the danger of the spread of fires on or from:



(a) any land vested in it or under its control or management; and

(b) any highway road street lane or thoroughfare the maintenance of which is charged upon it.”

� Section 54: Provides for the establishment of a Municipal Fire Prevention Committee. This Committee is charged under Section 55 with the functions that include:

(a) “to plan the burning or clearing of firebreaks within the area for which it is appointed;

(b) to advise the appropriate authorities as to the existence of and steps to be taken for the removal of fire hazards within the area;”

Section 55A: Requires municipal councils to prepare and maintain a Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. The Act specifies items the plan must contain. The MFPC is to advise and make recommendations to the municipal council on the preparation of its fire plan.

Section 55B: Stipulates that fire prevention plans must be audited by the Authority between 1.1.1998 and 31.12.1998 and thereafter at least once every three years.

The CFA Act has been amended in December 2009 to include two new provisions in the MFPP [Section 55A (2) (ca) and (cb)]. These new provisions require neighbourhood safer places (NSP) and community fire refuges (CFR) or a statement that none exist, to be included in the MFPP.

Section 50J requires that municipalities must review the NSP and CFR prior to the 31 August each year. This creates the responsibility for municipalities to review the MFPP each year and specifically to review the decision to designate, or not to designate, any NSP and CFR.

5.3. Metropolitan Fire Brigade [MFB] Act 1958

The MFB Act 1958 places specific requirements upon municipalities regarding their involvement and responsibilities for fire prevention activities. The Act requires Council to take all practical steps to prevent fires occurring and minimises the danger of fires on land under its control and to appoint Fire Prevention Officers to carry out this role.

The MFB Act 1958 is only applicable to that area defined as ‘Metropolitan Melbourne’ i.e. generally land outside of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) area (excluding government lands).

5.4. Electricity Safety Act

Council has a declared area within the municipality for the purposes of vegetation clearance around powerlines pursuant to the Electricity Safety Act. An Electric Line Clearance Management Plan ("Management Plan") is submitted to Energy Safe Victoria ("ESV") by the 28th February on an annual basis.

The Manager of Parks and Open Spaces is the responsible officer for preparation and implementation of the plan.

The objectives of the Plan (as applicable to the MFPP) are:

� Continuity of power supply

� Public safety

� Reduction in the risk of powerline related bushfires

� Integrated management of trees in proximity to powerlines



6. FIRE SERVICES / BRIGADES

6.1. Country Fire Authority

CFA brigades respond to a range of different incidents and broader activities include community education and fire investigation. CFA's primary activity involves responding to incidents and suppressing fires.

CFA respond to a variety of fire and emergency incidents including:

Wildfires

Structure fires

Transport related fires

Other emergency activities including flood assistance

Specialist response activities including:

• Confined Space Rescue

• Trench Rescue

• High Angle Rescue

• Road Accident Rescue

• Industrial Rescue

• Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

• Aviation Response

• Marine Response

• Hazardous Materials Response

• Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) Response

The ties between CFA and state government, local government, industry and brigades are essential to the successful operation of CFA. As a community service organisation, CFA brigades are strongly supported by their local communities in responding to meet Victoria's fire safety and emergency management needs.

There are a range of community programs implemented by CFA to enhance community safety and awareness amongst residents.

CFA are also involved in a range of other activities including:

• Fire safety building inspections

• Delivering community awareness, education and safety programs

• Post incident analysis and fire investigation

• Fire prevention planning and land use planning at a municipal level

• Working together with Forest Industry Brigades.

In conjunction with DSE and MFB, the CFA have implemented “Fire Ready Victoria”, a strategy to increase awareness and preparedness for the bushfire risk.

As part of the strategy, education programs are conducted every summer which are delivered free of charge in high risk areas. These programs involve “Community Meetings” and “Community Fireguard”.



6.2. Metropolitan Fire Brigade

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) is a community safety organisation committed to providing world-class protection from fire and other emergencies in Melbourne’s major metropolitan area.

The MFB is responsible for emergency response within the Metropolitan Fire District (MFD) which covers 1,096 square kilometres from Deer Park to Mentone, and Somerton to Port Melbourne. The suburbs within the city that are within the MFD are located both in the Northern and Western Zones.

The Western Zone headquarters is in Sunshine, whilst the Northern Zone headquarters is in Preston. Hume has 3 brigades within the MFD. These are Broadmeadows, Tullamarine and Somerton.

6.3. CFA/MFB Boundaries

The CFA/MFB Boundaries are outlined in maps 2 and 3. The MFB Boundary and regions are outlined in map 4. The brigade boundaries are defined by the CFA and MFB (Refer 8.5.3)

The various Brigade Districts and Station locations are indicated below:



7.0 RISK MANAGEMENT

Country Fire Authority (CFA), Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Statistics inform us that fires in the community occur in a wide range of circumstances.

Structural fires (houses and other building) are a common high statistic as are grass/bushland, refuse and vehicle fires. The everyday house is the location of the majority of Structural fires as well as the majority of injuries and fatalities.

In an effort to reduce the incidence and intensity of bush/grassland fires and building structure fires, prevention, and preparedness for first attack, protection and pre-suppression works need to be carried out to protect the residents, visitors, property, and the flora and fauna of this municipality.

The Municipal Fire Prevention Plan examines all fire risk environments including buildings within residential, commercial, industrial, public accommodation and health care development areas of public assembly, transportation and associated issues, as well as the vast areas of open space whether they are parks and reserves, urban bushland or agricultural/rural. The Municipal Fire Prevention Plan proposes strategies that will be employed to treat the fire risk environments within the municipality.

The Plan proposes to sensibly harmonise with the conservation issues as well as the strategies of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria in their efforts of fire prevention and protection on public lands; with other Authorities or Organisations identified; and also the Municipal Emergency Planning Committee in planning for emergency events.

7.1 Risk Management Approaches

The CFA and MFB have adopted a risk management approach to the development of fire prevention plans.

Risk management is about identifying risks within our environment and developing a methodology on how to manage that risk to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and severity of impact.

This plan has used a risk management approach to identify risks throughout the municipality and then developed strategies to remove or mitigate the occurrence of a fire.

The identification of a risk involves two elements. These are:

� The likelihood of a fire occurring, and

� The consequences of any event occurring



A matrix to assist in the establishment of a level for each identified risk is set out below:

The levels of risks are then set as being one of the following four levels.



7.2 Risk Environments

Nine priority risk environments have been identified and strategies developed. The risk environments are:

Agriculture and Farming Commercial Health Care

Industrial Public Accommodation Public Assembly

Residential Transport Urban Bushland

7.3 Risk Assessments & Treatments

The treatment / strategies developed may adopt some of the following solutions dependent on the approach considered:

APPROACHES SOLUTIONS

Regulation Building regulations,

Planning scheme zones and overlays,

Permit conditions, inspections

Planning Early evacuation plans

Fire drills and simulations

Early warning systems

Telephone trees

Education Information kits

Brigade visits

Targeted education programmes

Media, training, curriculum development

Teaching aids

Management Hazard reductions burning

Firebreaks

Work programs

Hydrant checks

Facility provision

Fire management plans

Community Involvement Community fireguard

Organisational development

Sponsorships

Volunteers

Technical Provision of facilities

New techniques

Updated equipment

New uses for old equipment



7.4 Implementation

The implementation of the Fire Prevention Plan involves several stages. The Plan is built upon working with the community and sharing the load and responsibility for fire prevention and protection activities. Implementation shall be by:

• The MFPC adopting a programme from the strategies developed which have the highest priorities. The strategies are implemented through the responsibility indicated.

• Resources to carry out the tasks are identified.

• The MFPC will oversee all strategies for the purpose of managing and monitoring progress of the programmes.

• The MFPC reviews the outcomes and the Plan’s progress for each year and monitoring the progress of strategy developments. This will allow for reassessment of programmes, consideration of resources required to carry out or finish a programme, new strategies to be introduced into the Plan and any change to the overall programme priorities.

• Ongoing liaison with the community.

• The Plan recognises numerous organisations that have a relationship with the MFPC but it can also bring together new players who have not had any previous relationship with the Committee.

The ongoing community liaison is important to the Plan’s continuing relevance to the community it serves. The MFPC may invite an organisation responsible for a strategy development to committee meetings or to their annual review, for the purpose of discussing progress of an activity or discussion on programmes to be implemented. It is also possible to consider inviting other community members to be a part of the MFPC, as per the CFA Act 1958, which will help broaden the base of the Committee and help share the load of responsibility for fire prevention.

Actions that are proposed or currently being carried out by Council / MFPC are listed under the risk environments in the following tables.



7.5 Risk Action Summary 2006-2010

Risk Environment

Action Responsibility Support agency

Timeline

Details Residential Hydrant marker check in commercial areas (100metres

radius of commercial perimeter) Hydrant marker check in Sunbury commercial area

MFPO

Completed 2006/07

Residential Meet with Western water regarding fire hydrant maintenance

MFPO Dec 08 Meeting held 2008 Completed

Residential Identification of premises (Street Numbering Initiative) MFPO / Sunbury CFA

Ongoing Commenced 2006

Urban Bushland Implement a quality procedure for work on days of total fire ban and during the fire danger period

MFPO / Hume Parks Mar 2007 Completed Attached in Wildfire Action Plan

Urban Bushland Strategic Fire Breaks Integrity � Dalrymple Rd � Settlement Rd

MFPO / Hume Parks

Jan 2007 2008

Works carried out 2007 Temporary closure/ grazing 2008

A zero tolerance approach to illegal burning whereby Vic Pol are notified when CFA attends an incident which is clearly Started by owner (or rep).

CFA / VIC POL

2008

Introduced

Residential Hydrant markers check in throughout municipality. Yarra Valley Water and Western water conduct inspections / programmed maintenance

Urban Bushland Meet with DSE / Parks Vic re Woodlands Historic Park Fire management arrangements

MFPO/ CFA / DSE / Parks

Vic

Commenced 2007

Meeting held annually

Expand knowledge and skills with Fire Prevention Officer course attendance Ensure ongoing refresher and awareness training

MFPO 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2 Parks Staff attended 1 City Laws Staff attended 2 City Laws Staff attended 2 City Laws Staff attended 2 Public Works Staff attended

Residential Implement Unsightly premises’ inspection process to achieve year round vacant block (fuel level) compliance.

MFPO / Coordinator City

Laws

2006 2008 2009

Program commenced Program amended Program implemented



7.6 Risk Action Summary 2010-13

Risk Environment


Timeline

Details Commercial Urban Bushland

Melbourne Airport Grey Box Forest identified as a significant risk

MELB AIRPORT MANAGEMENT CFA / MFB

Pre season CFA / Melbourne Airport to determine Management Plan

Agriculture Firewood Collection on Rural Roadsides–Old Sydney Rd

MFPO 2010 Review arrangements

Urban Bushland Residential

Fire Action week; arrange Hard waste/Fire season clean out during Fire Action Week to prepare rural land owners for bushfire season

MFPO W&LEO

2010 Action: Conduct annual clean out days for Fire Sensitive Towns to reduce fuel around homes

Residential Identification of premises (Street Numbering Initiative)

MFPO / Sunbury CFA Ongoing Status to be defined

Residential Urban Bushland Industrial

Undertake property inspections under Section 41 of the CFA Act in conjunction with local CFA Brigades. Issue Fire Prevention Notices to owner/occupier whose property contains a fire /potential fire hazard.

MFPO CITYLAWS

Annually

Residential Urban Bushland Industrial Commercial

Undertake/coordinate inspection and maintenance of fire plugs and markers.

YARRA Valley water CFA

Ongoing

Urban Bushland Commercial Residential Urban Bushland Industrial

Undertake clearance of vegetation from power lines in the Declared Areas in accordance with the Code of Practice

Parks Hume Annually

Residential Commercial Industrial

Inspection of all properties within all urban areas to ensure that there are no unacceptable fire hazards. The issuing of notices and appropriate follow up for the removal of fire hazards in Urban areas as required under Section 41 of the CFA Act.

MFPO CITYLAWS

Ongoing



Risk Environment


Timeline

Details Industrial Residential Commercial

When inspecting buildings, ensure that exits are unobstructed and functioning as required by the relevant legislation.

MBS

Ongoing

Agriculture Urban Bushland

Maintain current static water supplies as identified in Plan. Identify and recommend new Static water location

MFPC MFPO

Technical Services Dept

ANNUALLY 3 NEW LOCATIONS PROPOSED FOR 2010

Industrial Residential Commercial

Alleviate the risk through Strategic identification of priority access roads, control lines, and fire Access Roads and, undertake maintenance as required. Undertake appropriate works to ensure the safety of the travelling public and provide safe access for Emergency Services in the time of fire.

MFPC MFPO

PARKS Hume Public Works and Services Dept

ANNUALLY

All environments Develop, implement and maintain up to date emergency management and fire prevention information on the Council web site and other mediums as needed.

Ongoing

All environments Distribute fire education and awareness material through Council offices and fire Stations.

MFPO

MARKETING & COMMS Online

Communications Officer

Ongoing

All environments Identification of water carriers for availability to provide water in fire events

PARKS Hume Public Works and Services Dept

Annually

Risk management, including the inspection of Essential Safety Measures. A minimum of 100 properties per year on a random basis as necessary. Provide information to owners/occupiers as required. Follow up with inspections and application of enforcement under the BCA as necessary.

MBS

Ongoing

Agriculture Residential

Regulate burning off during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) utilising inspection processes and Schedule 12, 13 & 14. Issue permits to burn in accordance with the agreed policy Enforce relevant legislation relating to burning off on private land.

MFPO CITYLAWS

Annually



8.0 OTHER AUTHORITIES AND ORGANISATIONS

The CFA Guidelines promote links and involvement of other agencies and authorities as well as other existing policies or strategies that involve the issue of fire management or a related issue.

There are a number of other authorities and organisations that share the responsibility for fire prevention, protection and pre-suppression activities.

Historically many of these authorities have been Government owned and as such, under the CFA Act 1958, Section 43(1), were required to be responsible for land and property under their control or management. With the privatisation of many authorities and leasing of lands, numerous new entities exist that now fall under the umbrella of management and control of lands in country Victoria.

This means that the Council, through the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer and Municipal Fire Prevention Committee, have a responsibility to advocate for the prevention of the occurrence of fires or the spread of fires on what were previously government authorities.

