peet stratton ltd and mr joe candeloro - city of swan › files › 2c1919f8-07f5-40c6-be4f-a... ·...

Peet Stratton Ltd and Mr Joe Candeloro

Fire Management Plan

Midvale

Draft 2 – 27 March 2015

Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd

99C Lord Street, Whiteman, WA, 6076

Ph: (08) 9209 2767

Fax: (08) 9209 2768

[email protected]

www.naturalarea.com.au

http://www.naturalarea.com.au/


Fire Management Plan – Midvale

Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2014 | Page i

Disclaimer

Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as Natural Area Consulting Management Services (Natural Area), has

prepared this report for the sole use of the Client and for the purposes as stated in the agreement between

the Client and Natural Area under which this work was completed. This report may not be relied upon by any

other party without the express written agreement of Natural Area.

Natural Area has exercised due and customary care in the preparation of this document and has not, unless

specifically stated, independently verified information provided by others. No other warranty, expressed or

implied, is made in relation to the contents of this report. Therefore, Natural Area assumes no liability for

any loss resulting from errors, omission or misrepresentations made by others. This document has been

made at the request of the Client. The use of this document by unauthorised third parties without written

permission from Natural Area shall be at their own risk, and we accept no duty of care to any such third

party.

Any recommendations, opinions or findings stated in this report are based on circumstances and facts as

they existed at the time Natural Area performed the work. Any changes in such circumstances and facts

upon which this document is based may adversely affect any recommendations, opinions or findings

contained in this document.

No part of this document may be copied, duplicated or disclosed without the express written permission of

the Client and NAC. Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs are © Natural Area.

Document Control

Version Date Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Draft 1 06 March 2015 Sue Brand Luke Summers Luke Summers

Draft 2 27 March 2015 Sue Brand Luke Summers Luke Summers



Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2014 | Page ii

Contents

1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 Management Plan Aim ............................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Management Plan Objectives............................................................................................................... 3

3.0 Location and Zoning ................................................................................................................................. 4

4.0 Current Site Characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Regional Context .................................................................................................................................. 5

4.2 Climate .................................................................................................................................................. 5

4.3 Topography and Soils ........................................................................................................................... 5

4.4 Vegetation and Flora ............................................................................................................................ 9

4.4.1 On-site Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 9

4.4.2 Offsite Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 9

4.4.3 Landscaping ................................................................................................................................ 10

4.5 Existing Land Use and Assets .............................................................................................................. 10

4.6 Water Supply ...................................................................................................................................... 10

4.7 Access ................................................................................................................................................. 10

5.0 Fire Problem ........................................................................................................................................... 12

5.1 Fire History ......................................................................................................................................... 15

5.2 Bushfire Risk ....................................................................................................................................... 16

5.3 Bushfire Hazard Assessment .............................................................................................................. 16

5.4 Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ................................................................................................................. 19

5.5 BAL Assessment .................................................................................................................................. 20

5.5.1 Lots Adjacent to Woodbridge Creek .......................................................................................... 21

5.5.2 Lots adjacent to the Bush Forever Site ....................................................................................... 21

5.5.3 Lots in Proximity to Vegetation Associated with Blackadder Creek ........................................... 22

6.0 Fire Protection Elements and Performance Criteria .............................................................................. 24

6.1 Fire Protection – Subdivision .............................................................................................................. 24

6.1.1 Element 1: Location .................................................................................................................... 24

6.1.2 Element 2: Vehicular Access ....................................................................................................... 25

6.1.3 Element 3: Water ........................................................................................................................ 26

6.1.4 Element 4: Siting of Development .............................................................................................. 26

6.1.5 Element 5: Design of Development ............................................................................................ 29



Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2014 | Page iii

6.1.6 Assessment of Fire Management Strategies .............................................................................. 29

6.2 Fire Protection – Subdivision Staging ................................................................................................. 34

6.3 Implementation .................................................................................................................................. 34

6.4 Plan Review ........................................................................................................................................ 35

7.0 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 36

7.1 Fire Management Requirements........................................................................................................ 36

7.2 Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................... 36

7.2.1 Developer Responsibilities ......................................................................................................... 36

7.2.2 City of Swan Responsibilities ...................................................................................................... 37

7.2.3 DFES Responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 37

7.2.4 Owner Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 37

8.0 References .............................................................................................................................................. 38

Appendix 1 Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 39

Appendix 2 Compliance Criteria for Performance Criteria and Acceptable Solutions .................................. 40

Appendix 3 Landscape Plans .......................................................................................................................... 44



Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2014 | Page 1

1.0 Introduction

Peet Stratton Pty Ltd and Mr Joe Candeloro contracted Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as Natural

Area Consulting Management Services (Natural Area), to prepare a Fire Management Plan for their site in

Midvale, within the City of Swan. The site boundaries are Morrison Road to the south, Roe Highway and the

Perth – Darwin Highway Road Reserve to the west, a railway line, Blackadder Road, and a portion of Farrall

Road to the east, and Toodyay Road to the north. Existing residential property occurs to the south of the

site, as well as to the east (Figure 1). The site area is located approximately 20 km north east of the Perth

Central Business District and is approximately 135 ha. It is primarily covered with a weedy grassland along

with some trees and shrubs; private residences are present in the southern portion of the site. Much of the

vegetation will be cleared during the development process, with some being retained in areas of public open

space (POS), particularly in the Bush Forever site, and in the vicinity of Blackadder and Woodbridge Creeks.

Many Australian ecosystems require bushfire at regular intervals as part of their natural lifecycle. Vegetation

within these ecosystems have developed characteristics which promote the spread of fire, such as

flammable bark, dry coarse leaf litter and leaves which contain flammable oils (CSIRO, 2008). Accordingly,

residential areas in proximity to remnant native vegetation are at risk from bushfire impacts such as smoke,

ember attack and radiant heat. In knowing the risks, it is possible to identify varying mitigation strategies

that allow urban development to occur in proximity to remnant bushland areas. However, it needs to be

emphasised that the mitigation strategies reduce the risks, but does not remove the risks.

The Fire Management Plan has been prepared to support the City of Swan and the Western Australian

Planning Commission (WAPC) subdivision approvals process. It provides fire risk mitigation options that will

be applied as the subdivision proceeds. When preparing the Plan, Natural Area has considered the

requirements outlined in the Planning for Bushfire Protection Guidelines prepared by the Western Australian

Planning Commission, the Department of Planning and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (2010),

and AS 3959 – 2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas. Activities involved with the plan

preparation process included:

assessing the vegetation types present within and adjacent to the proposed development site using

the second edition of Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines (Western Australian Planning

Commission, Department of Planning and Fire and Emergency Services Authority, 2010)

assigning hazard ratings based on the vegetation types present

determining projected BAL ratings and suggest likely management strategies that could be

implemented based on current and projected site considerations

preparation of the management plan.

This Plan documents outcomes of the assessment process, with key sections including:

the aim and objectives of the fire management plan

location, zoning and current site characteristics

fire problem

fire management plan

roles and responsibilities of the developer, landowners and the City of Swan.




Figure 1: Site Location, Midvale




2.0 Management Plan Aim

The aim of the Fire Management Plan (FMP) is to outline the fire management methods and requirements

that will be implemented within the proposed subdivision. Accordingly, broad aims include:

reduce the threat of fire to the life and property of future residents and the environment

allow easy access of fire-fighters if a fire does occur

protect the landscape within the site as far as is possible.

2.1 Management Plan Objectives The objectives of this Fire Management Plan are to:

classify the bushfire hazard by assessing the predominant vegetation

propose bush fire prevention measures for the interface between the Bush Forever site to be

retained within the development, along with other vegetation to be retained in the vicinity of creek

lines and offsite vegetation

define the building construction standards where vegetated areas interface with the urban

development

identify access for fire-fighting operations and daily maintenance in an around vegetated areas and

stages of development

propose bush fire prevention measures around the stages of urban development

identify current and future landowner, developer and City of Swan responsibilities for various

components of this fire management plan

document the acceptable solutions adopted for the site.




3.0 Location and Zoning

The subject land is located within the City of Swan (Figure 1), and is primarily zoned ‘residential

development’ in Local Planning Scheme 17, with a portion of the site zoned ‘primary regional roads’ (Roe

Highway and the Perth-Darwin Highway road reserve). The land is owned by a consortium of developers,

with Peet Stratton Pty Ltd owning the bulk of the site and taking the lead role in the development process.

The subdivision will create a combined minimum of 1000 Lots that range in area from 225 – 600 m2. Each Lot

will be sold at an appropriate stage of the development process.




4.0 Current Site Characteristics

4.1 Regional Context According to Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) descriptions, Perth is located within

the Swan Coastal Plain region. The Swan Coastal Plain comprises two major divisions, namely Swan Coastal

Plain 1 –Dandaragan Plateau and Swan Coastal Plain 2 – Perth Coastal Plain. The site is located within the

Perth subregion, which is broadly characterised as including areas of Jarrah and Banksia woodlands on sandy

soils in a series of sand dunes, along with wetland areas, often within the interdunal swales (Mitchell,

Williams and Desmond, 2002).