This section is dedicated to listing all the authorities that are acknowledged as having an impact on our environment through their roles in fire prevention and protection activities. The following list is those authorities and organisations which are seen as our partners in the effort to mitigating the opportunity of any fire occurring.

8.1 Vic Roads

Vic Roads is the Authority responsible for the construction and maintenance of the State Highways, Freeways, Main Roads, Forest Roads, Tourist Roads and Stock Routes.

The objective of roadside slashing is to maintain a suitable dimensioned vehicle movement zone, sight distance for users, reduced fuel loads and a clear distance off the road carriageway. The major objective overall being the safety of road users.

Vic Roads have developed a Code of Practice for Fire Prevention on Declared Road Reserves and this is used as a reference document for the issue of standards to be achieved and the treatment of slashing works or other fire prevention works along the road system.

8.2 Railways

Vic Track owns the railway corridor and infrastructure throughout the municipality. Vic Track leases the corridor and infrastructure to the Director of Public Transport who then sub-lease to various operators.

Within the municipality there are 3 distinct tracks with Two (2) broad gauge tracks operated by V/Line and Metro, and One (1) standard gauge track operated by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)



� Two (2) broad gauge tracks operated by V/Line and Metro

One (1) Standard gauge track operated by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)



8.3 Water Authorities

The Water Authorities servicing the municipality are City West Water, Western Water, and Yarra Valley Water. The importance of these Authorities is in their role as the provider of reticulated water to the developed urban areas and the provision and maintenance of fire hydrants.

A working relationship with the Authorities is necessary, as their importance in the supply, location and Standard of hydrants and water mains, is unquestionable.

8.4 Catchment Management Authorities

Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) has taken over the role of Waterway Management Authorities and Catchment and Land Protection (CALP) Boards, with the exclusion, at this Stage, of the Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority.

The primary goal of catchment management is given in the document, Future Arrangements for Catchment Management in Victoria as “To ensure the sustainable development of natural-based industries, the protection of land and water resources and the conservation of Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage”. (1997, p7)



8.5 Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)

The DSE is considered a partner with the MFPC in the endeavour to carry out fire prevention and protection works. Public Authorities are responsible for land under their control.

DSE is responsible for land under their control as per the Forests Act 1958, National Parks Act 1975 and the CFA Act 1958. Hume City Council falls within the Midlands Fire district in the south West Region (Midlands Fire district Office at Ballarat).

There is no marginal mile (1.5km) land within the municipality that would require DSE to issue permits to burn within that 1.5km zone of public land. The MFPO thus is responsible for the fire planning and control around public lands without reference to DSE, unless DSE is an adjoining landowner (Standard permit condition).

For the Midlands Fire District Fire Protection Plans: www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Every year DSE develops a Fire Operations Plan (FOP) that outlines the location of prescribed burns for fuel reduction and ecological values, proposed forest road construction operations and proposed mechanical hazard reduction operations over the next three years with an emphasis on year one of the plans.

Every Fire District prepares a three-year FOP containing:

� A schedule and map showing proposed fuel reduction burning and ecological burning;

� Any new preparedness works, such as the construction of new roads and fire infrastructure;

� A summary of prevention related education and enforcement programs; and

� A detailed schedule of prevention and preparedness works planned for the immediate twelve-month period.

Fire Protection Plans are prepared to ensure that wildfire prevention and suppression activities on public land in Victoria are conducted in an effective, operationally safe, environmentally sensitive and cost-efficient manner. Each Fire Protection Plan has four main strategies: wildfire prevention, wildfire preparedness, wildfire suppression and wildfire recovery.

Midlands Fire District includes the following public land areas relevant to Hume City Council:

• Organ Pipes National Park

• Woodlands Historic Park

• Mt. Ridley East Plains Grasslands

• Holden Flora Reserve

• Cooper St Grassland

8.6 Parks Victoria: Whilst Parks Victoria has a day to day management role over certain public lands including the carrying out of fire prevention activities, the overall responsibility for “fire protection” of all such public lands remains with DSE. All fire prevention and protection activities by Parks Victoria are carried out in consultation with DSE and in accordance with specific site Management Plans and Divisional Fire Protection Plan.

For Parks Victoria Emergency Management Plan - www.dse.vic.gov.au



8.7 SPECIAL PLANS

These plans relate to specific fire risks within the municipality and detail or reference fire prevention measures proposed. The following authorities provide Fire Prevention Plans for Councils information and reference.

� Melbourne Airport

� Greenvale Reservoir - Melbourne Water

� Railways

� Vic Roads

� DSE Fire Operations Plan

� Broadmeadows Valley Park


Issue: 2 Date: SEPTEMBER 2010 Revision No: E Page: 26

APPENDIX A Management Arrangements 1. MEMBERSHIP, DISTRIBUTION LIST AND RECORD The following organisations or authorities are committee members and listed for distribution of the Fire Prevention Plan and a record of the distribution, including amendments.

Members

Manager Services MFPO

Coordinator City Laws Asst. MFPO/H.C.C.

Team Leader City Laws Asst. MFPO/H.C.C.

Coordinator Turf Management Parks Hume

Manager Community Infrastructure, Region 14 CFA

OIC Greenvale Fire Brigade / MFPC rep

Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Northern Zone

Hume Group Region 14 & Wildwood Brigade Rep

Romsey Region 14 Group / Clarkefield

Mt. Cottrell Region 14 Group

Bulla Brigade

Clarkefield Brigade

Craigieburn Brigade

Diggers Rest Brigade

Greenvale Fire Brigade

Kal Kallo Brigade

Riddells Creek Brigade

Sunbury Brigade

Wildwood Brigade

Team Leader Routine Operations, Vic Roads

Parks Vic

For information:

Coordinator Open Space, Parks Hume

Snr Arboriculture Officer, Parks Hume

Vic Roads – Regional Emergency Management Officer

Coordinator Public Works & Services, Hume City Council

Brimbank Park, Parks Victoria

CFA Region 14 Operations Officer

Asst. MFPO / HCC



MEMBERSHIP, DISTRIBUTION LIST AND RECORD (cont’d)

The MFPO shall provide a copy of the approved Plan to all those organisations and public authorities listed. All amendments to the Plan shall be forwarded to those organisations and public authorities for updating purposes.

NUMBER of COPIES ISSUED

PLAN ISSUED TO

9 Country Fire Authority - All local Brigades

3 Country Fire Authority - Group Officers

1 Country Fire Authority - Regional HQ’s (Region 14) – General Manager

1 Country Fire Authority - Manager Community Safety Region 14

1 Metropolitan Fire Brigade – Northern Region

2 Parks Victoria (Greenvale Reservoir and Organ Pipes National Park)

1 Dept of Sustainability, Midlands Fire District

1 Hume City Council – CEO

1

Hume City Council - Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Note: The Master Copy of the MFPP is to be retained on the City records

1 Hume City Council Building Surveyor

3 Hume City Council – Asst Fire Prevention Officers

2 Hume City Council – Parks Hume (Coordinators Turf Management and Open Space

1 Vic Roads – Phil Burga, Team Leader Routine Operations

2. AMENDMENT SUMMARY

ISSUE REV PAGE/S REVISION/ISSUE DESCRIPTION DATE A 1 All First Controlled Copy 6 Aug

2007

B 1 Page 10 Page 17 Page 18 Appendix A – Page 22 Appendix B1 – Pages 26 to 44

5.9 – Engineering Lifelines 7.5 – Risk Action Summary 2006/07 7.6 – Risk Action Summary 2007/08 Distribution List and Record Wildfire Management Plan

28 Nov 2008

C 1 Appendix A – page 22 Appendix B1 – Pages 25-44

Distribution List & Record and Amendment Summary B1 - Wildfire Management Plan

18 Feb 2009

D 1 All Draft March 2010

E 2 All Second Controlled Copy September 2010

AUTHORISED BY

DATE September 2010


Issue: 2 Date: September 2010 Revision No: E Page: 28

3. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ARFF Aviation Rescue and Firefighting (Air Services Australia) CERM Community Emergency Risk Management CFA Country Fire Authority DHS Department of Human Services DNRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment DOI Department of Infrastructure DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment EMA Emergency Response Coordinator GIS Geographic Information System/s MAV Municipal Association Victoria MECC Municipal Emergency Co-ordination Centre MEMPC Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee MERC Municipal Emergency Response Co-coordinator MFB Metropolitan Fire Brigade MFESB Municipal Fire and Emergency Services Board MFPO Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Vic Roads Roads Corporation VICSES Victorian State Emergency Service VFRR Victorian Fire Risk Registry VWA Victorian Workcover Authority

4. GLOSSARY OF RELEVANT TERMS

Buffer Zone: Width of cleared area between identified risk area and protected area. Should be of sufficient width to reduce the intensity of a fire to aid in the efforts to defend the protected area.

Command: The direction of human and material resources of an agency in the performance of that agency’s roles and tasks

Control: The overall direction of activities in an emergency response situation

Control Agency: An agency nominated to control the response activities to a specified type of emergency

Co-ordinate Co-ordination: The bringing together of agencies and resources to ensure effective response to and recover from emergencies, primarily concerned with the systematic acquisition and application of required resources

Country Area of Victoria: Means that part of Victoria which lies outside the metropolitan fire district, but does not include any forest, national park or protected public land as Stated in the CFA Act 1958.

Declared Road System: Signifies a freeway, State highway, main road, tourist road, forest road or Stock route.

Emergency Management: The organisation and management of resources for dealing with all aspects of emergencies [Act]. Emergency management involves the plans, Structures and arrangements which are established to bring together the normal endeavours of government, voluntary and private agencies in a comprehensive and co-ordinate way to deal with the whole spectrum of emergency needs including prevention, response and recovery.

Fire Danger Period: In respect of country areas of Victoria, the period in which the lighting of fires is restricted in accordance with the CFA Act.



Fire Danger Rating (FDR): A Fire Danger Rating is a prediction of fire behaviour, including how hard it would be to put out a fire once it starts (Reference http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/residents/summer/firedangerratings.htm )

Fire Hazard: Any material which presents a serious risk of fire by being easily ignitable or difficult to extinguish and/or by virtue of its position, if ignited would be likely to present a threat to life, property or other assets. Fire hazard reduction: The reduction, removal or elimination of flammable hazards. Fire prevention: Activities undertaken to minimise the incidence of fire. Fire prevention notice: Notice served by MFPO on landowner to clear a specified fire hazard or potential hazard. Fire protection: All activities to protect life, property and assets. Fire risk; a place where the incidence of fire is high or likely to be high, or the probability of a fire starting is high. Fire season: The period of the year during which wildfires are likely to occur and spread. Metropolitan District: Means the metropolitan fire district constituted under the MFB Act 1958.This is land that is not within the “Country Area of Victoria” or the CFA Districts. Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB): Government body that is responsible for responding to incidences of fire, as well as the risk of fire within the Metropolitan District. Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO): -A municipal appointee responsible to the municipal council for ensuring the co-ordination of municipal resources to be used in emergency response, in particular in the response to fire. Prohibited Period: The period during which lighting fires is restricted: (i) With respect to any State forest, national park or Protected Public Land - the whole of the year,

(ii) With respect to any fire protected area other than (i) - a period declared by the Minister of DNRE. Public Authority: Means any board commission or trust or other body corporate or unincorporated established or constituted by or under any Act for any public purpose, whether in respect of the whole or any part of Victoria, but does not include a municipal council. Public land: Protected public land, State forest or national park under the control of government departments or DNRE. Wildfire: Any unplanned fire in the natural environment requiring suppression action.



APPENDIX B1

WILDFIRE

MANAGEMENT

PLAN



APPENDIX B: B1: Wildfire Management Plan INDEX Page No.

1.0 Introduction Primary / Secondary and Amenity Strategic Fire Breaks Program ............. 32

2.0 Fire Breaks Works Schedule .................................................................................... .......... 32

2.1 Primary Strategic Fire Breaks Program................................................................... 32

2.1.1 Primary Fire Breaks – Slashed 3 metre cut & fence to fence (1st cut) ........................ 32

2.1.2 Bare Earth Fire Breaks (ploughed and graded) ...................................................... 33

2.2 Secondary Strategic Fire Breaks Program ............................................................. 34

2.2.1 Secondary Fire Breaks – Slashed fence to fence (2nd cut) ....................................... 34

2.2.2 Off road Slashed Fire Breaks (ploughed and graded) ............................................. 34

2.3 Amenity Breaks ......................................................................................................... 35

3.0 Fire Access Roads................................................................................................................ 36

4.0 Load Limit Bridges ............................................................................................................... 37

5.0 Fire Danger Rating (FDR) ..................................................................................................... 37

5.1 Location of Fire Danger Rating Boards .......................................................................... 37

5.2 Fire Danger Period Signage ......................................................................................... 38

6.0 Water Supply ..................................................................................................... ................ 38

6.1 Reticulated Water+ ............................................................................................... 38-39

6.2 Dams ...................................................................................................................... 39

7.0 Static Water Supply Tanks ................................................................................................... 39

8.0 Township Protection Plans (TPPs)...................................................................................... 40

9.0 Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) ................................................................................. 40

10.0 Community Fire Refuges (CFR) ......................................................................................... 40

11.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES

11.1 Standard Operating Procedure No. 1:Fire Prevention Works............................................ 41-42

11.2 Standard Operating Procedure No. 2: Schedule 12 Permits Permit to Burn by a Brigade........... 43

11.3 Standard Operating Procedure No. 3: Schedule 13 Permits Permit to Burn by an Individual ...... 43

11.4 Application for Permit to Burn during the Fire Danger Period............................................ 44-45

11.5 S.O.P.-Mowing Operations during Fire Danger Period & Total Fire Ban............................. 46-47

12.0 Contact directory- Public Service Authorities Contact list .............................................. 48



1.0 Introduction Primary / Secondary and Amenity Strategic Fire Breaks Program This plan defines all municipal works planned and proposed to be implemented for protection of residential areas and particularly the rural urban interface from a wildfire event 2.0 Fire Breaks Works Schedule 66y

Works

Responsibility

Description & Standard

Primary Fire Breaks

Parks & Open Space as per Section 2.2

2 Stage Slashing Maximum 100mm Height after cut. First Cut: Late Oct to early November 3 Meter cut from Road shoulder or to Fence line whichever occurs first. Second Cut Mid Nov to late December Fence line to Fence line All Priority Roads Starting in the South

Secondary Fire Breaks


1 Stage Slashing Program Mid Nov to late December Cut Fence line to Fence line Grass cut down to Maximum 100 mm All designated Roads Starting in the South

Amenity Fire breaks


1 Stage Slashing Program Mid Nov to late December Cut Fence line to Fence line Grass cut down to Maximum 100 mm All designated Roads Starting in the South

Vacant Urban Rural Blocks

MFPO / City Laws

Slashing: Cut all Grass & Weeds to height of not more than 100mm Remove Combustible debris. Trim fence lines to maximum 100mm throughout Municipality as per Notices October to December

Bare Earth Breaks

MFPO / Citylaws / Public Works and Services Team per Section 2.1.2

Ploughed or Graded Breaks 20 or 30 meters width all vegetation cleared Mid Nov to end December.

Slashed Breaks

MFPO / City Laws Slashed Breaks 30 meters break Grass to 80mm maximum height. Mid Nov to late December

Fire Access Roads

Public Works and Services Team as per Section 3.0

Regrade / Maintain to be accessible for Fire / Emergency Vehicles October / November

Property Safety

MFPO / Citylaws

To provide firebreaks to nominated Hazard areas in the rural or Rural Residential areas. 5 metre Width to 75mm maximum if no residence adjacent to or on site or 10 metre width if residence on site or adjacent.



2.1 Primary Strategic Fire Breaks Program 2.1.1 Primary Fire Breaks – Slashed 3 metre cut & fence to fence (1st cut) Priority order from the south to the north 2.1.2 Bare Earth Fire Breaks (ploughed and graded)

Name of road Description Melway

Bardwell Dve Mickleham Rd to Konagaderra Rd 365

Bulla Diggers Rest Rd Sunbury Rd to Calder Hwy interchange 352

Craigieburn Rd Merri Creek to Oaklands Rd 385

Dalrymple Rd Riddell Rd to Jacksons Creek boundary 361

Donnybrook Rd Mickleham Rd to Merri Creek boundary 365

Feehans Rd Wildwood Rd north to end 383

Gellies Rd Wildwood Rd south to Lancefield Rd 383

Konagaderra Rd Craigieburn Rd to Havelock Rd (boundary) 385

Lancefield Rd Sunbury Rd to Konagaderra Rd (boundary) 363

Mickleham Rd Tullamarine Fwy to city boundary 385

Mt Ridley Rd Konagaderra Rd to Hume hwy (to Grand blvd) 365

Mundy Rd Dalrymple Rd to Calder Hwy interchange 361

Oaklands Rd Somerton Rd to Craigieburn Rd 176

Riddell Rd Phillip Dve to Jacksons Creek boundary 361

Settlement Rd east Riddell Rd to Jacksons Creek boundary 361

Settlement Rd west Riddell Rd to Dalrymple Rd 361

Somerton Rd Wildwood Rd to Mickleham Rd 176

Sunbury Rd Airport to Lancefield Rd 176

Wildwood Rd south Bulla Rd to Wildwood Rd north 383

Locality Timing-December

Goonawarra (Spyglass Court north of built-up area) Goonawarra alongside path from Spyglass Court to Balbethan Drive Racecourse Road to Elizabeth Drive north of built up area and north of Sherwood Estate.

Jackson's Hill Estate landholder/developer

Sunbury

Bundanoon Estate from opposite Phillip Drive to the Parkway landholder/developer

Craigieburn

North Of Craigieburn- North and West of built-up area By landholder/developer

Somerton

Merri Creek extending from Eastern end of Barry Road up to Cooper Street. From Cooper St to approx Jesica Rd in Campbellfield by Metro Link

Attwood Southern boundaries bare earth



2.2 Secondary Strategic Fire Breaks Program 2.2.1 Secondary Fire Breaks - Slashed fence to fence (2nd cut)


Annandale Rd South Centre Rd to Arundel Rd 4

Arundel Rd Maribyrnong river boundary to McNabbs Rd 4

Balbethan Dve Melbourne / Lancefield Rd to Stockwell Dve 363

Barbiston Rd McNabb to end 4

Blackwells Lane Wildwood Rd to Somerton Rd 177

Brendan Rd Somerton Rd to Hillview Rd 178

Brookville Dve Summerhill Rd to Donnybrook Rd 387

Clifford’s Rd Somerton Rd to end 180

Cookes Rd Mickleham Rd to end 385

Crinnion Rd Watsons Rd to Bulla Diggers Rest Rd 352

Duncans Lane Watsons Rd to Calder Fwy 352

Dunhelen Lane Mickleham Rd to end 385

Emu Creek Rd Emu Flats Rd to Southern Plains Rd 383

Emu Flats Rd Wildwood Rd north to end 383

French Rd Somerton Rd to Hillview Rd 178

Gap Rd Wilsons Lane to Calder hwy 381

Hillview Rd Mickleham Rd to Brendan Rd 178

Kinnear Rd Mickleham Rd to end 365

Loemans Rd Bulla Diggers Rest Rd to Cooper Rd 176

Mitchells Lane Wilsons Lane to Calder hwy 381

Palmers Rd Riddell Rd to end 361

Parkland Cres Mount Ridley Rd to Bardwell Dve 365

Providence Rd Mickleham Rd to Somerton Rd 178

Raes Rd Stockwell Dve to Melbourne / Lancefield Rd 363

Reservoir Rd Wilsons Lane to Calder hwy 381

Section Rd Providence Rd to Somerton Rd 178

Southern Plains Rd Gellies Rd to end 383

Stockwell Dve Balbethan Dve to Raes Rd 363

Sullivans Rd Settlement Rd east to end 361

Summerhill Rd Hume Hwy to Merri creek boundary 387

Watsons Rd Old Vineyard Rd to Crinnion Rd 352

Whites Lane Craigieburn Rd west to Olivers Rd 386

Wildwood Rd north Gellies Rd to Konagaderra Rd 383

Wilsons Lane Mitchells Lane to Reservoir Rd 381



2.2.2 Off Road Slashed Fire Breaks (ploughed and graded)

2.3 Amenity Breaks

Amenity Breaks are breaks installed into communities to ensure linkages are maintained between secondary breaks or to provide isolated protection to rural residential areas.


Albert Rd Racecourse Rd to Spavin Dve 362

Amaroo Rd Brookville Dve to Freeway interchange 387

Bonds Lane Mickleham Rd to Somerton Rd 178

Buckley Rd Crinnion Rd to Watsons Rd 352

Carawa Dve Old Sydney Rd to end (1.2 klms) 365

Coopers Rd End of Loemans Rd 176

Craigieburn Rd west ext Konagaderra Rd to end of road 385

Deverall Rd Mundy Rd to Dalrymple Rd 361

Dillon Rd Duncans Lane to end 352

Glencoe Dve Duncans Lane to end 352

Green St Bulla Rd to Wildwood Rd 383

Lance Rd Buckley to end 352E4

Maninga Park Crt McLeods Rd. to end 352

McLeods Rd Duncans Lane to end 352

McNabbs Rd Arundel Rd to Mansfield Rd 4

Moore Rd Vineyard Rd to Gap Rd

Morefield Crt Bulla Diggers Rest Rd to end 352

Old Riddell Rd 1 Green Gables to Start of Old Riddell 2 361

Old Riddell Rd 2 End of Old Riddell 1 to Riddell Rd 361

Old Vineyard Rd Vineyard Rd Watsons Rd 352

Olivers Rd Whites lane to end 386

Patullos Lane Hume Hwy to railway line 180

Racecourse Rd Hopbush Ave to end 362

Redstone Hill Rd Sunbury Rd to end 383

St Johns Rd Wildwood Rd south to end 177

Uniting lane Sunbury Rd to Bulla cemetery 177

Wileman Rd Gap Rd to Reservoir Rd 381

Locality Description

Wildwood

Picnic Creek Reserves- Wildwood Bridge / Emu Creek Bridge / Konagaderra Bridge

Kalkallo North of Township Slashed by Landholder

Attwood Mickleham Rd to Transmission Line North boundaries

Riddells Creek Picnic Creek Reserves/ Settlement Road Bridge and at Red rock Somerton

Area occupied by the MetroLink development (Creek managed by the Merri Creek Management Committee MCMC). Merri Creek Management Committee (Megan Jericho or Katrina Roberg) Ph 9380 8199. Land owner Salta Group, to place slashed breaks at the rear of the factories.



3.0 FIRE ACCESS ROADS

Fire Access Roads are Roads which provide either access to high risk potential fire areas, (these being not generally available for public access or transit) or a safe evacuation route.

The CFA provides funding to Councils for the establishment of Fire Access Roads (with Council making a contribution). Once established, Council is responsible for ongoing maintenance requirements of the Fire Access Roads. Maintenance includes:

• Annual inspection (due October), followed by monthly monitoring through to April. • Carry out remedial grading, drainage filling of low spots etc. prior to Christmas.

Council has also established Fire Access Roads with municipal funds as a result of Brigades highlighting problem areas requiring improved vehicle access. The table below identifies the Fire Access Roads and maintenance requirements.

Location Requirements

Wildwood

SPAusnet Track adjacent to Konagaderra Bridge SPAusnet responsible

SPAusnet Track from Feehans Road to Bungarra SPAusnet responsible

Palmers Lane to Jackson's Crk Annual inspection

Greensfield Tracks [private land] Annual inspection

Sunbury

Racecourse Road to Settlement Road West Annual Maintenance

Fox Hollow / Jackson Hill Annual Maintenance

Kismet Creek Reserve West of Elizabeth Drive Annual inspection

Kismet - West of Elizabeth drive Annual inspection

Sherwood Estate; Rear of Yellowgum Blvd / Above Rupertswood Station (Salesian College Land)

Annual inspection Annual inspection

Settlement Rd West to Dalrymple Rd Annual maintenance

Rear of Enterprize Dr Access through Reserve Annual inspection

The Nook (At end of Vaughn St Sunbury north of Jackson's Creek)

Annual inspection

Greenvale

Mt Ridley Road Annual maintenance ` Annual maintenance

Diggers Rest

Organ Pipes : Loemans Rd to Calder Hwy Information

Riddells Creek

Palmers Lane to Creek & Konagaderra Rd Annual Maintenance

Melbourne Water track to Attwood Annual Maintenance

Other

Union Drive, Somerton Annual Maintenance



4.0 LOAD LIMIT BRIDGES

A bridge with a Load Limit of less than 12 tonnes will not be trafficable to most fire fighting vehicles. Bridges considered essential and not meeting this criteria will be recommended to Council for upgrading.

Load Limited Bridges include: Malcolm (Nook) St Bridge Kalkallo has been repaired. Fire Fighting Trucks can use this bridge and wheels must remain on the running deck otherwise may cause bridge failure. The 2 (two) tonne load limit car sign will remain.

5.0 FIRE DANGER RATING (FDR)

A Fire Danger Rating is a prediction of fire behaviour, including how hard it would be to put out a fire once it starts.

It provides information on:

The sort of bushfire behaviour that could be experienced on that day type of threat bushfires may pose to life and property on any day given the forecast weather conditions and

Provides an alert you to determine what action is appropriate to be taken in the circumstances

Fire Danger Ratings will be a feature of weather forecasts and is an alert to the actions to take in preparation for and on the day. It will be in newspapers, broadcast on radio, TV and on websites.

5.1 Location of Fire Danger Rating Boards :

Sunbury Road at Melbourne Airport Macedon St, Sunbury Kal Kallo Fire Station, 661 Donnybrook Rd, Kal Kallo Cnr. David Munroe Drive & Somerton Rd, Roxburgh Park Outside Craigieburn Golf Course, Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn

RATING Recommended Action

CODE RED (Catastrophic):

If you live in a bushfire prone area the safest option is to leave the night before, or early in the morning.

EXTREME: The safest option is to leave early in the day if you live in a bushfire prone area and your Bushfire Survival Plan is to leave. Only Stay if your home is well prepared, well constructed and you can actively defend it.

SEVERE: The safest option is to le early in the day if you live in a bushfire prone area and your Bushfire Survival Plan is to le. Only Stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it.

VERY HIGH: If you live in a bushfire prone area and your Bushfire Survival Plan is to le, the safest option is to le at the beginning of a day.

HIGH: Check your Bushfire Survival Plan

LOW–MODERATE:

Check your Bushfire Survival Plan



5.2 Fire Danger Period signage

Signage advising of landowner requirements during the declared Fire Danger Period will be erected on the first day of the declared period and removed on the final day of the period.

The location of Fire Danger period Signage is as follows:

Riddell Rd near Jackson's Creek Bridge Dalrymple Rd near Municipal Boundary Calder Hwy near Duncan's Lane Sunbury near Loemans Northside Sunbury Rd near Oakland's Rd Mickleham Rd near Craigieburn Rd Mickleham Rd near primary school x 2 (one each side of road) Mickleham near Alien St Somerton Rd near Pascoe Vale Rd Calder Hwy near Oakland's Rd Konagaderra Rd near Wildwood Rd Craigieburn Hume Highway off ramp - northbound Hume Highway near Somerton Rd Vineyard Sunbury Mickleham Rd and Bardwell Drive. Wildwood Rd at Wildwood bridge Wildwood Rd at top of Emu Creek Old Sydney Road (Shire of Mitchell Border) Mt Ridley Rd (Hume Hwy End)

6.0 Water Supply 6.1 Reticulated Water Reticulated Water Supplies are available to each of the larger townships and urban areas. Water Authorities responsible for this function are:

City West Water South of airport and includes Tullamarine

Western Water Sunbury, Bulla, Diggers Rest, Rural Areas from Oaklands Junction to Settlement Rd. Mains Water is available along parts of Riddell Rd, Settlement Rd West and Palmers Road.