4.2 Climate The climate experienced in the area is Mediterranean, with dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters. The

Bureau of Meteorology (2014) describes the climate at the Perth Airport (Station 009021) as:

average rainfall is 771.6 mm pa, with the majority falling between May and August

average maximum temperature ranges from 17.9 oC in winter to 31.9 oC in summer, with the highest

recorded maximum being 46.7 oC

average minimum temperatures range from 8.0 oC in winter to 17.5 oC in summer, with the lowest

recorded minimum being -1.3 oC

predominant wind directions include morning easterlies followed by westerly sea breezes during

summer months when the risk of fire is greatest. The average wind speed is 23.8 km/h with gusts of

more than 100 km/h possible, particularly during storm events.

4.3 Topography and Soils The site is situated on the Pinjarra Plain and Forrestfield soils from within the soils of the Pinjarra Zone.

These are described as being alluvial deposits between the Bassendean Dune System to the west and the

Darling Scarp to the east (Schoknecht, Tille and Purdie, 2004), and have formed from erosion of materials

from the Darling Scarp and areas further to the east . The Natural Resource Management Shared Land

Information Portal (SLIP NRM Portal) (Department of Agriculture and Food, 2015) indicates that six soil types

occur within the site boundary (Figure 2 and Table 1), and a further nine in the surrounding area; this

situation is a direct reflection of the soil forming processes that have occurred in the area. The development

area has a relatively flat topography that slopes gently from west (14 m AHD) to east (20 m AHD) (Figure 3).




Table 1: Soil subsystems

Map Unit Subsystem Description

213Fo Forrestfield System Undulating foot slopes of the Darling and Whicher Scarps, duplex

sandy gravels, pale deep sands and grey deep sandy duplexes.

213Fo_Ff1 Forrestfield F1 Phase Foot and low slopes < 10% with deep rapidly drained siliceous yellow

brown sands and pale or bleached sands with yellow-brown subsoil

213Pj Pinjarra System Poorly drained coastal plain with variable alluvial and aeolian soils

213Pj_Gf1 Pinjarra Gf1 Phase Very gently undulating plan with moderately well drained yellow

duplex or gradational soils with sand to sandy loam topsoil

213Pj_Gf2 Pinjarra Gf2 Phase Very gently undulating plain with imperfectly drained mottled yellow

duplex soils with sand to sandy loam topsoil

213Pj_Gf3 Pinjarra Gf2 Phase Level to very gently sloping plain, poorly drained mottled yellow

earths with loamy topsoil

(Source: Department of Agriculture and Food, 2015)




Figure 2: Soils, Midvale Site




Figure 3: Contours - Midvale




4.4 Vegetation and Flora The amount and type of vegetation and flora present within and adjacent to the Midvale site directly

contributes to the risks associated with fire, its spread, and impacts on property, the environment and

people.

4.4.1 On-site Vegetation

Vegetation at the site is broadly described as the Guildford Complex, which is characterised by tall – open

forest with marri-wandoo-jarrah woodland (Heddle, Loneragan and Havel, 1980). Eucalyptus rudis and

Melaleuca rhaphiophylla are found along stream lines. Remnant species within this vegetation type include

Banksia grandis, Xanthorrhoea preissii, Hardenbergia and Hibbertia. Some vegetation in the vicinity of creek

lines and the Bush Forever site (Figure 4) will be retained, with the remainder being cleared to accommodate

the development.

Figure 4: Vegetation within the Bush Forever site to be retained

4.4.2 Offsite Vegetation

Vegetation off site also needs to be considered due to the potential for fire spread into or out of these areas

as conditions allow or impacts associated with smoke and/or ember attack. Offsite vegetation is similar in

nature to that which occurs onsite, and occurs to the west across the Roe Highway, and the east in the

vicinity of the northern creek line and vegetation located in the vicinity of Reserve to the east of Farrall Road

in the north (Figure 5).




4.4.3 Landscaping

Place Laboratory have developed landscape plans for POS areas around Blackadder Creek, the Bush Forever

site, Woodbridge Creek, and a number of smaller reserves within the site boundary. Vegetation within the

vicinity of Blackadder Creek will be less than 2 500 m2, low managed parkland areas, play spaces and turfed

areas. Accordingly, the bushfire hazard in that area will be low and BAL-ratings for nearby houses will not be

required. A copy of the landscape plans are provided in Appendix 3.

Some planting of native species is expected within the Bush Forever buffer area and the Woodbridge Creek

Reserve; however, the details of the type, density and location of planting has not been finalised. At present,

it is not known how those plantings will influence fire management on nearby Lots, and will need to be

considered further as development progresses.

4.5 Existing Land Use and Assets A consortium of land developers owns the development site, with Peet Stratton Pty Ltd having the largest

land holding and taking the lead role in the development process. A range of private dwellings and

associated out buildings are located on Lots to the south. The remainder of the site is largely cleared with a

weedy grassland area and pockets of trees and shrubs. The site is surrounded by:

urban residential area to the east and the north west

primary school and commercial area to the east of the northern section of Farrall Road

parks and recreation areas to the west of Roe Highway

Swan Valley rural zone to the north of Toodyay Road

private property to the south.

4.6 Water Supply As the subdivision proceeds, the site will be connected to scheme water with fire hydrants required

approximately every 200 m within the built up area. Clearance on the placement of hydrants will be required

from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Water Corporation. Hydrants will need

to be clearly identifiable, with markings installed by the developer prior to sign off. Hydrants will be marked

via the following:

a blue ‘cats eye’ reflective indicator to the left of the centre line of the road

a small blue ‘H’ painted on the curbing

a white and red stripe around the power pole nearest to the hydrant.

Note that contractors or others carrying out building or other works at the site must not cover hydrants

and/or the markings indicating their location. In the event activities occur that do result in hydrants or

markings being covered, damaged, or removed, it will be the responsibility of the relevant contractor to

rectify the situation.

4.7 Access At present, access to the Midvale site is available via:

a series of off-road tracks from Farrall Road to the northern portion of the site

driveway entries to individual residences on Lots to the south

off-road vehicle access is possible from Roe Highway as the site is not fenced.




As the development progresses, additional access will be formalised through the creation of roads within the

site, and will include an adjustment to the alignment of Farrall Road (Figure 9).




5.0 Fire Problem

In order to identify the potential fire risks and mitigation strategies, it is necessary to describe the fire

problem associated with the site. The assessment takes into consideration the:

type and classification of vegetation present at the site

distance between the dominant vegetation classification and the walls of existing or proposed

buildings across from the classified vegetation

the topography and slope of the land between proposed buildings and the classified vegetation

land use.

Vegetation on and in proximity to the site was classified according to the descriptions provided in AS 3959 –

2009, with the following five types identified:

Type B Woodland – woodland (B06), trees 10 – 30 m high, 10 – 30% foliage cover, understorey or

low trees to tall shrubs

Type B Woodland – low woodland (B07) and low open woodland (B08), low trees and shrubs 2 – 10

m high, < 10% foliage cover, with a grassy understorey or low shrubs

Type D Scrub – open scrub (D14), shrubs greater than 2 m high, 10 – 30% foliage cover with a mixed

species composition

Type G Grassland (approx. 70% of the site) – tussock grassland (G22) – all forms of grassland,

including situations with shrubs and trees if the over storey foliage cover is less than 10%.

Table 2 provides descriptions of each vegetation type, with the location of each shown in Figure 5.

The greatest fire threat at the site is primarily from human access combined with the woodland areas

associated with the Bush Forever site adjacent to Farrall Road, other vegetated pockets on and in proximity

to the site, and the weedy understorey. A fire in these areas has the potential to result in ember attack to

neighbouring land and built-up areas. Note also that summer weather conditions also contribute to the fire

threat through mid-level disturbances bringing unstable atmospheric conditions from the north or north-

west that result in thunderstorms and the potential for lightning strike as a fire ignition source.




Table 2: Vegetation types as per AS 3959 - 2009

Open Woodland – B06 Low Woodland – B07 Low Open Woodland – B08

Open Scrub – D14 Tussock Grassland – G22




Figure 5: Vegetation types as per AS 3959 - 2009




5.1 Fire History A review of historical aerial imagery held by Landgate (2015) suggests there have been no fires within the

development boundary for the past 40 years; however, there are often a number of years between early

imagery dates so this cannot be confirmed with certainty. A review of documents and historical aerial

imagery identified several fires that have occurred within or close to the site during the past 10 years (Table

3). Site assessment activities showed evidence of fire in the form of burn marks on the trunks of trees, with

those on the Melaleuca rhaphiophylla within the Bush Forever site suggesting this occurred more recently,

probably within the past few years (Figure 6).

Table 3: Fire history for the areas in proximity to the subdivision

Date Distance to Site Impact

03 – 04 (?)