Yarra Valley Water Metropolitan area, Broadmeadows, Greenvale to Craigieburn, including Tullamarine and area south of Airport. Contact details for each authority are indicated on the Contact List in the Municipal Prevention Plan. In the remainder of the municipality, rivers, Streams, farm dams and strategically located tanks provide the bulk of fire fighting water supplies. Additional and / or alternative water points can be identified by reference to the DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment – web site Emergency Water Supply Points. (EWSP): http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/saving/farms/emergency-supply Reticulated Ready vehicular access is available at all outlets which are indicated by Water: fire plug markers or blue cats eye markers. High Pressure: Location of Stand Pipes:

⊗ Somerton Road, Greenvale (near Greenvale Reservoir)

6.2 Dams

Refer to Map C. Note water bodies are available as follows: � in subdivisional development in Roxburgh Park, and � Jackson's Creek, � Deep Creek, � Emu Creek, and � Old Quarry hole Melbourne airport, and � Sunbury Landfill. The approx. capacity of the Lower and Upper leachate holding ponds are:

• Lower pond – 10,800,000 litres, assuming Ave. depth of 3 metres • Upper pond – 10,800,000 litres, assuming Ave. depth of 2 metres

7.0 STATIC WATER SUPPLY TANKS

CFA Approval for Fire Static Water Tanks to be installed 2010/2011 to following locations

Location Capacity

Konagaderra Rd, Wildwood & Palmers Lane (private road), Clarkefield 2 Tanks

John Laffin Memorial Reserve, Donnybrook Rd, Kalkallo 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

Outside Kal Kallo Fire Station, Donnybrook Road, Kalkallo 2 water tanks x 35,000 litres

Cnr. Brookville & Kinlock Ct., Craigieburn 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

Cnr. Lancefield Rd & Clark Ct., Sunbury 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

Mickleham (nearest Street is Kinnear), Mickleham 2 water tanks x 35,000 litres

Mickleham Road & Bardwell Drive, Mickleham 2 water tanks x 35,000 litres

Freehand Road, Wildwood 2 water tanks x 35,000 litres

Loemans, Bulla 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

Coopers Rd, Bulla 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

Konagaderra Rd, Oaklands Junction (200m east of Bridge – Mel Ref 365 B8) 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

Mickleham Road at Primary School, Mickleham 1 water tank x 35,000 litres

North of Donnybrook Road on Old Sydney Road, Donnybrook 1 water tank x 35,000 litres



8.0 TOWNSHIP PROTECTION PLANS

Township Protection Plans are developed by fire agencies and local communities to address specific local needs in areas most vulnerable to fire. TPPs provide township-specific information to enable residents/visitors and emergency services to make a quick, informed and planned response to a fire. They contain a map with specific information including locations of access roads, police, fire stations and schools. There are no TPPs for townships in the municipality.

9.0 NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES

A Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP) is not a community fire refuge or emergency relief centre. NSPs are places of last resort during the passage of a bushfire and are intended to be used by persons whose primary bushfire plans have failed. NSPs are places of relative safety only. They do not guarantee the survival of those who assemble there. Furthermore, there may be serious risks to safety encountered in travelling, and seeking access, to NSPs during bushfire events. Depending on the direction of a particular fire, it may not be a safer place to assemble than other places within the municipal district. It is intended to provide a place of relative safety, but does not guarantee the survival of those who assemble there, and should only be accessed when personal bushfire survival plans cannot be implemented or have failed. For those Councils whose municipal district falls within both a CFA region and the Metropolitan Fire District (“MFD”), or borders the MFD but is within the CFA region the Council must consider:


• the following considerations: � adequacy of egress routes out of the area being considered for an NSP, including

number of egress routes. � whether egress routes are major or minor roadways. � the type and amount of vegetation along key egress routes; and � the capacity of egress routes to accommodate potentially large numbers of vehicles

and to accommodate potential vehicle breakdowns).

The MFPC has formed the view that, based on: • Vegetation through Hume being primarily grasslands / shrubland with isolated

woodland, and • That the fire risk is manageable within existing controls afforded by the Municipal Fire

Prevention Plan and planning / preparation by DSE and CFA, and • That the available egress routes from the rural areas replicate the Strategic Fire break

network, and consist of high quality well designed and constructed roads, that • Residents in rural areas would be better served by escaping the area using the road

network to reach nearby urban areas for safety. • There are no NSP’s designated in the municipality.

10.0 COMMUNITY FIRE REFUGES (CFR)

There are no CFR’s in the municipality.



11.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES

11.1 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE No 1 FIRE PREVENTION WORKS (BLOCK & FIRE BREAK SLASHING /CLEARING & EDUCATION PROGRAM):

Review previous year specification AUGUST

Amend specification if required AUGUST

Cross check specification with Parks Manager AUGUST

Check currency of Tender AUGUST

Advertise Tender (early) SEPTEMBER

Close Tender (late) SEPTEMBER

Evaluate and Awakener OCTOBER

Newspaper Advertising OCTOBER

FIRE PREVENTION NOTICES (FPN):

Liaise with Property System for form of notice/printing/supply: AUGUST

Determine information content of notice SEPTEMBER

Gather information regarding non-urban areas to receive notice SEPTEMBER

Liaise with Property Owners for Primary/Secondary Breaks OCT / NOV

Produce attachment of Slashing Contractors OCTOBER

Print F.P.N. for Blocks NOVEMBER

F.P.N. to be personally taken to Post Office and posted NOVEMBER

Strategic Breaks completed NOVEMBER

Compliance required by last weekend in November NOVEMBER

INSPECTION and WORKS INSTRUCTION:

Rural Residential Precincts inspected for F.P.N. NOVEMBER

M.F.P.O. commence inspections non-complying blocks to be DEC (Wk. 1) Photographed and instructions issued on daily basis for prevention works

Fire Hazards not originally identified to be picked up and F.D.N. issued

Prevention Works Contractors to take BEFORE and DEC (Wk. 2/3) AFTER photographs with Signboard defining property



COMPLAINTS regarding Fire Hazards:

Complaints received by Customer Service Staff and recorded in Proclaim-Merit System on a daily basis.

MFPO to regularly inspect Proclaim and respond to complaints if not already handled:

• feedback phone call • inspection • FDN issued • FDN follow up

Actions taken by MFPO to be recorded in Register

Complaints to be handled courteously, promptly and feedback provided. PAYMENTS FOR WORKS:

Non-complying block landholders to be collated JANUARY and forwarded to Finance for issue of Invoices.

Invoices to be accompanied by Infringement Notices for first offenders. FEBRUARY

Finance to raise invoices and return to City Laws for mail out with infringements FEBRUARY

MFPO to handle queries, complaints FEBRUARY

Payment due 30 days MARCH (Wk.4) PROSECUTIONS:

Non-payment of Invoices charges remain against the property APRIL (Wk.1)

Prosecutions commenced for repeat offenders and non-paying (infringements) landholders AUGUST



11.2 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE No. 2

SCHEDULE 12 PERMITS PERMIT TO BURN BY A BRIGADE

Permits to Burn in the form of a Schedule 12 Permit (CFA Act 1958, CFA Regulations 1992) are to be issued to the OIC of any CFA Brigade in the Municipal District Brigade as required. The permits shall specify what is to be burnt.

NOTE: Permit only relates to burning on Public land 11.3 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO 3

SCHEDULE 13 PERMITS PERMIT TO BURN BY AN INDIVIDUAL

An individual or other organisation requiring a Permit to Burn should make application to the MFPO.

Applicant to complete Application Form requiring contact with and approval of Local Brigade. Permits issued in accordance with Brigade conditions and: • Specify what is to be burnt, with a • 3.0 m slashed or 1.5 m wide bare earth break with windrow on outside to be prepared

around burn perimeter. • Perimeter to be wetted down. • Burning to commence after 2:00pm. • Advise of fire suppression equipment and man power to be used during burn off • Provide signage indicating burn off in progress • Provide copy of $10 million Public liability policy that specifically covers proposed burn’ • Any other conditions that may be required or specified • Brigade and Intergraph to be notified with Melways reference and nearest main road and

cross Street to be notified prior to burning off.

(Note Local Law Prohibits Burning off on properties less than 2 Ha in land area) Copy of Permit sent to Brigade on day of issue. The person to whom the permit is issued must also comply with all requirements specified in the Permit.

The MFPO shall audit individuals who receive a Permit to Burn to ensure compliance with Permit conditions.



11.4 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO BURN DURING THE FIRE DANGER PERIOD

APPLICATION FOR

PERMIT TO BURN DURING THE FIRE DANGER PERIOD

An applicant for a Permit to Burn must comply with the following requirements: • This application form must be completed in full. • The completed Application Form must be submitted at l48 hours prior to proposed day for

burning • Land to be burnt must exceed 2 hectares • Details of proposed burn to be attached including information regarding what fire

suppression equipment and man power will be used during burn-off. • Provide signage indicating burn-off taking place (size to be no higher than 1metre or wider

than 800 mm) (This requirement is required if the proposed burn is adjacent to any major road).

• Provide a copy of a 10 million dollar public liability insurance policy that will specifically cover proposed burn.

• Note: This application may be referred to relevant brigade for comment

I, ______________________________________________________________

(Printed Full Name)

________________________________________________________________ (Postal Address)

Hereby apply for a permit to burn _________________on:________________________ (Type of material) (Date)

Address:_________________________________________________________

C/A No. ______________________ Lot No ____________________________

Fronting ___________________ Street/Road __________________Suburb

Contact No______________ (H) ______________ (W) _________________ (M)

SIGNATURE:_________________________ DATE: _________________________

DETAILS OF PROPOSED BURN:

Name of person in charge of Burn?_________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Equipment to be used:___________________________________________________

Insurance: Details____________________________________________________________

Burn off to take place after 2.00 pm during the months of December, January and February

Burn off to take place after 12.00 noon during the months of March and April

Please indicate time of burn off: �

12noon � 1.00pm � 2.00pm � 3.00pm � 4.00pm � 5.00pm



MFPO INSPECTION NOTES;

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

INSPECTION OFFICER _________________________________-(PRINTED)

SIGNATURE:______________________________ DATE: ____________________

APPLICATION: �� APPROVED �� NOT APPROVED

REASONS: __________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Permit conditions:

Ring VICFIRE on 1800 240 667 to identify proposed burn off Stating “LOCATION with Melways reference and nearest main road / cross Street” “DURATION OF FIRE” __”CONTACT NAME & PHONE NUMBER OF PERSON CONDUCTING BURN”

Perimeter of burn area to be wetted down before burning commences.

3.0 metre slashed or 1.5 metre bare earth break with windrow on outside to be in place around burn perimeter.

Person in charge of fire needs to Stay at the fire until fire is extinguished.

_____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

� Copy of permit sent to ……………..CFA Brigade on ………./ ….. /….

SIGNATURE:______________________________ DATE: __________

AUDIT: BURN OFF INSPECTION: OFFICER; DATE: INSPECTION NOTES: ______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Privacy Statement:. Council is collecting the personal information on this form for the purpose of gathering information applicable to this permit application. The information will be used for issuing the permit and will not be disclosed to any other party except as required by

law. If you fail to provide this information, the delays will be experienced in the issuing of this permit... You may access this information

by contacting Council on 9205 2200.

Office Use Only: Received on / / by Referred on / / to ………………….. Permit Reference Number………….



11.5 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE: MOWING OPERATIONS DURING THE FIRE DANGER PERIOD & TOTAL FIRE BAN

FIRE DANGER PERIOD & FIRE DANGER RATING BAN Every day during the fire season the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts an outlook of the Fire Danger Index (FDI) by considering the predicted weather including: temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and dryness of vegetation. The Fire Danger Rating for each weather district is determined by the (BoM) in consultation with the fire agencies. Fire Danger Period – (As declared by the CFA) is the most likely time of the year that we are at risk of fires. Parks Department Work Programs: Prior to the Fire Danger Period commencing, Coordinators & Team Leaders are to review all outdoor works and prepare a list of alternative duties for staff & Contractors on the days that are rated Total Fire Ban, Code Red or Extreme. Fire Danger rating of total Fire Ban, Code Red (Catastrophic) & Extreme: There is to be no plant and equipment to be used for:

φ Grass or Vegetation reduction works (mowing) φ Arborist Works (chainsaw) φ Vehicle operations in long grass φ Other than – (Emergency works)

Fire Danger Ratings of Severe: When working on a Severe Fire Danger Rating day, a risk assessment of the work site as listed below must be undertaken before works can start. Assessment Including Hazard(s): (Using an OH&S Risk Management Form – Human Resources) Team Leaders to check (BoM) website information and brief staff prior to starting work in the morning and before staff change work sites.

φ Determine vegetation Green / Dry φ Height of grass φ Slope of land φ Dryness of grass φ Adjacent properties φ Prevailing wind speed > (Greater than) 10-15Km/h φ Wind direction – (South, West, East is acceptable) φ Rock / Debris φ Other surrounding vegetation – (Trees / Shrubs, fuel moisture proximity, location to asset φ Is there an existing fire break between property and or roadside

Do not use Contact Coordinator or Team Leader for alternative duties

NO



Is your equipment fitted with:

φ Spark arrester; that are working effectively

φ Equipment is free from faults and mechanical defects which could cause an outbreak of fire? φ (Tractors) - Knapsack spray pump in working order and fully charged with water with a capacity of not less than sixteen (16) litres φ (Mowing Crew Units) - Knapsack spray pump in working

order and fully charged with water with a capacity of not less than nine (9) litres φ (Tree Crew Units) – Water Fire Extinguisher in working order and fully charged with water with a capacity of not less than nine (9) litres φ (Hort Crews) – Water tankers with pumps. Check to ensure Fuel and oil is sufficient. A spark arrestor is in place.

If in doubt, don’t use and check with Coordinator / Team Leader.