February 2015 On site

Approx. 100 m2 of grassed area, with scorching of some shrubs;

potentially ignited by lightning during thunderstorms

03 February 2014 < 100 m Limited to grassed areas on western side of Roe Highway

Unknown Within Bush

Forever site

Photographs of the Melaleuca rhaphiophylla (Figure 6)

Prior to May 2010 < 100 m Limited to grassed areas on western side of Roe Highway

At some point

between January

and March 2008

On site

Limited to grassed areas in northern portion of proposed

development site

November or

December 2006 On site

Small grassland area adjacent to Roe Highway and immediately

north of private land

November or

December 2004 On site

Grass fire immediately north of private land, extending from Roe

Highway in the west through to the railway line in the east, and

including the southern portion of the Bush Forever site

Figure 6: Indication of fire (probably recent) in Melaleuca rhaphiophylla within the Bush Forever site




5.2 Bushfire Risk Risk relates to the likelihood of a negative or detrimental consequence arising out of the interaction

between hazards, community and the environment. The Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines

(Western Australian Planning Commission, Department of Planning, and Fire and Emergency Services

Authority, 2010), describes three hazard levels relating to bush fire risks. These are:

Low – primarily areas of no standing native vegetation, pasture or cropping areas with limited

vegetation or suburban areas with maintained gardens and < 0.25 ha of standing vegetation

Moderate – open woodlands and shrublands, low shrubs with slopes < 10o or flat land, suburban

areas with some native tree cover, pasture or cropped areas with slopes > 10o

Extreme – forests, woodlands and/or tall shrubs.

5.3 Bushfire Hazard Assessment Bushfire hazard assessments provide a measure of intensity of fire and likely threat of fire to the site and

surrounding areas. The assessment of fire risk takes into account existing site conditions including:

topography, in particular, the slope or gradient of the land

vegetation cover and associated fuel loads

relationship to surrounding development.

The steepness or gradient of a landscape influences the combustion rate of vegetation, with fire typically

accelerating uphill and decelerating when travelling downhill. The speed of a fire front doubles with every

10 increase in slope, thus a fire on a 20 slope will advance four times faster than on flat ground (Australian

Government, 2013). The Midvale site slopes gently towards the east, and thus the site is considered to have

a 0o slope, and thus minimal influence on an approaching bushfire, with vegetation to the east all being

upslope.

Knowing the vegetation type, the bush fire hazard level, and the slope of the land in the vicinity of vegetated

areas, the bushfire attack level (BAL) for housing within the vicinity of bushland areas can be determined.

Using assessment criteria published in the 2nd edition of Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines (WAPC

et al, 2010) the risk ranges from low to extreme across vegetated areas within and adjacent to the site due

to the presence of Type B woodland vegetation (Figure 5), with a pre-development risk assessment shown in

Figure 7. As the development progresses, much of the vegetation will be removed. However, vegetation

within the Bush Forever that is classified as extreme and some vegetation adjacent to the creek lines that is

classified as moderate will remain. On this basis, the primary fire risk will come from the Bush Forever site

and offsite vegetation to the west.

The majority of the POS areas within the subdivision will be landscaped and maintained at a level that will

have a low fire risk. The post-development hazard assessment is provided in Figure 8, which takes into

consideration vegetation to be cleared for housing Lots, roads, and areas of public open space (POS).




Figure 7: Pre-development vegetation hazard ratings




Figure 8: Post-development vegetation hazard ratings




5.4 Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) The Bushfire Attack Level is an assessment of risk of damage to a building from bushfire from embers,

radiant heat (heat flux), larger debris and flames. Table 4 describes the six risk levels used and their

relationship to a particular BAL rating. The assigning of a BAL rating to Lots within a subdivision is an

acceptable management strategy with the aim of providing an increased level of protection against radiant

heat that could otherwise damage flammable portions of buildings in the event of a bushfire. Increased

protection comes through increased construction standards and the setting of minimum distance

requirements between building walls and vegetation in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3959 - 2009.

Note that the assigning of a BAL rating does not guarantee the protection of homes from fire impacts;

rather, it decreases the likelihood of impacts.

Table 4: BAL description – AS 3959 – 2009

BAL

rating Risk Level Description

Applicable AS 3959

– 2009 Sections

Low Very low Insufficient risk to warrant any specific construction

requirements but there is still some risk 4

12.5 Low risk of ember attack

exposure to radiant heat 3 and 5

19 Moderate

risk of ember attack

burning debris ignited by wind embers

likelihood of exposure to radiant heat

3 and 6

29 High

increased risk of ember attack

increased risk of burning debris ignited by

windborne embers

likelihood of exposure to a high level of radiant heat

3 and 7

40 Very high

increased risk of ember attack

increased risk of burning debris ignited by

windborne embers

likelihood of exposure to a high level of radiant heat

some likelihood of direct exposure to flames

3 and 8

FZ Extreme

extremely high risk of ember attack

extremely high risk of burning debris ignited by

windborne embers

likelihood of exposure to an extreme level of radiant

heat

likelihood of exposure to flames from the fire front

3 and 9

A BAL- low requires no additional building construction requirements and is the preferred rating, and applies

to building Lots 100 m or more from classified vegetation. For those properties within 100 m of the classified

vegetation, a BAL rating of 12.5 or higher will apply according to the vegetation type, slope and distance. For

the Midvale Lots, three BAL ratings will apply, namely BAL low, BAL-12.5, and BAL-29 based on current

information. No Lots will be rated BAL-19 due to separation distances achieved via the current subdivision

layout and BAL-29 rated areas.




Hazard separation distances for each BAL rating and slope class are calculated from the edge of the classified

vegetation to building walls based on the projected area of vegetation to be retained within POS areas.

Strategies that assist with ensuring a suitable building/hazard separation zone include the following:

road reserves

clearing and landscaping within POS

minimum set back distances from property boundaries to building walls.

The above have been considered when determining BAL ratings for the Midvale site, noting that ratings

generally apply to an entire Lot, not a part thereof. Minimum distances for the vegetation type and gradient

for the site are provided in Table 5. Note that as BAL-ratings are based on distance, those Lots assigned a

BAL-29 rating usually provide sufficient distance to assign a BAL-12.5 rating to Lots further away.

Table 5: Minimum distance (metres) to vegetation for BAL ratings – Type B Woodland

BAL Rating Distance to Classified Vegetation – Upslope or Flat Land (m)

BAL-12.5 29 – < 100

BAL-19 20 – < 29

BAL-29 14 – < 20

5.5 BAL Assessment The BAL assessment for all Lots within 100 m of classified vegetation at the Midvale Site takes into

consideration the following:

current broad Lot layout for the subdivision application site

projected fill requirements required to provide an even surface to build on

recommended clearing and landscaping design with fire mitigation strategies taken into

consideration in the vicinity of Blackadder Creek

assumed that planting of native vegetation within the Bush Forever buffer and the Woodbridge

Creek Reserve extends to the boundary of the land parcels and that the associated bushfire hazard is

moderate - extreme

location of vegetation to be retained in other public open space (POS) areas on site

the City of Swan will become responsible for ongoing management of the landscaped and vegetated

POS areas.

Indicative outcomes of the BAL assessment process are shown in Figure 9. Note the following in relation to

the BAL assessment as presented in this Fire Management Plan:

BAL ratings are indicative, and will be reviewed during detailed design stages of the development

process when Lot layout is known, thus there may be variation in the area subject to a particular

rating

a lower BAL rating may result where building setback distances on a Lot are combined with distance

to the actual edge of classified vegetation

generally, a BAL-rating will apply to an entire Lot




BAL-ratings for a number of Lots to the north and east of the Bush Forever buffer and in the vicinity

of Woodbridge Creek will be subject to further assessment and refinement as site-specific

information becomes available, such as details of projected planting with native species

it has been assumed that the entire development area will be a residential subdivision; if commercial

areas are planned for at a later stage, buildings will be subject to Building Code of Australia

requirements rather than the BAL-ratings outlined in this Plan

Roe Highway and the Western Power easement to the west of the site provide adequate separation

from vegetation on the western side of Roe Highway; a masonry noise wall is planned for this area,

and which will provide an added layer of protection in fire management terms to the site

BAL ratings will not be applied to any existing buildings to be retained on site.

5.5.1 Lots Adjacent to Woodbridge Creek

Woodbridge creek includes vegetated areas and existing property. Southern Lots immediately adjacent to

the creek are likely to have a BAL-29 rating, with those further away having a BAL-12.5 rating. If planting

with native vegetation occurs within the broader creek reserve, then a number of Lots to the north will

require a BAL-29 rating and others a BAL-12.5. If no planting occurs and the vegetation is maintained at

current levels, then there is sufficient separation distance for a BAL-12.5 rating to be assigned.

Two locations are highlighted for further assessment as they have a boundary in common with the

Woodbridge Creek reserve. If vegetation within the vicinity of these Lots is maintained at the current level,

then adequate separation distance can be achieved and a BAL-29 rating being likely. If revegetation occurs,

then proposed designs will need to consider fire management implications and ensure appropriate

separation from the edge of vegetation to building walls occurs.

Three locations are highlighted as requiring further assessment due to the presence of existing buildings,

namely those locations in the western and eastern portions of the development site. If these buildings are

retained, BAL-ratings will not be applied retrospectively; however, if they are demolished and the land is

included within the broader development or additional buildings constructed, then BAL-ratings will be

assigned, with the Lot layout ensuring an adequate separation distance from vegetation to building walls is

achieved.