YES

Must complete a Risk Assessment

before starting on a worksite and ensure all work equipment is fitted with spark arresters and fire

extinguishers



12.0 CONTACT DIRECTORY

PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITIES CONTACT LIST

Authority/Agency Contact Person/Delegate * Contact via phone or email

Melbourne Airport Emergency Planning Coordinator – Karl Payne

9297 1714 (BH)

Jemena Pty Ltd (Electricity)

Patrick Brennan 8544 9311 (BH) 0427 882006 (mobile) Email: [email protected]

SP AusNet Contacts called by Municipalities

Electricity and Gas Emergencies only

9229 3778 (24 hours)

Woodlands Historic Park See *Organ Pipes Greenvale Reservoir See *Organ Pipes *Organ Pipes National Park

Brendan Sullivan Ranger in Charge Grassland Units Parks Victoria

Mailing address: Organ Pipes Organ Pipes Road Diggers Rest. 3427 9449 6500 (BH) 0408 548985 (Mobile) Email: [email protected]

Country Fire Authority – Region 14

David Allen Acting Manager Community Safety P O Box 50 Melton 3337

87461400 (BH) 0419 878958 (Mobile) Email: [email protected]

Metropolitan Fire Brigade

Glenn Brown Northern Zone MFB 1St Floor, 152 Plenty Road, Preston 3072

9665 4502 (BH) 0411 258698 (Mobile) 9416 8600 (Fax)

Email: gbrown@[email protected]

Vic Roads Phil Burga Team Leader Routine Operations

9313 1395 (BH) Mobile: 0437 122909 Email: [email protected]

Western Water

(Water supplies West of Mickleham Road)

Sarah Ray Management Systems Coordinator 36 Macedon Street Sunbury 3429

9218 5495 (BH) 0417 375 906 (Mobile) 9218 5534(Fax) Email: [email protected]

Yarra Valley Water

Frank Portelli Divisional Manager Risk Management Private Bag 1, Mitcham 3134

9872 2634 (BH) 0400 089782 (Mobile) Email: [email protected]

BROADMEADOWS VALLEY PARK FIRE PREVENTION PLAN


APPENDIX B2

BROADMEADOWS VALLEY PARK FIRE

PREVENTION PLAN

2010



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. AIM OF FIRE PREVENTION PLAN ............................................... 3

2. BVP PROFILE ............................................................................3-6

3. ACCESS........................................................................................ 6

4. FUEL BREAKS ...........................................................................6-7

5. PLANT SELECTION ...................................................................... 7

6. WEED CONTROL.......................................................................... 7

7. REMNANT AREAS ........................................................................ 8

8. ACCESS POINTS.......................................................................8-9

9. WATER POINTS............................................................................ 9

10. FUEL REDUCTION ....................................................................... 9

11. BBQ............................................................................................. 10

12. DETECTION ................................................................................ 10

13. SAFETY OF COUNCIL PERSONNEL ......................................... 10

14. FORD CROSSINGS .................................................................... 10

APPENDICES 1. Field Instructions for Control Burn 2. Burn Field Assessment 3. Burn Prescription 4. Example Letter to Resident MAPS Broadmeadows Valley Park Fire Emergency Management Plan - Johnstone Street to Somerton Road & Yuroke Corridor



1 AIM

The Aim of the Fire Prevention Plan is:

� To protect and minimise the loss of life, property and vegetation within the Broadmeadows Valley Park;

� To clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of all agencies and Council Officers

concerned with Broadmeadows Valley Park;

� To take all practicable Steps to prevent the occurrence and spread of fire on all land vested within Broadmeadows Valley Park.

2 BROADMEADOWS VALLEY PARK PROFILE

2.1 Background Broadmeadows Valley Park is a linear open space stretching approximately 4.8 kilometres north to south and 1km east to west. The Park covers a total area of approximately 211 hectares and is managed by Hume City Council, although not all land is in the ownership of Hume City Council. Formed along the valley of Yuroke Creek, the Park’s boundary reaches from Johnstone Street, Broadmeadows to Somerton Road, Meadow Heights. The park has significant environmental and visual attributes and provides a setting for a wide diversity of recreational and social experiences, ranging from walking, observing nature, relaxation and contemplation, play and picnicking and participating in sporting activities and community and cultural events. Whilst the scale and natural features characterise it as regional parkland, BVP’s primary Catchment is those local residential communities that abut the length of the Park and have ready access to the Park’s facilities.

These neighbourhood areas include parts of Broadmeadows, Westmeadows, Meadow Heights, Greenvale and Roxburgh Park. BVP also attracts a wide range of sporting and recreation users from across the municipality and the broader metropolitan area.

2.2 Plan Review

The plan has been reviewed to achieve the following objectives: a) To update the Fire Prevention Plan to include expanded mowing regime, weed control program, management of conservation areas and revised mapping detailing fire access and control points. b) To ensure adequate clearance adjacent to existing trails and upgrade ford crossings to accommodate access and usage by emergency vehicles and improve identification of fire access and control points though Street and pathway signage.



2.3 Land Ownership

Whilst Council is the major landowner, there are sections of BVP owned and or managed by other government authorities (Refer to Appendix 4 Statutory Planning Zones and Land Ownership). A description of these areas including any features and the current maintenance arrangements are detailed hereunder:

a) Melbourne Water

MW has management responsibility for the waterways located along the length of BVP. These include Yuroke Creek and its connecting tributaries and the Shankland Wetlands. Melbourne Water is currently reviewing the Water Activity Plan (2001) for the Yuroke Creek/BVP area and has commissioned GHD Engineering to undertake a feasibility Study to determine priorities for works to waterways within BVP. Key areas under consideration include an expansion of Shankland Wetlands and the development of a new wetland and gross pollutant trap at the Otway gully Outlet, adjacent to Katunga Crescent, Broadmeadows.

b) The Department of Human Services

DHS own a 42 hectare parcel of land reaching from Ripplebrook Drive in the West to the transmission line on the Western bore of BVP. Key features of this section include 1.75 kms of concreted shared pathway, the yabby pool and an extensive length of the Yuroke Creek. The area is currently maintained by council at its cost.

c) Vic Urban

VICURBAN own a 1.52 hectare parcel of land West of Barry Road and abutting the rear of residences at Bradman Drive, Meadow Heights. The land parcel adjoins the Barry Road Recreation Reserve Council and its features include flat grassy areas and scattered trees. Council is currently maintaining this land at its cost.

d) The Department of Infrastructure and Department of Human Services/Office of Housing

These departments own a number of connected land parcels abutting the West edge of BVP. This corridor is reserved for future transport purposes, namely the potential extension of E14 from Somerton road to Johnstone Street. The maintenance of most of this corridor is undertaken by the respective State Government Departments. A 3.6 hectare section between Erinbank and Kenny Street, Westmeadows is currently maintained by Council at its cost. To ensure that the amenity and appearance of BVP is maintained to a reasonable and safe Standard, Council is currently maintaining the ‘non council’ owned sections of BVP. Work includes routine mowing of grassy areas, maintenance of tree beds, the removal of noxious weed and dumped rubbish and rehabilitation of pathways. It is proposed that council enter into negotiation with the respective State government departments to establish an agreement for shared responsibility and recovery of costs associated with the management of the non council owned land within BVP. In the long term Council should continue to negotiate with the Department of Human services to seek the transfer of the 42 hectare parcel of land to Council ownership.



2.4 Fire Prevention and Management

The BVP Fire prevention plan was initially developed in 1998 and is incorporated in the Hume City Council Municipal Strategic Fire Prevention Plan (2001) and updated Municipal Fire Prevention Plan 2007.

Current Fire Prevention methods utilised in BVP include:

a) Quarterly fire prevention plan meetings attended by all relevant fire management authorities including the Melbourne fire Brigade and Country Fire Authority.

b) Cyclic mowing regime by Parks Department to reduce fuel and maintain fire breaks and fire tracks, particularly in areas close to adjacent residences, pathway networks and recreation sites

c) Control burns coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Department.

Over the last two years Council has undertaken significant fuel reduction works to enhance the safety and improve the fire prevention management of BVP. These works have expanded to include the mowing of grassy areas, implementing fire breaks along the rear of properties and removal of rocks and weedy shrubs i.e. box thorn to improve access and reduce potential fuel in the event of a fire activity.

In October 2006 council officers met with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Country fire Authority to review and update the BVP Fire Prevention plan. The fire authorities acknowledged the significant work Council has taken to minimize the likelihood and impact of a fire activity in BVP.

Further actions identified for improving fire prevention and fire management in BVP include:

a) Mapping of BVP and identification of defined sections, detailing fire prevention methods, emergency vehicle access and water points and Creek crossings

b) Formalizing a fire access track from Greenvale (this would also provide a pedestrian/cycling pathway link between Greenvale and Meadow Heights)

c) Signing points of Street access to assist with routine inspections and quick identification by emergency vehicles during a fire event.

d) Providing details of conservation managed sites to the Fire authorities

e) Improving access to Shankland Wetlands as a water supply point.

The recommendations of the review process are included in the Draft BVP Management Plan and once finalised, the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan will be amended to incorporate an updated BVP Fire Prevention Plan.



2.5 Management Plan

The updated BVP Management Plan was presented to Council in 2007. The Plan highlights the significance of fire prevention management and makes the following recommendations:

• Mapping of BVP and identification of defined sections, detailing fire prevention methods, emergency vehicle access and water points and Creek crossings

• Formalising a fire access track from Greenvale (this would also provide a pedestrian/cycling pathway link between Greenvale and Meadow Heights)

• Signing points of Street access to assist with routine inspections and quick identification by emergency vehicles during a fire event

2.6 Signage

The emergency marker system is being established throughout State managed open spaces and appears to be a system that is uniform and acknowledged as working effectively by the various emergency authorities.

Options include incorporating the emergency markers with trail signage or installing the emergency markers on dedicated posts throughout BVP and at vehicle entry points on light poles, Street signs, etc.

3 ACCESS

All fire protection access tracks are suitable for four wheel drive vehicles. The majority of other tracks are suitable for two wheel drive vehicles, except where indicated on the attached plans (refer Appendix 1). Fire prevention plan indicating all access points and gate keys are issued to MFESB fire Stations at Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Somerton and the CFA Station at Greenvale and Council Staff

4 FUEL BREAKS

Council is responsible for maintaining designated fire breaks and access tracks as per attached plans (refer Appendix 1). (In the event of a fire the MFB will be contacted on telephone number 000). All fuel breaks are slashed according to the attached plans (refer Appendix 1).

1. Bike path maintained with the tractor mounted slasher between 50 mm - 150 mm, mown

six times per year:

� October, November, January, March, August; to 2 metres wide each side of the path, where possible.

2. Walking & grass vehicle access maintained with tractor mounted slasher between 100

mm - 250 mm, mown four times per year:

� October, November, January, March, to a 6 metre wide track.



3. Fire break backs of houses maintained with tractor mounted slasher between 50 mm - 150 mm, mown six times per year:

� October, November, January, March, August, to a 6 metre wide track where possible, 8 metre wide behind houses where possible.

4. Picnic and playground areas are maintained with tractor mounted slasher, outfront mower between 30 mm - 150 mm mown thirteen times per year:

� August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April.

5. Plantation beds over two years existing beds have a 5 metre wide cut around the perimeter of the bed, annually.

6. Plantation beds under two years, beds have a 5 metre tractor width around the perimeter of beds annually, with total weed control between plants.

7. On Total Fire Ban Days no Plant and Equipment will be used for vegetation grass / fuel

reduction including Tree Maintenance will be undertaken other than Emergency / high priority works identified by Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. Reference: PDWI 908

5 PLANT SELECTION

The bed perimeter kept clear of vegetation for a distance of up to 5 metres. Fire retardant species such as Rhagodia parabolica will be incorporated into the perimeters of plantings over time.

6 WEED CONTROL

Council has an ongoing program to control noxious and environmental weeds within Broadmeadows Valley Park. Current priority weeds being targeted throughout the park are: � Patterson’s curse, Artichoke thistle, Chilean needle grass and Serrated tussock, Boxthorn

and Gauze � Pattersons Curse, Artichoke thistle, Serrated tussock prior to October � Chilean Needle Grass prior to January � Boxthorn and Gauze prior to February

Initial Stage: Shankland Gully between Somerton Rd and Shankland Blvd. Second Stage: Between Shankland Blvd. and wetlands and within 20 metres of the bike path. Third Stage: Between Shankland Wetland and Barry Road

Fourth Stage: Between Barry Road and Johnstone Street Dense Infestations of Boxthorn and Gorse can be classified as an extreme fire risk.

Systematic removal of dense Boxthorn and Gorse infestations has been carried out using specialist ‘groomer’ machinery (Sept 2006). Planned removal by specialist machinery to continue from 2007.

Manual removal and Gorse and Boxthorn along Creek banks upstream of Dimboola Road completed in 2007 in conjunction with Melbourne Water.

Main weed removal / spray works planned in autumn and Early Spring 2007.



7. REMNANT AREAS

BVP contains a number of conservation areas including remnant grassland sites. These grassland types (Themeda dominated in particular) have been identified to have lower fire risk due to their lower biomass. These are shown as Conservation Management Zones in the new BVP Management Plan. They include:

− Stylidium Site

− Themeda Site

− Pimelee Site

− Poa Site

− Glycine Site Some of the more significant revegetation sites (amongst hundreds) are located within. Landscape Management Zones in the new BVP Management Plan. They include:

− Shankland Wetland

− Yabby pool

− Brachan Knoll All these sites have vegetation management plans. Remnant grass land sites are programmed to be burnt as part of their management at least every 3 – 7 years. Details of these areas and the methods of maintenance for each are available from the Bushland Planner for any site. Any burning follows a quality procedure which incorporates the following: � Name of site & Area (Dimensions & hectares) � Brief description of vegetation � Fencing details � Management plan � Fire prevention works � Priority(i.e. retention of fencing)

8. ACCESS POINTS

These allow access for fire trucks. Broadmeadows 2. Girgarre and Nathalia Mel Ref Map 6 H5 3. Girgarre and Avoca Mel Ref Map 6 H4 8. Deviation Rd Mel Ref Map 6 E7 Westfield Boulevard Mel Ref Map 6 D7 11. Wilby Crt Mel Ref Map 6 H4 12. Ebden Crt Mel Ref Map 6 G4 Coolaroo 1. Broadmeadows Valley Park Barry Road Coolaroo Mel Ref Map 6 G3 13. Chappell Return Mel Ref Map 6 F2 14. Rokewood Cres opposite Gobur Mel Ref Map 6 F2 15. 42 Rokewood Cres Mel Ref Map 6 F1 16. 80 Rokewood Cres Mel Ref Map 179 F12



Westmeadows

4. Ripplebrook & Dookie Mel Ref Map 6 G5 5. Dimboola Rd Mel Ref Map 6 F6 6. Erinbank Cres Mel Ref Map 6 F5 7. Erinbank Cres opposite No: 85, 89, 111) Mel Ref Mel Ref Map 6 E6 Meadow Heights

17. Ashleigh Cres opposite No 24 Mel Ref Map 179 G12 18. Papworth Place Mel Ref Map 179 G11 19. Cassinia Cres Mel Ref Map 179 F11 20. Shankland & Magnolia Boulevard Mel Ref Map 179 G11 21. Heath Place Mel Ref Map 179 H9 22. Bronco Court Mel Ref Map 179 H10 23. Greenvalley Gve Mel Ref Map 179 H10 24. Macalister Crt Mel Ref Map 179 H9 25. Eucalyptus Place Mel Ref Map 179 H9

General Public access to the BVP Plateau Area off Barry Road is available from 9.00am till sunset daily

9. WATER POINTS

There are two water bodies suitable for extracting water: 1. Lake - Cnr Shankland & Magnolia Boulevard Mel Ref Map 179 G11 2. Lake - Rhyll Boulevard Roxburgh Park Mel Ref Map 179 H 8

10. FUEL REDUCTION

Large scale fuel reduction burning is currently not practiced by Council Staff. Small pocket/piles less than 5 square metres of weeds and shrubs are currently burnt off in low fire danger periods. Parks conduct ecological or control burns on selected conservation sites, usually grasslands, and occasionally burn off piles of woody weeds such as African Roxtham and Gorse where removal would be impractical. Grassland burns are conducted mostly in spring and autumn by fire experienced crew with all necessary personnel and equipment to strict instructions and guidelines. Prior approval and inspection for all burns is sought from Hume City Council City Laws Department. A unique field instruction is provided for each burns and a burn prescription provided. Parks work instructions details the procedure. (Copies in appendix) a leaflet drop to neighbouring residents is often initiated, especially in urban areas. Hume Parks and Open Space Department has included the use of side-arm mowers to cut areas that are difficult to access where possible. The use of Chemicals around guide posts and other obstacles to reduce the need for follow-up grass cutting and the Staged timing has been introduced.