5.5.2 Lots adjacent to the Bush Forever Site

An area of vegetation within the Bush Forever site will be retained within a POS site, and which presents the

most significant ongoing fire risk on site. If the POS includes landscaped areas to provide function and

amenity to the community, Lots to the north and east will be assigned a BAL-12.5 rating as there is sufficient

separation from vegetation to building walls. However, if the buffer area is planted with native vegetation,

then higher BAL-ratings to a maximum BAL-29 are probable, with the actual rating dependent on species,

planting density and area planted. The grouped housing site to the north-east has a boundary in common

with the Bush Forever buffer. Appropriate design will be required to ensure appropriate separation is

achieved from building walls to the edge of vegetation, with a minimum of 14 m required. Lots to the south

of the Bush Forever component are likely to include some Lots with a BAL-29 rating. All others are likely to

be BAL-12.5 due to the width of Farrall Road, the area within the POS to be landscaped, and the width of

internal roads adjacent to the POS.




5.5.3 Lots in Proximity to Vegetation Associated with Blackadder Creek

All Lots within 100 m of vegetation associated with Blackadder Creek to the east of the site will require a

BAL-rating of 12.5 as the railway reserve and Farrall Road provide a sufficient hazard separation distance. A

POS area will be created on either side of Blackadder Creek within the development area, with native

vegetation to be kept to areas of less than 2 500 m2 and other areas to be turfed and landscaped such that

vegetation will not require consideration from a fire management perspective.




Figure 9: Indicative BAL-rated areas, Midvale




6.0 Fire Protection Elements and Performance Criteria

The Planning for Bushfire Protection Guidelines prepared by the Western Australian Planning Commission,

Department of Planning, Fire and Emergency Services Authority (Edition 2, 2010) describe the objectives and

underpinning principles for bushfire protection in subdivisions. The objectives of the guidelines are to:

identify areas where bushfire risks to people and property are significant and determine the hazard

level applying to those areas

avoid increased risk to people and property through the appropriate consideration of the fire risk

during the subdivision design process

ensure the subdivision considers the appropriate fire protection requirements and includes the fire

protection measures specified in risk areas.

The principles underpinning the guidelines are:

bushfire hazards must be considered throughout the planning process to ensure the risk to people

and property is reduced

local government authorities need to broadly identify bushfire hazard levels within their local

planning strategies and schemes

development within locations with an extreme bushfire hazard or attack levels of BAL-40 and/or

BAL-FZ should be avoided unless appropriate fire protection strategies can be implemented to the

satisfaction of the WAPC, DFES and the local government authority

areas with an extreme bushfire hazard where more intensive development is planned and

considered to be unavoidable, permanent hazard reduction measures must be implemented to the

satisfaction of the WAPC, DFES and/or the local government authority

structure plans in areas with a moderate or extreme bushfire hazard level must be supported by an

assessment of the bushfire risk and compliance with the performance criteria and acceptable

solutions.

As development proceeds, all sites within 100 m of bushland areas will need to meet the criteria associated

with an extreme bushfire hazard rating through the adoption of performance criteria and acceptable

solutions as described in the bushfire protection guidelines. However, the site will also need to be managed

during the staging of development activities. Both situations will be described in this section.

6.1 Fire Protection – Subdivision

6.1.1 Element 1: Location

The majority of the proposed development at the Midvale site is in an area where the bushfire hazard level

is manageable. Clearing of land for the development along with landscaping and fill within the site will

enable the BAL rating for Lots to primarily be BAL-12.5 with some rated BAL-29. The actual number and of

location of Lots that will have a BAL-rating will be assessed in greater detail at a later stage of the planning

process.




6.1.2 Element 2: Vehicular Access

The intent of the guideline is to ensure that vehicular access within a subdivision is safe at all times in the

event of a bushfire, both for residents and responders. The internal layout of roads will allow this (Figure 9).

The lots to the north of the POS associated with Blackadder Creek will include a formal road over the creek

line towards the east of the site, with the second exit being the existing temporary access road that exits

directly on to Farrall Road (Figure 9 and landscape plans included at Appendix 3). The remainder of the site

will include a number of exits to Farrall Road and Blackadder Road. There will be no exits to Roe Highway or

Toodyay Road.

The following performance criteria solutions can be demonstrated within the proposed subdivision:

two or more vehicular access routes are available to residents that connect to the public road

network

public roads will meet the minimum requirements summarised in Table 6

one cul-de-sac is proposed, and will meet the requirements outlined in Table 6

no battleaxe blocks are planned

no private driveways will be more than 50 m from a public road

vegetation to be retained within POS areas will include a landscaped/managed parkland area that

contributes to hazard separation distances to housing Lots

all lots will be urban lots.

Table 6: Vehicle access standards to assist with bushfire protection

Standard Public Roads

Minimum trafficable surface 6 metres

Horizontal clearance 6 metres

Vertical clearance 4 metres

Maximum grade 1 in 8

Maximum grade over <50 m 1 in 5

Maximum average grade 1 in 7

Minimum weight capacity 15 tonnes

Maximum crossfall 1 in 33

Curves minimum inner radius 12 metres

Turning head 21 metre diameter

Signage Not required

Gates (vehicle access gates) Not required

Personnel entry gates Not required

Design and construction Approved by City of Swan

Turn around areas Not required




6.1.2.1 Fuel Load and Reduction

The presence of potential fuel, particularly dry vegetation, weeds and rubbish, contributes to the frequency

and intensity of fires that might occur at a given location. Weed control measures, such as chemical control

and/or slashing of long grass to a maximum height of 50 mm (5 cm) is required in areas where understorey

species are largely absent. A review of previous fires at the site indicates that the majority have been within

those areas vegetated with the tussock grassland. Development at the site will reduce the presence of this

vegetation type, and probably lead to a reduction in the frequency of fire at the site.

6.1.2.2 Emergency Response Access

Access for emergency responders will be available through the public road network, along with the retaining

of the temporary road across Blackadder Creek that exits to Farrall Road.

6.1.3 Element 3: Water

The intent of the guidelines is to ensure that water is available within the subdivision to assist with

defending life and property in the event of a bushfire. All houses within the subdivision will be connected to

the Water Corporation’s reticulated drinking water supply network. Hydrants are required approximately

every 200 m within the subdivision, with the design complying with the Water Corporation Design Standard

63.

The developer will install a series of markings to indicate the presence of hydrants, namely:

a blue ‘cats eye’ reflective indicator to the left of the centre line of the road

a small blue ‘H’ painted on the curbing

a white and red stripe around the power pole nearest to the hydrant.

Clearance on the placement of hydrants will be required from DFES and the Water Corporation. Hydrants

will need to be clearly identifiable, with markings installed by the developer prior to sign off.

Note that hydrants and/or their location markers must not be covered by contractors or others whilst

carrying out works (e.g.: building construction) at the site. In the event activities occur that result in their

being covered over, or markings covered, damaged, or removed, the responsibility for rectifying the

situation will rest with the contractor concerned.

6.1.4 Element 4: Siting of Development

The intent of the guidelines is to ensure that the siting of the development minimises the level of bush fire

impact.

6.1.4.1 Hazard Separation Zone – Moderate to Extreme Hazard Levels

The aim of the guidelines is to ensure that the siting of the development minimises the level of bush fire

impact on property in higher risk areas. For buildings within fire prone areas, an ideal hazard separation zone

of at least 100 m between vegetation and building walls that includes a 20 m building protection zone is

preferred (Figure 10). Where that is not possible, the requirements of AS 3959-2009 Construction of

Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas can be applied as an acceptable solution, as is the case for buildings

proposed within the vicinity of the vegetated areas around the proposed development.




Figure 10: Ideal hazard separation zone between vegetation and buildings

The proposed development at Midvale has been designed to provide appropriate hazard separation and

building protection zones between the vegetation in the public open space areas and offsite vegetation and

building walls that incorporate the assigned BALs determined in accordance with Amendment 2 of AS 3959 –

2009 (February, 2011) (Figure 11). The hazard separation zone will provide a minimum 20 m building

protection zone, and generally incorporate:

a road reserve that will include paved road surface, kerbing, and pedestrian access ways

a minimum nominated setback distance from the Lot boundary to building wall

additional distance to vegetation, as specified by AS 3959 – 2009.

Figure 11: Reduced Hazard Separation Zone and Building Protection Zone in accordance with AS 3959 - 2009

The majority of Lots within 100 m of classified vegetation are likely to be assigned a BAL-12.5 rating, with a

small number rated BAL-29. Other Lots in the development area will not require a BAL rating.

Those Lots requiring construction that meets building requirements detailed in AS 3959 – 2009 Construction

of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas (Standards Australia, 2009) could expect to add a minimum of 4 – 10%

additional costs for house construction, with the actual depending on the assigned BAL, materials chosen

and the builder engaged to carry out the work. Potential owners of these Lots will be advised that there are

additional building requirements to be met during the sales process. The relevant construction standards

detailed in AS 3959 – 2009 are provided in Table 7, meaning that buildings will need to comply with relevant

sections of the Standard, such as Sections 3 and 5 or Sections 3 and 6.

Nominated setback from property

boundary to building walls

Clearing and/or landscaping

between vegetation and road verge

for nominated distances

and the road reserve

road reserve of nominated width

Building protection zone

Building protection zone (20 m)

Hazard separation zone (80 m)

Extreme hazard




Table 7: Construction Level vs Bushfire Attack Level

BAL AS 3959 – 2009

Construction level

Increasing construction standards and

associated construction costs

Low None specified

12.5 Sections 3 and 5

19 Sections 3 and 6

29 Sections 3 and 7

40 Sections 3 and 8

FZ Sections 3 and 9

(Source: AS 3959 – 2009)

The relevant construction standards detail the requirements for:

subfloor supports

floors

external walls

external doors, windows and other glazed elements

roofs, including those of verandas, garages, and carports

verandas, decks, steps, ramps and landings

water and gas supply pipes.

It should be noted that AS 3959 – 2009 indicates that construction requirements for the next lower BAL than

that determined for a particular site may be applied where a particular elevation on a building is not

exposed to the source of the bushfire attack because other portions of the building act as shielding (Figure

12). Thus, for buildings located in an area determined to be BAL 29, for example, walls not immediately

facing the fire threat can be constructed in accordance with BAL 19. Note that no lessening of construction

standards can occur in areas assessed as BAL 12.5.

Direction of fire attack Walls shielded from fire attack, that can be built

to next lower BAL construction requirements

Figure 12: Shielding and BAL rating




6.1.4.2 Building Protection Zone

The aim of the building protection zone is to reduce the immediate threat to buildings and other

infrastructure from radiant heat, direct flame contact and ember attack. The building protection zone for the

Lots assigned a BAL rating will range from a minimum of 14 m to 29 m or more from building walls, based on

the B-type vegetation present within the site. Within this area,

fuel loads will be reduced and maintained at no more than 2 tonnes per hectare

tree crowns will be a minimum of 10 m apart

lower branches of trees/shrubs are trimmed so as to reduce the potential of ignition from ground

fires

trees and shrubs will not be planted in clumps, kept to a height of less than 2 m and be a minimum

of 2 m away from buildings without any overhang by crowns

have no dead material within the crown or the bole

fences and sheds will be constructed from non-combustible material, such as colourbond, brick or

limestone.

6.1.4.3 Education

Housing in close proximity to the vegetated areas will always be subject to some risk from the effects of a

fire, particularly smoke, embers and potentially spot fires. It is recommended that Lot owners within 1 km of

the vegetation, particularly those where a BAL rating has been determined, are made aware of the potential

risks from fire and what to do in the event a fire is noticed, such as:

informing DFES as soon as a fire is noticed

if installed, turning off evaporative air conditioners, or if possible to do so, continue running water

through the unit with the fan turned off

if evaporative air conditioners haven’t been used prior to smoke being detected, it is advisable to

wet the filter pads with a garden hose or run the unit to wet the filter pads, then turn it off when

smoke appears overhead

ensuring accessibility is maintained to enable easy movement of emergency vehicles.

It is also recommended that they are supplied with a copy of the current edition of the FESA publication

`Survive – The Home Owner’s Bush Fire Survival Manual’ (2008). This guide is also available on the DFES

website. This information can be provided along with other information during sale negotiations with

purchasers and material provided by the City to residents on a regular basis.

6.1.5 Element 5: Design of Development

Except for the areas identified as being in proximity to classified vegetation that have been assigned a BAL

rating (Figure 9), the design of the development complies with Element 4: Siting of Development. The non-

compliant areas will be constructed in accordance with the requirements of AS 3959 – 2009.

6.1.6 Assessment of Fire Management Strategies

The risk assessment process is composed of three key stages that are used as the basis of determining the

level of risk associated with various activities, in this case, the potential of damage to property and people in

the event of fire within the proposed subdivision, with particular attention on the vegetated areas to the

east. The stages involved with the risk assessment process include:

risk identification - identify and document the potential risks and impacts associated with the

occurrence of fire at the site




qualitatively ranking potential environmental impacts to establish relative significance

establishing and documenting control measures to mitigate against potentially significant impacts.

Risk ranking involves the assigning of numeric likelihood and consequence levels to each identified risk issue.

A risk matrix (Table 10) presents outcomes based on the likelihood and consequence criteria outlined in

Tables 8 and 9. Once the level of risk has been determined, risks prioritisation can occur. For all significant

risks, control strategies are established to ensure that the adequate controls are implemented.

Table 8: Risk Assessment Likelihood Descriptor

Level Likelihood Description

1 Rare Very unlikely / may occur only in exceptional circumstances

2 Unlikely Known to have occurred at some time

3 Probable The event will probably occur, or has occurred under some conditions

4 Likely The event is expected to occur under some conditions or has occurred more than once in recent years

5 Almost certain The event is a common or frequent occurrence

Table 9: Risk Assessment Consequence Classification

Level Consequence Description

1 Insignificant Confined to immediate area, rapid clean-up, no damage to housing, or people

2 Minimal Confined to isolated area, rapid clean-up, minimal damage, minor injuries

3 Moderate Impact confined to the boundaries of the site or other vegetated area, clean-up may require external assistance, moderate damage and/or injury

4 Major Major damage, significant but non-life-threatening injury, impacts within 1 km of site or vegetated area boundary, considerable clean-up using range of resources.

5 Catastrophic Severe damage, loss of life, extensive clean-up and recovery period, requires ongoing operators and external resources

Table 10: Risk Assessment Matrix

Consequence

1 2 3 4 5

Likelihood Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

5 Almost certain 5 10 15 20 25

4 Likely 4 8 12 16 20

3 Moderate 3 6 9 12 15

2 Unlikely 2 4 6 8 10

1 Rare 1 2 3 4 5

Extreme risk; immediate action required High risk; senior management attention needed

Moderate risk; management responsibility must be specified Low risk; manage by routine procedures




The nature of the site, the proximity of the area of vegetation to be retained in public open space areas and

offsite vegetation means that the strategies described in this Plan represent the best available options to

reduce the risks associated with bushfire. Rapid response to fires within the vegetated areas will remain a

key measure that will assist with limiting the spread of fire within and beyond the site boundary. While the

proximity of housing in streets immediately adjacent to vegetated areas will mean a moderate potential for

spot fires, transportation of embers and smoke during fires, education of the community will contribute to

the effectiveness of response measures. Table 11 documents the outcomes of the risk assessment process

and potential management strategies.




Table 11: Risks and Management Strategies

Issue Potential Impact

Raw Risk

Management Strategies

Residual risk

Likelih

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Co

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ce

Risk Le

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Risk Le

vel

Housing in close proximity to vegetated areas

Access in area to the north of

Blackadder Creek in the event

of a fire

One formal access shown on the lot layout plan

may prove detrimental in the event of a fire 3 2 M

Retain the existing temporary access road from

this location to Farrall Road as the second exit 2 2 L

Access to vegetation

Greater potential for fire spread before control

obtained

Potential damage to nearby houses and

residents 3 2 M

At the appropriate stage of development and to

the satisfaction of the City of Swan formalise

access to/from the vegetated areas to be retained

The City of Swan ensures firebreaks are

maintained on property adjacent to the

development through its normal administrative

processes

2 2 L

Proximity of housing and

residents to vegetation

Damage and/or injury to housing, people, pets,

environment

4 3 H

Comply with AS 3959 – 2009

Appropriate site mitigation strategies, including

clearing, filling and landscaping

Community awareness and education

Rapid response

4 2 M

Offsite vegetation

Presence of offsite vegetation

Fire occurring in offsite vegetation to the east

and west and spreading onto development site

Larger and more persistent embers from woody

vegetation, with greater potential for

movement within the air

2 3 M

Assessment of vegetation within 100 m of site

boundary

Presence of Roe Highway and a Western Power

easement to the east that will provide a 100 m

distance from vegetation

2 2 L




Issue Potential Impact

Raw Risk

Management Strategies

Residual risk

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Risk Le

vel

Likelih

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Risk Le

vel

The construction of a masonry wall along the

eastern boundary near Farrall Road and the

western boundary between Roe Highway for

aesthetic and noise reduction reasons, and which

will act as shielding, providing an added level of

protection against fire

Application of AS 3959 construction standards for

Lots within 100 m of vegetation

Ensure vehicle access for fire fighting appliances

Where required, relevant land managers/owners

maintaining appropriate firebreaks in accordance

with City of Swan administrative requirements




6.2 Fire Protection – Subdivision Staging While the fire management plan has the aim of ensuring the proposed development is designed with due

consideration to the potential for ignition of fires and their spread, the Developer also needs to ensure the

protection of property and the environment during the various stages of construction. Each stage will

incorporate a series of fire protection requirements until the subdivision is completed, including:

A 6 m strategic trafficable firebreak on the outside of the development on the alignment of the

internal road of the next stage. Note that it may be necessary to lay road base or similar to

accommodate access for larger fire appliances.

A 94 m low fuel area is to be established between the last lots in each stage to be sold and the 6 m

strategic firebreak, ensuring a 100 m hazard separation zone is maintained. The low fuel area will

consist of a 30 m building protection zone, with vegetation in the residual 64 m low fuel area to be

slashed and maintained at a maximum of 100 mm in height.

Vegetation within the building protection zone is to be slashed and maintained below 50 mm as

detailed in Section 6.1.4.1.