11. BBQ

All barbecues in reserves are electric and barbecues outside these facilities are not encouraged.

12. DETECTION

All operational Staff has a reporting procedure to notify of fires at the earliest detection.

13. SAFETY OF COUNCIL PERSONNEL

On detection of fire: 1. Determine the degree of fire hazard and implement control measures if containable.

2. Call operational Staff and contractors who have fire extinguishers.

3. Notify MFB or Council depot if assistance is needed as per contact numbers provided in cabin.

4. Evacuate all Staff and public and plant equipment from immediate vicinity to a safe area.

5. Provide assistance where necessary in giving directions to fire units and monitor the site for general public safety.

6. Fire Awareness training conducted annually at C.F.A. Headquarters.

14. FORD CROSSINGS

Four crossings for fire brigade access across the Yuroke Creek - refer attached plans (Appendix 1).

These crossings have been constructed to allow heavy 4WD access across Creek. These crossings will be inspected on an annual basis prior to the fire season to ensure access by Hume City Services Department.



FIELD INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTROL BURN TO: BUSHCREW Location: MELWAYS: Nearest cross road is: Road access: 1. Keep and refer to Parks Work Instruction PDWI 9039 On Control Burns. 2. Prior approval must be obtained from an HCC Fire Prevention Officer in Local

Laws. Usually given after a site inspection. 3. Phone VICFIRE on 1800668511 Prior to starting and provide location

above and the finish time for the burn. Preset phone numbers on your mobile phones.

4. There must always be a Fire Le ader. It will be ………………… ……. or their

appointee. 5. Ensure that a minimum buffer area of 5m is cleared prior to burning and that

each intended burn area should be no greater than 2500m² . 6. Wet down the buffer are a and adjacent trees and shrubs just pri or to igniting. 7. Other crew members to have knapsacks filled and bush rakes ready to deal

with any possible long distance spotting. 8. Refill water rigs if necessary then position at points deemed appropriate by

the Fire Leader. Rigs are to be staff ed with engines running at all times during burn.

9. Do not leave fire unattended and completely extinguish fire before leaving

site. Signed: Position: Date:



Burn Field Assessment

Site: Date: Burn Prescription Present: Y / N

Weather & Fuel Conditions Information for points 1 – 4 to be obtained from Bureau of Meteorology Website prior to setting out on nominated burn day.

1. Recent Rainfall (mm) 0 – 200:

2. Drought Index (0 – 10):

3. Previous Weather Patterns:

4. Expected Weather Patterns:

5. Burn Size & Shape (Approx.):

Factors Time Time Time Time Time

• Air Temperature (Celsius)

• Relative Humidity

• Wind Speed

• Wind Direction

• Fuel Moisture Content (FMC) Range

• Curability of Grasses (Crackle Test as %)

• Atmospheric Stability



BURN PRESCRIPTION Example: John Laffan / Gorse Piles

OBJECTIVE To achieve a high intensity burn of Gorse Piles within a confined area. There are 8 piles to be burnt; 5 are mostly round, 3 are long and linear) DESCRIPTION John Laffan Reserve is on the Merri Creek in Kalkallo. (Melways ref: 367E6, 367F6). It forms the boundary between Hume City Council (where the site is located) and Whittlesea Shire. No access has been secured through private property for council vehicles. The reserves orientation is NNE and consists of riparian vegetation within lower areas moving sharply into flat, rocky grassland expanses. This topography splits the burn pile areas into 2 distinct areas. Control lines will be cut (3m widths) with brushcutters (very short) the entire length of the western boundary and around pile 1, 2, & 7 and through the Phalaris zone (located in the middle of the area, orientated East-West). The control lines around the piles are to be soaked with water pumped from creek. The Poa area between the 3 linear piles will also be soaked with water pumped from the creek to increase the fuel moisture content (FMC) differential. The Gorse piles will be burnt the sequence of 1 to 8. FUELS The piles consist of dried Gorse that ignites readily. The surrounding area consists of Poa and Themeda sp. Overlap with a Phalaris zone dividing the burn piles. The fuels are uniform across the site.

WEATHER & FUEL CONDITION

• Temperature → < 25°C

• Relative Humidity → > 50%

• Wind Speed → < 10-15 km/h

• Wind Direction → NNW, W, SW are acceptable

• Recent Rainfall → Assessed on Burn Day

• Drought Index → Assessed on Burn Day

• Atmosphere Stability → Stable

• Local Weather Influences → Site develops afternoon winds, W, NW

• Fuel Moisture Content

(FMC) Range → Surrounding Fuels > 22%

• Curability of Grasses → Not Applicable



EXAMPLE LETTER TO RESIDENT Dear Resident, Hume City Council Parks Bush Crew will be conducting a controlled burn in the xxx xxxx Grassland (Melways reference Map xx ) between ………………..and………………….. if the weather and other conditions are suitable. If the date has to be changed, Council will try to let you know the new date. Fire every few years is one of many recognised ways Council controls weeds and helps germinate high conservation value plants in this grassland. If you have any questions about this please contact Bushland Planner Roger Cook on 9205 2200. Jason Summers OPEN SPACE COORDINATOR PARKS & OPEN SPACE



APPENDIX 1

DOCUMENT CONTROL

VERSION 1 DATE OF APPROVAL / AMENDMENT RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

65 Report CW226- 30 August 2010 Manager Services / MERO

APPENDIX B3

HUME CITY COUNCIL

NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES

PLAN

PLACES OF LAST RESORT DURING A BUSHFIRE

MAV 04/06/10 10127480_15

Neighbourhood Safer Places – TEMPLATE PLAN FOR COUNCIL ADAPTATION 66

Introduction and Background

In its Interim Report, the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommended that neighbourhood safer places, or ‘NSPs’, be identified and established to provide persons in bushfire affected areas with a place of last resort during a bushfire.1

In response to this recommendation, the Victorian Government has introduced the Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Act 2009 (Vic) (‘ESLA Act’) which amends the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (Vic) (‘CFA Act’) and the Emergency Management Act 1986 (Vic) (‘EM Act’).

The effect of these amendments will be to require the Country Fire Authority (‘CFA’) to certify NSPs against the CFA’s Fire Rating Criteria, and Victoria’s Councils to identify, designate, establish and maintain suitable places as NSPs in their municipal districts.

NSPs are not community fire refuges or emergency relief centres.

NSPs are places of last resort during the passage of a bushfire, and are intended to be used by persons whose primary bushfire plans have failed.

NSPs are places of relative safety only. They do not guarantee the survival of those who assemble there. Furthermore, there may be serious risks to safety encountered in travelling, and seeking access, to NSPs during bushfire events.

Depending on the direction of a particular fire, it may not be a safer place to assemble than other places within the municipal district.

NSPs will be assessed by the CFA as providing some protection from immediate risk of direct fire attack, but not necessarily from other risks, such as flying embers. Where a potential NSP which is used for an operational purpose at many times meets the CFA’s criteria, then the CFA considers that those operational activities will be able to continue (to the extent practicable in the circumstances) while the place is being used as an NSP.

This Plan is a neighbourhood safer places plan for the purposes of the legislation, and contains guidelines which have been developed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (‘MAV’) to assist the Council in identifying; designating; establishing; maintaining; and decommissioning places as NSPs within its municipal district.

This Plan also identifies other matters that should be taken into account in identifying, designating, establishing and maintaining NSPs within the municipality.

This Plan contains a step-by-step methodology for the Council to follow in identifying, designating, establishing, maintaining and decommissioning NSPs. The Council must consider each of the factors set out in this Plan. It should also consider other factors which are specific to the Council’s circumstances, including the resources available to the Council.

Once this Plan has been adopted, Council must make it, and any documents incorporated into it, available at the Council’s municipal offices for public inspection during normal office hours free of charge under section 50F(4)(b) of the CFA Act. It must also be published on Council’s website under section 50F (4) (a) of the CFA Act.

1 Recommendation 8.5, 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report

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Neighbourhood Safer Places – TEMPLATE PLAN FOR COUNCIL ADAPTATION 67

Contents

This Plan has been divided up into four distinct sections.

PAGE SECTION INCLUSIONS

4 Section 1 A flow chart which summarises the process in identifying, designating, establishing and maintaining NSPs within the municipal district.

5 Section 2 A detailed summary of the steps summarised in the flow chart found in Section 1.

16 Section 3 Factors for Council to consider in assessing potential NSP locations.

18 Section 4 Council NSP Evaluation

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Neighbourhood Safer Places – TEMPLATE PLAN FOR COUNCIL ADAPTATION 68 Section 1 Flow Chart

lllll

Section 1 Flow chart Showing Process for Identifying, Designating, Establishing and Maintaining NSPs.

Step 2 - CFA to Assess and Certify potential NSP locations having regard to

CFA Fire Rating Guidelines

Proposed location does not meet CFA Fire Rating Criteria and is not certified by CFA - CFA to report to Council Proposed NSP location must not be designated

Proposed NSP meets CFA Fire Rating Criteria

Proposed NSP is Certified by CFA

Step 3 - Council to assess whether proposed NSP is suitable having regard to Council NSP Plan

Criteria (‘Council NSPP Criteria’).

Proposed NSP does not meet Council NSPP Criteria - Report to be

provided to Council. NSP not suitable

Proposed NSP meets Council NSPP Criteria

Step 4 - Formal Designation of NSP by Council

Step 5 - Establish NSP

Step 6 - Annual review of NSPs by Council and CFA

NSP passes CFA and Council review - Retains

designation as NSP

NSP does not pass Council/CFA review May

lose designation as NSP

Proposed NSP on Council land

- NSP may be

designated

Proposed NSP on other land and consent to

use land obtained

NSP may be designated

Proposed NSP on other land and consent to use land not obtained

NSP may not

be designated

Step 1 - Council to identify Potential Locations for NSPs in collaboration

with the CFA.

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Neighbourhood Safer Places – TEMPLATE PLAN FOR COUNCIL ADAPTATION 69 Section 2 A detailed summary of steps

Section 2 Detailed summary of steps for establishing NSPs.

OVERVIEW OF THE STEPS ASSOCIATED WITH NSPs

1 Identification of Potential NSP Locations

1.1 Who is responsible for identifying places as potential NSPs?

From 2010, Council will be responsible for identifying potential places as NSPs within its municipal district. Section 50G of the CFA Act requires Council to identify potential NSP locations.

1.2 When do potential NSPs need to be identified?

Councils should identify potential additional places as NSPs by 31 May in each year. This should allow sufficient time for:

(a) (CFA Certification) first, assessment and certification of the potential NSP by the CFA;

(b) (Council Designation) secondly, designation of the potential NSP location by the Council; and

(c) (Establishment) thirdly, and subject to the outcome of the assessment and designation process, establishing the NSPs, including the erection of signage and other steps by Council.

The process of NSP identification is ongoing. Following each fire season, Council should assess whether any additional potentially suitable NSP locations can be identified within the municipal district.

1.3 What factors should be considered when identifying potential NSP locations?

When identifying potential NSP locations, Council should consider matters such as:

(a) the environment surrounding the potential NSP;

(b) what other uses are made of the potential NSP, and whether or not those uses could be inconsistent with its designation as an NSP;

(c) whether the land on which the potential NSP is located is Council-owned or non-Council owned land;

(d) whether there are clear means of access and egress to and from the potential NSP;

(e) whether the potential NSP is in close proximity to population centres; and

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1.4 For those Councils whose municipal district falls within both a CFA region and the Metropolitan Fire District (“MFD”), or borders the MFD but is within the CFA region: Council should consider matters such as

(a) the risks involved in people staying in the area being considered for an NSP, versus leaving the area and travelling to a nearby urban area; and

(b) the following considerations:

(i) adequacy of egress routes out of the area being considered for an NSP, including number of egress routes,

(ii) whether egress routes are major or minor roadways,

(iii) the type and amount of vegetation along key egress routes; and

(iv) the capacity of egress routes to accommodate potentially large numbers of vehicles and to accommodate potential vehicle breakdowns).

1.5 Who should undertake the identification of potential NSPs?

Under the CFA Act, all Councils whose municipal district is located wholly or partly in the ‘country area’ of Victoria are required to identify and designate NSPs. Council should ensure that the following actions are completed prior to making any determinations regarding the assessment, designation and certification of NSPs: A risk assessment considering the matters outlined in section 1.3 (above) must be undertaken by Council’s Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (“MERO”) and Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (“MFPO”) (which may be initiated through the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee or the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee as a sub-committee of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (“MEMPC”)), using appropriate available information such as Integrated Fire Management Planning data and/or Victorian Fire Risk Register data and any applicable Township Protection Plans; The MEMPC must review the results of the risk assessment, as summarised in the MERO and MFPO report prepared under section 1.4(a) (above), and submit a written report to Council with a recommendation as to whether CFA assessment and Council designation of the potential NSP is warranted in the area under consideration. Council should formally review the MEMPC report. Council should only decide that NSP assessment and designation is not warranted in the area under consideration where Council is satisfied that: The risk assessment undertaken by the MERO and MFPO has addressed the matters raised in sections 1.3 and 1.4 of this MNSPP; and The MEMPC has recommended that assessment and designation of the NSP is not warranted.

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CFA Assessment and Certification of Potential NSP Locations

1.6 Who is responsible for assessing potential NSPs against guidelines issued by the CFA (‘CFA Fire Rating Guidelines’)?

Under section 50G (5) of the CFA Act, the CFA is responsible for assessing potential NSP locations against the CFA Fire Rating Guidelines.2 This will be done by appropriately qualified and experienced CFA personnel. Council is not responsible for the assessment and certification of potential NSPs by the CFA.