6.3 Implementation Implementation of this Plan will commence immediately and will be the responsibility of the Developer, Peet

Stratton Pty Ltd and Mr Joe Caneloro, until the time portions of the site are ceded to the City of Swan or the

new owners take possession of their Lots. When installed, maintenance of any fencing, gates and access

points will be the responsibility of the developer until handover to the City, at which time ongoing

maintenance requirements will need to be incorporated into annual budgetary processes. Activities that will

be involved with the implementation of this plan are described in Table 12.

Table 12: Implementation Schedule

Activity Responsibility Maintenance Responsibility

Ensuring bushfire protection of

land and property during the

various stages of the

development as detailed in this

fire management plan

Developer Checking and maintaining firebreaks,

low fuel zones and other protection

mechanisms during staging activities

Developer

Ensuring emergency vehicle

access through POS areas

during landscaping process

Developer Will include checking of general

condition, organising repairs as

required, checking access is not

blocked

Developer until

hand over of

POS areas to the

City of Swan

Undertake slashing of long grass

to 50 mm and other weed

control to reduce fuel load

Developer Annual, prior to summer, in

accordance with information issued

to ratepayers by the City of Swan

Developer, until

sale of

individual lots

or hand over of

POS and

conservation

area to the City

of Swan




Activity Responsibility Maintenance Responsibility

Assess fire management

implications of proposed

revegetation plans

Developer As required, during revegetation

design phase

Developer

Education Developer and

City of Swan

Updating materials and information

to reflect current policies, plans,

knowledge, or accepted practice

Developer –

during sale

process

City – during

normal

administrative

activities to

residents and

rate payers

FMP review Developer in

consultation

with City of

Swan

Ensure continued suitability of FMP

by reviewing contents in conjunction

with current site conditions

Developer

6.4 Plan Review This fire management plan has been developed based on current conditions at the site, but recognises that

changes can occur over time and may be subject to review based on detailed design processes. It is

recommended that this plan also be reviewed twelve months after initial endorsement and implementation

to ensure its continued suitability, and in the event any of the following occur:

a fire occurs within the site boundary or a neighbouring property that spreads to the site

during detailed design phases, particularly if expected fill levels change, resulting in altered slopes

(both upward and downward slopes)

any changes to landscape plans that may result in areas of classified vegetation greater than 0.25 ha

(as defined by AS 3959-2009)

if the vegetation to be retained on site is altered, and will or is likely to result in an area of classified

vegetation greater than 0.25 ha

on finalisation of the development when the landscape protection area and POS areas are ceded to

the City of Swan.




7.0 Summary

As development within the Midvale site proceeds, a number of current fire management risks will be

reduced through the clearing of vegetation, however the vegetation to be retained in and around the public

open space areas and other offsite areas that are currently vegetated will remain the most significant fire

management risk. Access in and around the retained vegetation are considered to be a key component of

this fire management plan, along with ensuring potential owners within areas with higher risk of fire or

ember attack are advised of increased building requirements as a means of minimising that risk.

BAL ratings have been provided according to the projected level of vegetation to be retained, and will be

adjusted as necessary during detailed design phases of the development. At present, it is not possible to

indicate the number of Lots within 100 m of classified vegetation that will be rated a particular BAL;

however, it is expected the majority will be allocated a BAL-12.5 rating, with a small number of BAL-29 or

BAL-19 rated Lots. The assessment of individual ratings for Lots will occur at a later stage of the planning

process.

7.1 Fire Management Requirements After considering the available information known about the site, the following is required to ensure fire

management at the Midvale site:

prospective property purchasers be advised of the building requirements associated with increased

construction standards for all Lots within 100 m of classified vegetation (Figure 9)

prospective property purchasers are made aware that in the event of a large bushfire occurring, fire

appliances may not be available for every dwelling

grassed and weedy areas to be kept to a minimum, with slashing to 50 mm occurring prior to

summer each year

where required, firebreaks to be maintained in accordance with City of Swan requirements

ensure any changes to the landscape plans are also considered in terms of a fire management

perspective.

7.2 Responsibilities Responsibilities for bushfire preparedness and response within the Midvale development area are shared by

the City of Swan, the Developer, DFES, and building owners.

7.2.1 Developer Responsibilities

The Developer is responsible for implementing key portions of this Fire Management Plan, including:

reviewing bushfire hazards and risks associated with the landscape design in the POS areas during

the subdivision design process, and ensuring the risks are as low as required to meet the

requirements of this FMP and AS 3959 - 2009

providing appropriate information, including a copy of this fire management plan, to potential

purchasers and owners of lots within the development that have a BAL of 12.5 or greater to inform

them of the bushfire risks and minimum building construction requirements

arrange for the Section 70A notification on the titles of lots subject to the requirements of this Fire

Management Plan.




7.2.2 City of Swan Responsibilities

It should be noted that the City of Swan has the responsibility and powers under the Town Planning Scheme

and the Bush Fires Act 1954 to ensure that this Fire Management Plan, City of Swan Fire Control notice and

any Special orders issued under the Bush Fires Act 1954 are complied with.

The City of Swan will be responsible for:

maintaining District Fire Fighting Facilities

maintaining any City equipment and apparatus for fire fighting purposes in good condition

providing appropriate advice in relation to City requirements for firebreaks, hazard reduction, and

similar to the Developer and property owners as required

ensuring appropriate information is included on titles of lots with a BAL-12.5 or higher rating.

7.2.3 DFES Responsibilities

DFES will be responsible for:

maintaining fire fighting equipment in good condition and repair

responding to fires within vegetated areas within and in proximity to the site in a timely manner in

an effort to minimise the spread of fire and damage to nearby housing from ember attack.

7.2.4 Owner Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of individual property owners building houses near the vegetated areas to:

include ember shields to evaporative air conditioners

inform DFES as soon as practicable after a fire is noticed within bushland within the subdivision

boundary

respond to advice from the City of Swan, DFES, or the Developer in relation to maintaining

properties in a manner that will reduce potential damage from ember attack.




8.0 References

AS 3959 – 2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas. Standards Australia. NSW.

AS 3959 – 2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas (Amendment 2 – February 2011).Standards

Australia. NSW.

Bureau of Meteorology (2015). Climate and Weather Statistics. Retrieved from

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/.

Department of Agriculture and Food. (2015). NRM Info. Available World Wide Web URL:

http://maps.agric.wa.gov.au/nrminfo/framesetup.asp.

Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA), (2008, 5th Edn), Survive – the Homeowner’s Bush Fire

Survival Manual, Government of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia; also available at:

http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/BushfireManualsandGuides/FESA_Bushfire-

Homeowners_Survival_Manual.pdf.

Geoscience Australia. (2013). What Causes Bushfires. Retrieved from

http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/bushfire/bushfire-basics/causes.html.

Heddle, E., Loneragan, O., Havel, J. (1980). Vegetation Complexes of the Darling System Western Australia, in

Department of Environment. (1980). Atlas of Natural Resources – Darling System Western Australia, pp

37 – 72. Department of Environment, Perth, Western Australia.

Mitchell, Williams and Desmond, (2002) Swan Coastal Plain 2 (SWA2 – Swan Coastal Plain

subregion), Department of Conservation and Land Management available World Wide Web URL:

http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/science/bio_audit/swan_coastal_plain02_p606-623.pdf, accessed June

2012.

Schokneckt, N., Tille, P., and Purdie, B. (2014). Soil-Landscape Mapping in South-Western Australia –

Overview of Methodology and Outputs. Retrieved February 2015 from:

http://archive.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/lwe/land/tr280.pdf?noicon.

Western Australian Planning Commission, Department of Planning and Fire and Emergency Services

Authority. (2010). Planning for Bushfire Protection Guidelines (Edition 2). Government of Western

Australia. Perth. Western Australia.

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/

http://maps.agric.wa.gov.au/nrminfo/framesetup.asp

http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/BushfireManualsandGuides/FESA_Bushfire-Homeowners_Survival_Manual.pdf

http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/BushfireManualsandGuides/FESA_Bushfire-Homeowners_Survival_Manual.pdf

http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/bushfire/bushfire-basics/causes.html

http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/science/bio_audit/swan_coastal_plain02_p606-623.pdf

http://archive.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/lwe/land/tr280.pdf?noicon




Appendix 1 Glossary

AHD Australian Height Datum

AS Australian Standard

BAL Bushfire Attack Level

Building protection zone Low fuel area immediately surrounding buildings (20 m wide) oC Degrees Celsius

CoK City of Swan

DFES Department of Fire and Emergency Services (previously FESA)

DoP Department of Planning

FESA Fire and Emergency Services Authority (now DFES)

FMP Fire Management Plan

FZ Fire zone, or area where property or similar is under threat from flames

ha Hectare

Hazard separation zone area around buildings, including outbuildings, that has a reduced fire

fuel loading as a means of reducing potential damage from bushfire,

ideally 100 m from buildings to vegetation

km Kilometres

kmh Kilometres per hour

m Metres

mm Millimetres

pa Per annum

POS Public open space

WAPC Western Australian Planning Commission




Appendix 2 Compliance Criteria for Performance Criteria and

Acceptable Solutions




Element Compliance Report

Section(s) Response (if required)