1.7 CFA assessment criteria

In assessing potential NSP locations, the CFA must consider the criteria and other considerations as set out in the CFA’s Fire Rating Guidelines as issued from time to time by the CFA.

The key matters to be considered by the CFA under the current CFA Fire Rating Criteria are:

(a) For Open Spaces �

(A) the appropriate separation distance between the outer edge of the potential NSP and the nearest fire hazard (‘Buffer Zone’)3 should be at least 310 metres; or

(B) an alternative Buffer Zone distance may be prescribed by the CFA, which will ensure that the maximum potential radiant heat impacting on the site is no more than 2 kw/m2.

(b) For Buildings �

(A) The Buffer Zone between the outer edge of the building and the nearest fire hazard should be at least 140 metres; or

(B) an alternative Buffer Zone distance may be prescribed by the CFA, which will ensure that the maximum potential radiant heat impacting on the building is no more than 10 kw/m2.

1.8 When does the CFA assess a potential NSP?

Following identification of a place which may be suitable as an NSP, the potential NSP is assessed by the CFA as soon as practicable. This is likely to occur shortly after identification.

1.9 When does the CFA certify potential NSP locations?

Once the assessment of a potential NSP is completed by the CFA, the CFA will certify the potential NSP if the place meets the CFA Fire Rating Criteria. The CFA will provide a copy of the CFA certification in relation to a potential NSP to Council upon completion of certification, and a summary of the criteria and assumptions upon which the assessment is based.

2 The CFA Act refers to “Country Fire Authority Assessment Guidelines”. For ease of reference in the context of this

MNSP Plan, these guidelines are referred to as the CFA Fire Rating Guidelines. 3 The CFA Guidelines refer to “separation distances”. However, for ease of understanding, the term “Buffer Zone” is

used throughout this MNSP Plan.

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Council should ensure that the boundaries of both the potential NSP as certified by the CFA, and any Buffer Zone surrounding it, are clearly defined in the CFA assessment.

For reasons of community safety, it is a requirement of the CFA Act, and it is also Council policy, that only those places assessed and certified by the CFA may be considered for designation as NSPs by the Council. The Council must not designate a place as an NSP unless it has CFA certification.

2 Council Assessment of NSPs Following CFA Certification

2.1 What factors should applied by Councils in assessing the suitability of a place as a potential NSP location?

Following certification of a place as an NSP by the CFA, and once Council has received the CFA assessment and any criteria and CFA assumptions which underpin the assessment, Council must assess the place in accordance with the factors outlined below to determine whether it is suitable to be designated as an NSP. Unless a potential NSP satisfies each of the criteria outlined below, it should not be designated by Council as an NSP.

Council’s assessment of CFA-certified potential NSPs may, if reasonably practicable, be conducted by the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (‘MEMPC’), with a preliminary assessment to be provided to the MEMPC by the MERO and the MFPO.

The factors to determine the suitability of the place as an NSP are as follows: (‘Council NSPP Criteria’):

2.1.1 Consents and rights of access

There must be appropriate land access and tenure arrangements so that Council has the right to:

• use the place as an NSP;

• access the site and surrounding areas for maintenance; and

• erect appropriate signage at the NSP, including the OESC signage and additional NSP information signage.

If the potential NSP is on land owned or controlled by Council, appropriate rights of land access and tenure are unlikely to be an issue. However, Council will need to ensure that where Council land is leased or licensed to a third party, it must be possible to put in place appropriate arrangements on reasonably satisfactory and acceptable terms with the tenant or licensee permitting Council to use the land as a potential NSP. In taking these matters into account, Council should consider what alternative uses may be made, whether temporarily or semi-permanently, of land under Council control or management.

If the potential NSP is on Crown land not owned or controlled by Council, then the consent of the Crown land manager is likely to be required. If the land has been leased or licensed to a third party, such as a caravan park operator, then the consent of the tenant or licensee to use the place as a potential NSP will also be required. In obtaining the consent of the relevant Crown land manager, it will be necessary to consider whether or not the Crown Grant or reservation authorises the place to be used as a potential NSP.

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Where it is proposed that a place on privately-owned land is to be used as an NSP, then the consent of the relevant landowner (and, where applicable, occupier) for the place to be designated and used as an NSP is required. If the landowner (or occupier) does not consent to the place being designated and used as an NSP on terms which are reasonably satisfactory and acceptable to the Council, it must not be so designated and used.

Where a potential NSP is located on non-Council land, with the result that consent and rights of access need to be negotiated with the owner and (where necessary) occupier, Council officers responsible for negotiating such consent and rights of access should provide a draft form of consent to the owner/occupier for their consideration. The form of consent will be required to be approved either by Council (through a formal resolution), or by the CEO acting under delegation.

Any amendments to the form of consent which may be requested by the landowner or occupier would need to be thoroughly considered before they are agreed to by Council. If it is not possible or appropriate for Council to agree on amendments that may be requested to the consent document, then the proposed NSP should not be designated by Council.

2.1.2 Access and Egress

Council must assess whether there is sufficient access to the potential NSP which will allow:

• anticipated potential numbers of people to move to and from the place; and

• the CFA and other emergency services to attend the place for asset and personnel protection activities and operations.

Council must assess potential access and egress routes, bearing in mind the fact that NSPs are places of last resort.

As people may be seeking access to an NSP in a rushed or panicked state, a number of people could be seeking access in a relatively short time and visibility could be affected by smoke, easily navigable routes to and from an NSP are crucial.

In considering whether access and egress routes are adequate, consideration should be given to issues such as:

(i) the condition of the road surface;

(ii) the proximity of the NSP to major roadways and population centres;

(iii) the type and amount of vegetation along any access routes, and whether that vegetation could be affected by fire and pose a risk of harm to those seeking access to the potential NSP, or otherwise block access to the NSP;

(iv) the capacity of access routes to accommodate potentially large numbers of vehicles, and to accommodate potential vehicle break-downs;

(v) parking at the place;

(vi) any hazards that may exist for persons accessing the place by foot, including in the buffer zone;

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(vii) any relevant matter contained in Council’s Road Management Plan prepared pursuant to the Road Management Act 2004 (Vic); and

(viii) [Issue for consideration - anything else that should be included here?]

If appropriate and satisfactory access and egress routes are not available, then the proposed NSP should not be designated by Council.

2.1.3 Maintenance of potential NSP in accordance with CFA assessment criteria

Council must ensure that the potential NSP can be maintained in accordance with the criteria taken into account by the CFA in arriving at its fire rating assessment.

If additional information is required from the CFA to understand the criteria they have considered in arriving at their fire rating assessment, Council should seek this information from the CFA. If necessary, Council may request the CFA to undertake a further assessment to provide Council with additional information.

2.1.4 Opening of the NSP

Council must consider

(i) whether it will be possible or practicable to open the potential NSP or otherwise make it available for use on a 24 hour basis during the declared fire danger period;

(ii) the potential for damage to the place during times that it is open and available for use, but is not being used as an NSP;

(iii) the potential costs to Council associated with (i) and (ii) above; and

(iv) the possibility that a potential NSP could be used for unintended purposes, such as an emergency relief centre.

2.1.5 Defendable space and fire suppression activities

CFA have advised that there is no guarantee that fire units will attend an NSP, and that individuals who use NSPs are doing so at their own risk. There should be no expectation that fire units or other emergency services personnel will attend an NSP during a bushfire.

Despite this, the potential NSP should be surrounded by sufficient open space to enable the CFA and other fire services to conduct asset protection and fire suppression operations around the place.

Any open space should be reasonably free of obstacles which could hinder fire suppression activities. Obstacles may include, amongst other things:

• fences;

• buildings and sheds;

• steep inclines in close proximity to the potential NSP;

• vegetation, particularly large trees;

• other land formations, including rocks, boulders or knolls which could substantially hinder fire suppression operations.

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If necessary, advice should be sought from the CFA about their defendable space and fire vehicle access requirements.

When assessing the defendable space factor, Council must consider whether or not approval to clear or disturb flora and/or fauna could be required, whether under legislation such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (‘EPBC Act’), Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic) (‘FFG Act’) or the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) (‘PE Act’). If such approval is required, then it must be obtained before the potential NSP location is designated.

If the proposed NSP does not have adequate defendable space around it, or if approval to clear or disturb flora and/or fauna is required but cannot be obtained before the NSP is required to be established, or cannot be obtained on reasonably satisfactory conditions, it should not be designated as an NSP by Council.

2.1.6 Defendability of Buildings

If the potential NSP is a building, Council must consider whether or not it is likely to be subject to risk from ember attack.

As the CFA is not required to assess the risk of ember attack to a building in undertaking the CFA fire rating assessment when certifying NSPs, the Council should consider this issue. In considering this issue, Council may need to seek expert advice from appropriately-qualified CFA personnel.

If there is an appreciable risk of the proposed NSP being compromised by ember attack which cannot be satisfactorily defended, then the building is unlikely to be suitable as an NSP and should not be designated by Council.

2.1.7 Signage

Council must assess whether it will be possible to have signage at the entry to, and in the vicinity of, the potential NSP. Such signage must generally be in accordance with the Signage Template, which is at Section 4 of this Plan.

Council must refer to the Signage Template when considering whether or not appropriate signage can be erected. If signage must be placed on private land, then the consent of the landowner will be required.

2.1.8 Maintenance and maintainability

Council must assess whether ongoing maintenance of the proposed NSP, and the surrounding area, is both possible and practical, having regard to the resources reasonably available to the Council. This factor should be considered by the Council not only in relation to the suitability of a proposed NSP, but also as to the total number of proposed NSPs that can be reasonably maintained within the municipal district. This is needed to ensure that the place remains suitable for use as an NSP during each fire season.

Specifically, the place must be capable of being maintained so as to ensure continuing compliance with the CFA Fire Rating Criteria and the Council NSPP Criteria. It is Council policy that if it is not possible to maintain a potential NSP, then it must not be designated as such.

When assessing the maintainability of the potential NSP, both the NSP and the Buffer Zone may require various maintenance activities to be undertaken on a periodic basis.

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The potential introduction of hazards into the Buffer Zone, such as structures, animals and vehicles, should be taken into account.

There may be cases where maintenance activities can only be undertaken by, or with the consent of, an adjoining landowner. This may, in turn, require assurances from such landowners that the place, and areas surrounding it, will be maintained to a satisfactory level.

When assessing the maintainability of a potential NSP, Council must consider whether or not approval to clear or disturb flora and/or fauna could be required, whether under legislation such as the EPBC Act, FFG Act or the PE Act. If such approval is required, then it must be obtained before the potential NSP location is designated.

If the proposed NSP is not capable of being satisfactorily maintained, then it should not be designated by Council.

2.1.9 Disabled access

Council must consider whether or not there are clear means of access for disabled and mobility-impaired persons to the potential NSP.

In considering this issue, regard should be had to such matters as whether or not it would be necessary for cars or other vehicles to enter the NSP area to allow persons with disabilities to be dropped off within the place.

2.1.10 Alternative Uses of potential NSP

Council must consider what other uses may be made of the potential NSP which could impact upon its ability to properly function as an NSP.

Where a potential NSP which is used for an operational purpose at many times has been assessed by the CFA as meeting the criteria in the CFA Fire Rating Guidelines, and has been certified by the CFA, then the CFA has advised that those operational activities will be able to continue (to the extent practicable in the circumstances) while the place is being used as an NSP

If the place is used for other uses which could compromise its ability to be used as an NSP, then it should not be designated as an NSP by Council.

2.1.11 Communication with the community

Council must be able to communicate the location of the potential NSP to the community. There should be good community awareness of the location of the place, together with the risks that relate to the use of the potential NSP, and the risks associated with travelling to the potential NSP in the event of a bushfire.

2.1.12 Public liability insurance

As a matter of prudent risk management, Council should have regard to:

• any additional factors which are relevant to Council’s maintenance of insurance coverage for legal claims relating to the identification, designation, establishment, maintenance and decommissioning of a place as an NSP, as well as travel to an NSP; and

• any statutory defences to claims.

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2.2 Who is responsible for undertaking the Council assessment of potential NSPs?

A report prepared by the MERO and MFPO detailing whether or not the potential NSP meets the above criteria should be prepared and provided to:

(a) the MEMPC, where it is practicable for the MEMPC to be involved in the Council assessment process; and

(b) the Council.

The MEMPC must assess the potential NSP, taking into account the MERO’s report, and make a recommendation to Council as to whether or not to designate the potential NSP.

2.3 When are potential NSP locations required to be assessed by Council?

Any potential NSPs certified by the CFA should be assessed by Council no later than 30 June each year, so as to allow time for the places to be designated and established as NSPs by Council, and for any appropriate amendments to be made to the MEMP and MFPP prior to the commencement of the bushfire season.

This timing is obviously subject to the CFA assessing and certifying the potential NSP location in a timely manner.

3 Council Designation of NSPs

3.1 Who is responsible for Council designation of NSPs?

Council must formally determine whether or not to designate a place as an NSP.

Council should not designate a place as an NSP unless it is satisfied that the place is suitable, having regard to the Council NSPP Criteria.

An NSP may only be designated by a resolution of the Council.

3.2 When should Council consider the designation of a potential NSP?

Following preparation of an assessment of a potential NSP by council officers and consideration by the MEMPC, Council should determine whether or not to designate a potential NSP location by no later than 31 July annually.

3.3 What must the MFPO do once a potential NSP is designated by Council?

Once the Council has designated a place as an NSP, the MFPO must provide an updated list of all designated NSPs within the municipality to the CFA under section 50K of the CFA Act. This updated list must be provided by no later than 30 September in each year.

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4 Establishment and Maintenance of NSPs

4.1 Who is responsible for establishing NSPs?

Council will establish all designated NSPs within the municipal district.

4.2 What must be done when establishing NSPs?

To establish a NSP after its designation, Council must:

• erect appropriate signage at and near the NSP;

• undertake any necessary preparatory works, including the construction or establishment of any required infrastructure and the clearance of vegetation, so as to enable the area to be used as an NSP;

• publish the location of the NSP on the Council website; and

• update Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan and Municipal Fire Prevention Plan to include the location of the NSP.

The MFPO must provide an up-to-date list of NSPs to the CFA no later that 30 September each year under section 50K of the CFA Act.