If ‘no’ to any element or sub-element, explain in

writing how the proposal satisfactorily complies with

the performance criterion P1 for this area of non-

compliance and provide with this checklist

Compliance with Element 1: Location

The subdivision/development is located in an area where the bush fire hazard is manageable

A1.1 The subdivision/development is located on land that is

not subject to either an extreme bush fire hazard land

classification or requires construction standards to BAL-

40 for BAL-FZ

Yes No N/A 5

Compliance with Element 2: Vehicular access

The internal layout design and construction of public and private vehicular access in the subdivision/development allows emergency and other vehicles to move through

it easily and safely at all times

A2.1 Two access routes – two different vehicular access

routes, both of which connect to the public road

network, are available to all residents/the public at all

times

Yes No N/A Figure 9

Subdivision plan indicates two access

routes will be available to

residents/publics

A2.2 Public roads must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A 6.1.2

A2.3 Cul-de-Sacs must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A Lot layout to be confirmed at later stage

A2.4 Battle axes must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A Lot layout to be confirmed at later stage

A2.5 Private driveways must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A Lot layout to be confirmed at later stage

A2.6 Emergency access ways must meet minimum

requirements Yes No N/A

Two access routes planned for with

current Lot layout, with additional access

highlighted for area north of Blackadder

Creek reserve shown on Figure 9

A2.7 Fire service access routes must meet minimum

requirements Yes No N/A

Access will be via formal road network

within the subdivision

A2.8 Gates must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A None expected




A2.9 Firebreak widths must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A No additional firebreaks expected

A2.10 Signs must meet minimum requirements Yes No N/A None expected

Compliance with Element 3: Water

The development is provided with a permanent and secure water supply that is sufficient for fire fighting purposes

A3.1 Reticulated areas – the development is provided with a

reticulated water supply, with fire hydrants in

accordance with the specifications of the relevant water

supply authority and FESA

Yes No N/A

6.1.3

As a development in an urban area,

scheme water will be available for

hydrants

A3.2 Non reticulated areas – water tanks with a hydrant or

standpipe are provided and meet minimum

requirements

Yes No N/A

A3.3 A dam or dams with permanent water all year is

provided and meets minimum requirements Yes No N/A

Compliance with Element 4: Siting of Development

The siting (including paths and landscaping) of the development minimises the bush fire risk to life and property

A4.1 Hazard separation – moderate to extreme - Every

building is sited a minimum of 100 m from any classified

vegetation or has its construction standard increased to

align with the appropriate bush fire attack level for that

location as per AS 3959

Yes No N/A 4, 5,

Figure 9

The hazard assessment process indicates

that some lots will be located within 100

m of classified vegetation, and will

require a BAL rating, with indicative

ratings shown in Figure 9; BAL-ratings

will be reviewed and finalised when Lot

layout is known,

A4.2 Hazard separation – low bush fire hazard level – every

building is a minimum of 20 m from any classified

vegetation

Yes No N/A 5, Figure 9


that hazard separation requirements can

be met

A4.3 Building protection zone – every building is surrounded

by a building protection zone that meets minimum

requirements Yes No N/A 5, Figure 9


that building protection zone

requirements can be met




A4.4 Hazard separation zone – every building and its

contiguous building protection zone is surrounded by a

hazard separation zone that meets minimum

requirements

Yes No N/A 5, Figure 9


that hazard separation requirements can

be met

A4.5

Shielding – a reduction in the bush fire attack level due

to shielding from direct flame contact or radiant heat via

a stand-alone non-combustible structure shall be given

consideration when meeting nominated conditions

Yes No N/A


that the need for shielding is unlikely to

be required

Compliance with Element 5: Design of Development

The design of the development is appropriate to the level of bush fire hazard that applies to the development site

A5.1 Compliant development – development that complies

with acceptable solutions A4.1, A4.2, A4.3, and A4.4

require no further special design requirements

Yes No N/A


that the development will comply with

acceptable solutions

A5.2 Non-compliant development – for development that

does not comply with acceptable solutions there is no

acceptable solution and must be assessed under

performance criterion P5

Yes No N/A

No non-compliant development is

indicated

Applicant Declaration

I declare that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Full name:

Susan Catherine Brand

Applicant signature:

Date: 27 March 2015




Appendix 3 Landscape Plans

Prepared for Department of Housing 2014

LANDSCAPE & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN

MIDVALE DEVELOPMENTLOCAL STRUCTURE PLAN

DRAFTMARCH 2015

2 MIDVALE DEVELOPMENT OPEN SPACE & LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

3/120 Lake Street Northbridge, WA Australia

T: +61 8 9227 9313

Client: PEET

©PLACE Laboratory This document has been prepared by PLACE Laboratory on behalf of Department of Housing

Document Control

VERSION DATE ISSUED PREPARED BY APPROVED BY DATE APPROVED

A 09.03.2015 Jie Xu Anna Chauvel NA

B 19.03.2015 Jie Xu Anna Chauvel NA

C NA

NAME OF PROJECT & DOCUMENT MIDVALE DEVELOPMENT OPEN SPACE AND LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

DOCUMENT VERSION DRAFT - B

PROJECT NUMBER 1434

PROJECT TEAM Anna Chauvel, Jie Yu, Scott Rossiter

3MIDVALE DEVELOPMENT OPEN SPACE & LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

CONTENTS

Figure List

Figure 1. Study Area and context 7Figure 2. Opportunities & Constraints 9Figure 3. Illustrative Landscape Master Plan 11Figure 4. Open Space Classifications 13Figure 5. Blackadder Creek 14Figure 6. Blackadder Creek SECTION AA 16Figure 7. Blackadder Creek SECTION BB 16Figure 8. Northern Linear Park 19Figure 9. Blackadder Pocket Park 19Figure 10. Farrall Road Bush Forever 21Figure 11. Southern Linear Parks 22Figure 12. Woodbridge Creek 25Figure 13. Woodbridge Creek SECTION CC 25Figure 14. Open Space Network and Amenity 29Figure 15. Material Selection 31Figure 16. Tree and Plant selection 33Figure 17. Blackadder Creek_ Living Stream profile 37Figure 18. Character Street with central swale 37Figure 19. Irrigation Strategy 38

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 Setting The Scene 6

2.1 Location 6

2.2 Planning context 6

2.3 Opportunities and Constraints 8

3.0 Open Space & Landscape Masterplan 10

3.1 Key Elements 10

3.2 Open Space Classification 12

3.2.1 Blackadder Creek 14

3.2.2 Northern Linear Park 14

3.2.3 Blackadder Pocket Park 18

3.2.4 Farrall Road Bush Forever and Buffer 20

3.2.5 Southern Linear Park 22

3.2.6 Woodbridge Creek 24

4.0 Landscape Management Strategies 26

4.1 Identity 27

4.2 Open Space 28

4.3 Material Selection 30

4.4 Planting 32

4.5 Public Art & Interpretation 34

4.6 Tree Retention, Protection & Management 35

4.7 Water Management 36


Midvale Development is located within the City Swan, only 3km east of Midland. The site is bounded on the west by Roe Highway, and on the east by a commercial freight line. It extends south to Morrison Road and north towards Stratton neighbourhood centre.

Currently the site is comprised of a combination of degraded farmland, some commercial and residential.

The LSP demonstrates the proposal to develop the site into a residential community with approximately 1200 lots and a network of streets and open space.

The purpose of the Landscape & Open Space Master Plan is to:

/ Provide an overall landscape vision for Midvale Development

/ Provide a framework for the development of public open spaces and streetscapes

/ Define the open space typology, indicative layouts and associated amenity

/ Incorporate water sensitive urban design into the landscape design

/ Provide indicative preferred plant

/ Provide a guide for landscape material selection

/ Establish a guide and key principles for landscape management

/ Maximise environmental sustainability

/ Reflect best practice in water conservation, harvesting, re-use and irrigation

1.0 INTRODUCTION


2.0 SETTING THE SCENE2.1 LocationMidvale Development (referred to as the site) is located in the suburb of Stratton, approximately 18 km north-east of Perth Central Business District and only 3km east of the Midland Regional Centre. It is located within the City of Swan (CoS).

The site covers an area of approximately 89.5 ha and is bounded by Roe Highway and a HV powerline easement to the west and Morrison Road to the south. The Brookfield freight railway bounds the majority of the site to the east and divides the northern part of the site.

The site consists of a combination of degraded farmland with pockets of remnant vegetation, and some commercial and residential uses.

There are 3 significant landscape features within the site:

Farrall Road Bush Forever (309)

Blackadder Creek

Woodbridge Creek

The location of the site, an aerial photograph, and site photos illustrate the current condition of the landscape and key features are shown in Figure 1.

2.2 Planning ContextThe site is zoned “Urban” under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) and “Residential Development” under the City of Swan’s Local Planning Scheme (LPS) No. 17.