Following designation, all designated NSPs within the municipality must be identified in:

• the MFPP, under section 55A(2) of the CFA Act; and

• the MEMP, under section 20(2) of the EM Act.

4.3 When must NSPs be established?

NSPs should be established no later than [30 October] each year.

4.4 Maintenance of NSPs

NSPs within the municipality need to be maintained by Council.

Maintenance activities must include vegetation management, hazardous tree removal and the maintenance of infrastructure required for the satisfactory functioning of the place as an NSP. If additional works have been required to establish the NSP, then those works should be subject to periodic review. The fuel load in the vicinity of the NSP must not increase so as to affect the fire rating of the NSP.

Council must ensure that defendable spaces, the Buffer Zone and access and egress routes are appropriately maintained.

Council must inspect the NSP, Buffer Zone and access and egress routes on a periodic basis, and in any event not less than once every month during the declared fire danger period, to ensure that the NSP continues to be capable of functioning as an NSP. If Council identifies issues that may impact upon the functioning of the place as an NSP, then Council must:

(a) address the issue;

(b) take reasonable steps to have the issue addressed, such as requesting the owner of the land on which the NSP or Buffer Zone is located to address the issue; or

(c) consider decommissioning the NSP and revoking the designation of the place as an NSP.

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5 Annual Inspections of NSPs

5.1 Who is responsible for the annual review of NSPs?

Council must undertake an annual review of all designated NSPs within the municipality.

Council must also request the CFA to undertake an assessment against the CFA Fire Rating Criteria of each NSP within the municipality on an annual basis.

These reviews are intended to ensure that each NSP remains suitable for use as an NSP during the up-coming fire season.

5.2 What must be considered when undertaking inspections?

NSPs should be assessed annually against the Council NSPP Criteria. The CFA will assess NSPs against the CFA Fire Rating Criteria.

If an NSP no longer meets:

(a) the CFA Fire Rating Criteria, then it must be decommissioned; and

(b) the Council NSPP Criteria, then Council must determine whether or not it wishes to address any of the identified non-compliances. If it does not, then the NSP must be decommissioned.

5.3 When must NSP locations be inspected?

NSPs must be inspected prior to 31 August each year under section 50J of the CFA Act.

Appendix B3

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Section 3 Assessment Tool for potential NSP locations

Factors to Consider in Assessing Potential NSPs

Council NSPP Criteria

Issues to consider Council comments

Satisfied? Yes/No

If the potential NSP is located on Council-owned land, can Council use the land as an NSP if required? Consider whether or not Council allows the land to be used for potentially inconsistent purposes, such as for farmers’ markets, fetes, circuses etc.

Consents and rights of access

See section 3.2(a)

If the potential NSP is on private land, or public land under the control of a Crown Land Manager (other than Council), can Council enter into arrangements which allow it to use the land as a potential NSP on reasonably satisfactory terms? Also consider whether Council has the right to:

• access the site and surrounding areas for maintenance; and

• erect appropriate signage at the NSP.

Do access routes to the potential NSP allow for:

• the anticipated potential number of people to move to and from the place; and

• the CFA and other emergency services to attend the place for asset and personnel protection activities?

Access and egress

See section 3.2(b)

Are access routes easily navigable, bearing in mind they could be affected by smoke? Consider the condition of the road surface, proximity to population centres and major roads, capacity of access routes to accommodate large numbers of vehicles, the availability of car parking at the place and any other relevant matters.

Maintenance of NSP in accordance with CFA assessment

See section 3.2(c)

Can Council maintain the potential NSP in accordance with the criteria taken into account by the CFA in arriving at its fire rating assessment?

If the CFA have not provided sufficient information in relation to the criteria it has taken into account in arriving at its fire rating assessment, it may be necessary for Council to seek further information from the CFA.

Will it be possible and practicable to make the potential NSP available for use on a 24 hour basis during the declared fire danger period? This is a particular issue where the potential NSP is a building.

Consider the potential for damage to the NSP which could result during times that it is open and available for use, but is not being used as an NSP.

What costs could be incurred by Council in making the potential NSP available on a 24 hour basis during the declared fire danger period? Are these costs reasonable, and capable of being borne by Council?

Opening of the NSP

See section 3.2(d)

Could the potential NSP be used for an unintended purpose which could impact upon its use as an NSP (such as an emergency relief centre)?

Appendix B3

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Neighbourhood Safer Places – TEMPLATE PLAN FOR COUNCIL ADAPTATION 81 Section 3 Factors to Consider in Assessing Potential NSPs

Council NSPP Criteria

Issues to consider Council comments

Satisfied? Yes/No

Is the potential NSP surrounded by sufficient open space to enable the CFA to conduct asset protection and fire suppression operations? Is that open space reasonably free of obstacles (such as fences, buildings, steep gradients, vegetation and other land formations)?

Council should seek CFA advice concerning the defendability of the potential NSP and the Buffer Zone, including in relation to fire vehicle access requirements.

Defendable space and fire suppression activities

See section 3.2(e)

Will approval be required under legislation such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth), Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic) and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic)? Can such approval be obtained before the NSP is established?

Defendability of buildings

See section 3.2(f)

If the potential NSP is a building, has Council has sought expert advice from the CFA to determine whether the NSP is likely to be subject to risk from ember attack? If it is subject to such a risk, can that risk be safely managed?

Can appropriate signage be erected at the entry to the potential NSP, and in its vicinity?

Signage

See section 3.2(g)

If signage needs to be placed on private land, can Council obtained the consent of the relevant landowner to the erection of the signage?

Maintenance and maintainability

See section 3.2(h)

Is the potential NSP capable of being maintained to ensure continuing compliance with the CFA Fire Rating Criteria and the Council NSPP Criteria?

Where relevant, consider whether adjoining land owners and occupiers will provide Council with an assurance that both the potential NSP and the Buffer Zone can be maintained to a satisfactory level.

Disabled access

See section 3.2(i)

Are there are means of access for disabled and mobility-impaired persons to the potential NSP, including vehicle access to drop off people with disabilities?

Alternative uses of potential NSP

See section 3.2(j)

Can Council manage alternative uses which may be made of the potential NSP so as to ensure that those uses will not compromise the function of the place as a potential NSP?

The CFA has advised that where a potential NSP which is used for an operational purpose at many times meets the CFA Fire Rating Criteria, then the CFA considers that those operational activities will be able to continue (to the extent practicable in the circumstances) while the place is being used as an NSP.

Community Communication

See section 3.2(k)

Will it be possible to ensure that there will be good community awareness of the location of the potential NSP, and the risks associated with using the potential NSP?

Appendix B3

Part 4 Council NSP Evaluation

Neighbourhood Safer Places – MAV TEMPLATE 82

Section 4 Council NSP Evaluation 1 Criteria

1.1 For those Councils whose municipal district falls within both a CFA region and the

Metropolitan Fire District (“MFD”) , or borders the MFD but is within the CFA region: The Council must consider;


• the following considerations:

� adequacy of egress routes out of the area being considered for an NSP, including number of egress routes,

� whether egress routes are major or minor roadways, � the type and amount of vegetation along key egress routes; and � the capacity of egress routes to accommodate potentially large

numbers of vehicles and to accommodate potential vehicle breakdowns).

2 Discussion 2.1 Since the completion of the 2009-10 fire season, the MAV has developed a model

template and guidelines to assist with the assessment of potential Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places - Places of Last Resort (MNSP) locations.

2.2 As Hume City Council is situated partly in the Metropolitan Fire District (MFD) and

partly in the CFA region, the considerations outlined above are applicable in consideration of nominating a MNSP for HumeCC.

2.3 In December 2009, the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee discussed the issue

of Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places and determined not to seek CFA assessment for any site within Hume City Council.

2.4 A subcommittee of the MEMPC was formed in July 2010 for the purpose of

developing Council’s Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan (MNSPP) utilising the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) NSP Guidelines and to carry out a review of the Community Emergency Risk Management Plan.

2.5 The subcommittee included representation from CFA / MFB, Vicpol, and council

officers. The committee reviewed the following issues:

(a) the roadside vegetation

(b) the fire risk across the municipality

(c) Egress Routes throughout the municipality and relationship with the current Municipal Fire Prevention Plan strategic Fire Breaks, and

(d) travel times applicable for residents seeking to leave the rural areas in case of fire.

Appendix B3

Part 4 Council NSP Evaluation Neighbourhood Safer Places – MAV TEMPLATE 83

Vegetation

3 The Hume City Council LAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2010–2013 labels land use within the municipality as:

• approximately 65 percent rural land, 25 percent urban land and 10 percent is occupied by Melbourne Airport,

• including established residential areas, committed land for urban growth, industrial sites, primary production, rural residential living and hobby farming.

4 The strategy defines the majority of Hume’s vegetation as being depleted to such an extent that three of the dominant vegetation classes, Plains Grassy Woodland, Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassland, are listed as Endangered by the Victorian Government and Critically Endangered by the Commonwealth Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC).

5 The Rural Landscape is characterised by being flat and sparsely treed that

provides an open view across wide expanses of grazing land. Meandering creeks, deep escarpments and open valleys provide topographical features and visual amenity.

6 The Hume Green Wedge: A Sustainable Lifestyle Landscape Final Report for Phase One of the Hume Green Wedge Management Plan, October 2007 describes the Hume Green Wedge as part of the Western basalt plains of Victoria once dominated by grasslands and grassy woodlands with stands of Manna and Red River Gum once common in the area as well as grey-box woodlands, grasslands, shrubs and other indigenous plants. However, since settlement, over

150 years ago, most of the accessible country in the Hume Green Wedge has been cleared for farming, urban development and other uses.

Fire Risk

7 The fire risk within the rural areas of Hume can be classified as moderate to high. Fires have occurred regularly in the past however the magnitude and severity of the fires generally represented a moderate risk with minor damage occurring to assets (fencing) and small impact on the environment with no lasting long term impacts.

8 The predominant vegetation is grassland or shrubland as defined above and

hence the fire risk is significantly lower than in forested and woodland areas. 9 Due to the significant preventative works implemented annually by Council / DSE

and CFA, fires occurring have been of short duration and able to be defended with ground based units supported by aerial appliances (with Essendon airport being the helitanker base).

Egress Routes

10 The Egress routes throughout the rural areas of Hume are essentially the primary or secondary strategic fire breaks under the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan (refer Figure1).

11 Hence the egress routes / fire breaks are generally located on road reserves of

between 30 and 60 meters in width with grass slashed to a minimum 100mm from fence to fence with primary breaks and 3 metres width from the sealed road on secondary breaks.

Appendix B3


12 The Primary break network also replicates Vicroads main roads / highways or freeways or councils local collector road network. The nominal road physical characteristics include being sealed of width above 7.0 metres and speed limited at 100kph. There are some instances of woodlands being adjacent to the roadways; however the road reserves provide sufficient area to manoeuvre if a tree fall were to occur.

Travel times 13 Figure 2 attached shows the extent of the urban area of Hume and a shaded area

representing 5 kilometres radius from the urban area. 14 It is evident that if a fire were to occur and threaten any area, that escape travelling

at 50 kph over 5 kilometres represents a travel time of 6 minutes. 15 In areas outside the 5 kilometre radius; travel time may increase to 12 or 15

minutes to reach an urban area and relative safety. Summary 16 The subcommittee of the Emergency Management Planning committee has

formed the view that, based on

• Vegetation through Hume being primarily grasslands / shrubland with isolated woodland, and

• That the fire risk is manageable within existing controls afforded by the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan and planning / preparation by DSE and CFA, and

• That the available egress routes from the rural areas replicate the Strategic Fire break network, and consist of high quality well designed and constructed roads, that

• Residents in rural areas would be better served by escaping the area using the road network to reach nearby urban areas for safety.

17 Accordingly, it was the unanimous view of the subcommittee that it would not be

suitable to propose any NSP for CFA assessment in the City for the 2010/11 fire season.

18 Furthermore, the designation of an NSP in a township or suburban living precinct

was not considered relevant given there was no level of risk present.

19 The Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) has considered the Draft MNSPP and has confirmed the recommendation that no NSPs are required In Hume City Council.

20 The MNSPP will be placed on the website, and made available the Plan for

inspection at the municipal offices for public inspection during normal office hours free of charge in accordance with the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 - SECT 50F Municipal Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan 50F. Municipal Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan (4).

21 It is also noted that as The Act provides that an annual assessment of NSPs be

undertaken and to be completed by 31 August in each year thence Council’s decision at this time will not remove the requirement for this to be reviewed in 12 months.

Appendix B3



Figure 1 Municipal Map showing Strategic Fire break network

Appendix B3


Figure 2 Municipal Map showing urban areas and 10 minutes travel time from urban areas

Appendix B3



Minutes from the Ordinary Council Meeting – 30 August 2010

CW226

Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places (Places of Last Resort) Plan (MNSPP)

221

Moved Cr Jack Ogilvie, Seconded Cr Ros Spence 2.1 That the Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Place Plan be

adopted.

2.2 That Council note there is no Neighbourhood Safer Place - Places of Last Resort nominated for CFA assessment in Hume City Council for the 2010/11 fire season.

2.3 That Council note the planning and strategies in its Fire Prevention Plan and Municipal Emergency Management Plan to support the community’s capacity in dealing with bushfires.

CARRIED



APPENDIX C - MAPS

MAP 1: MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION PLAN

MAP 2: INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR WOODLANDS HISTORIC PARK

MAP 3: INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN for MT. RIDLEY ROAD ENVIRONS AND UPPER MALCOLM CREEK

MAP 4: MELBOURNE AIRPORT

MAP 5: MELBOURNE AIRPORT GREY BOX FOREST AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH

MAP 6: SUNBURY LANDFILL

MAP 7: FIRE AND WEATHER DISTRICTS


Issue: 2 Date: September 2010

Revision No: E Page: 89

APPENDIX C: MAPS 1 – HUME CITY COUNCIL MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION PLAN



APPENDIX C: MAPS – 2: Integrated Fire Management Plan for Woodlands Historic Park

TO BE ATTACHED WHEN AVAILABLE



APPENDIX C: MAP 3: Integrated Fire Management Plan for Mt Ridley Road environs and Upper Malcolm Creek

TO BE ATTACHED WHEN AVAILABLE



APPENDIX C: MAP 4: Melbourne Airport




APPENDIX C: MAP 5: Melbourne airport grey box forest aerial photograph




APPENDIX C: MAP 6: Sunbury Landfill




APPENDIX C: MAP 7: FIRE AND WEATHER DISTRICTS

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