There are a number of State and Local Government policies relevant to development of open space and landscape of the site. These policies include:

Liveable Neighbourhood, WAPC, January 2009

Public Parkland Planning & Design Guide (WA), Department of Sport and Recreation, March 2014

Classification Framework for Public Open Space (POS) in Western Australia, Department of Sport and Recreation, November 2012

City of Swan Local Planning Policy: POL-C-112 Public Open Space – Residential Areas. Updated 2014


3/ Farrall Road looking south west

4/ Rail Reserve

MAJOR ROADS

RAIL RESERVE

EXISTING CREEK LINES

BUSH FOREVER 306

LEGEND

5/ Blackadder Creek, Stratton

1/ Western Boundary - Roe Highway & power line easement

2/ Stands of remnant vegetation within site

Figure 1. Study Area and context

TALBOT ROAD NATURE RESERVE

MORRISON ROAD

ROE HIGHWAY

STRATTON NEIGHBOURHOOD

CENTRE

BLACKADDER CREEK

WOODBRIDGE CREEK


2.3 Opportunities and ConstraintsKey opportunities and constraints relating to the landscape were identified through the analysis phase of the master plan development. These include:

Opportunities:

/ Blackadder Creek – a seasonal and highly modified creek that discharges into the upper Swan Estuary near in Midland. While the stream provides an eco-logical link between the Swan River and the Darling escarpment, within the development site the water-course is undefined and highly degraded with mini-mal natural vegetation.

/ Woodbridge Creek – a seasonal stream with a ma-ture but sparse canopy of Marri and Flooded Gums.

/ Farrall Road Bush Forever Site – a small wetland with vegetation in very good condition.

/ Small pockets of locally native trees, located along Farrall Road and in the rural land.

/ Attractive views towards the Darling Escarpment, providing a green outlook

/ Close proximity to existing active reserves and sports facilities – including Swan Park Leisure Centre, Midland Regional Sports Complex, Stratton Oval and Community Centre, and Swan View Oval.

Constraints

/ Physical isolation of the development due to the im-permeable nature of the rail reserve and Roe High-way.

/ Views of high voltage overhead power lines and as-sociated pylons along the western boundary

/ Limited access to water for irrigation.


Figure 2. Opportunities & Constraints

W

oodb ridge Creek

Oval

Oval

Chapel Farm

MidlandSportsComplex

School

College

PlayShop

Bl

ackadder Cre e k

RO

E H

WY

FAR

RA

LL R

D

FAR

RA

LL RD

O’CONNOR RD

TOODYAY RD

min 60m

Green Corridor Active Link connection

to Talbot Rd Conservation

Area

connection to Reg Bond Reserve &

Swan River

Speed Dome & sport complex

Swan Park Leisure Centre

Bush Forever site 306

BU

FF

ER

v iew

to John Forrest National Park

to Greenmount National Park

to Gooseberry Hil l National Park

approach via Midland

appr

oach

via

S

wan

Val

ley

approach via

Darl ing Scarp

avoid

avoid

avoid

view

view


3.0 OPEN SPACE & LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN3.1 Key ElementsKey features of the Open Space & Landscape Master Plan are:

/ Realignment, formalization and regeneration of Blackadder Creek as a living stream and recreational focus of the community;

/ Creation of a network of open spaces with amenities that meet local community’s recreational needs;

/ Integrate WSUD throughout the open space and where required, into the streetscape to improve stormwater quality entering waterways, enhance character and visual amenity, reduce hard surfacing and soften built form;

/ Creation of a landscape identity that captures the lo-cal character of the area

/ Provision of a network of pedestrian and cycle paths and trails that link destinations within and around the Midvale Development and to surrounding destina-tions encouraging healthy lifestyles.

/ Protection of existing mature trees where possible to create an established landscape setting for future residents.

LEGEND

Farrall Road Street Trees - Marri

Streets Trees Avenue

POS Trees Type 1

POS Trees Type 2

POS Trees Type 3

Orchard

Existing Vegetation

Farrall Road Median (mulch and trees)

Character Streets Median Swale

Lawn Area

Bio-retention

Flood Storage

Creek

Possible Water Tank Location (buried within mound)

Primary Path

Secondary Path

Entry Marking Paving

Node Paving

Play Space

3 on 3 Basketball Court

Sculpture

Decking

Sail Shade

Shelter Structure

0 40 80 200m

2

3

1

4

6

5

4

4

2

2

5


1. Blackadder Creek2. Local Parks3. Bush Forever4. Character Streets5. Farrall Road6. Woodbridge Creek

N

Figure 3. Illustrative Landscape Master Plan


3.2 Open Space ClassificationA hierarchy of existing and proposed spaces have been provided to give all residents good access to active and passive recreation space. An outline of the Open Space hierarchy using the Classification Framework for Public Open Space, Department of Sport and Recreation, January 2013 is:

Neighbourhood Park - Blackadder CreekBlackadder Creek is a Neighbourhood Park and serves as the recreational and social focus of the immediate neighbourhood. It has activities that appeal to a wide range of the local residents. Blackadder Creek will have a strong nature focus and will assist in creating a sense of place and reinforce local conservation values.

Local ParkA network of Linear and Pocket Parks throughout the development are classified as Local Parks. These parks are generally small and have been located around stands of existing trees, to facilitate pedestrian connections or assist in the drainage. They provide recreational amenity to immediate residential population and a green outlook from adjoining residents.

Nature ReservesFarrall Road Bush Forever and Woodbridge Creek do not fall readily into the open space classification system. Both of the open spaces are valuable local community assets. They will create a strong nature conservation focus to the local identity and provide the local community with a direct connection to nature. They will include low key recreational amenities including trails and interpretive signage.


Woodbridge Creek

Northern Linear Network

Farrall Road Bush Forever

Blackadder Creek

Blackadder Pocket Park

Southern Linear Network

Figure 4. Open Space Classifications


3.2.1 Blackadder Creek

The Blackadder Creek parkland will serve as a recreational and social focus of the local community. It provides opportunities for people of all ages to come together and participate in a range of different informal recreation, physical and social activities.

The creekline has been strategically located to ensure the retention of significant mature trees which will provide immediate amenity and identity. It will be constructed as a living stream.

Critical aspects of the design of Blackadder Creek recreational spaces are:

/ Good passive surveillance from the surrounding neighbourhood with clear views lines into the park from the adjoining homes and streets

/ Direct pedestrian and cycle connections to the broader network / Universal access for the elderly, children and disabled alike / Shade during summer and access to sun during winter / Good safety during the day and night / Shelters to provide some protection from rain / Creation of a living stream using locally native vegetation / Consideration of ongoing management including rubbish collection / Ongoing maintenance to ensure the space is safe and regularly used / Consideration of fire management in designing the open space, the

design, retention of vegetation and new planting / Provision for emergency access as required / Biofiltartion swales to manage stormwater

The proposed key landscape elements of a Neighbourhood Park are:

/ a flat lawn area for kicking a football, flying a kite, running around or exercising the dog

/ shaded children’s playground with nature play focus

/ park benches for resting / picnic facilities including, tables,

benches and shelter / lighting / drought tolerant trees and

gardens

/ trails with interpretation

/ shared path for walkers and cyclists

/ bike parking / public art / bridge crossing points / entry marker including sculp-

ture and paved road treatments

1. Living Stream2. Nature Play3. Shelter with picnic facilities4. Existing trees5. Kick about space6. Shared path and trail network7. Entry marker8. Temporary/Provisional Emergency Access

1

AA


N

2

3

4

5

Figure 5. Blackadder Creek

4

4

1

6

7

8

8

3

BB

Bio�ltration

1 IN 100 YEAR (WL 16.50)

INV 16.20INV 15.50

Blackadder Creek0 1 3 5 10 20M Bio�ltration

1 IN 100 YEAR (WL 16.50)

INV 16.20INV 15.50

Blackadder Creek0 1 3 5 10 20M

Bio�ltration

1 IN 100 YEAR (WL 16.50)

INV 16.20INV 15.50


Flood Storage Flood StorageBlackadder CreekBio�ltration

1 IN 100 YEAR (WL 16.00)

INV 14.80INV 14.80INV 14.80

1.2INV 15.70

INV 15.50

Bio�ltration

0.3 0.3

0 1 3 5 10 20M


Figure 6. Blackadder Creek SECTION AA

Figure 7. Blackadder Creek SECTION BB

Bio�ltration

1 IN 100 YEAR (WL 16.50)

INV 16.20INV 15.50


Flood Storage Flood StorageBlackadder CreekBio�ltration

1 IN 100 YEAR (WL 16.00)

INV 14.80INV 14.80INV 14.80

1.2INV 15.70

INV 15.50

Bio�ltration

0.3 0.3

0 1 3 5 10 20M



3.2.2 Northern Linear Park

The Northern Linear Park provides a green link between the Farrall Road Bush Forever and Blackadder Creek. It is an informal place for the immediate residents with good passive surveillance from surrounding streets and homes and Farrall Road. Critical aspects of the design of Northern Linear Space are:

/ A youth space near Farrall Road with a basket ball halfcourt terraced seating, hammocks, tables and benches

/ An orchard as a reference to the rural heritage of the site and region / Universal access for the elderly, children and disabled alike / Shade during summer and access to sun during winter / Good safety during the day and night / Some protection from rain / A natural outlook with access to trees and plants / Consideration of ongoing management including rubbish collection / Regular maintenance to ensure the space is safe and regularly used

3.2.3 Blackadder Pocket Park

Blackadder Park has primarily a drainage function. However it does provide a green outlook and an informal recreation space for adjoining residents.

Landscape elements that need to be considered in the design of the Pocket Parks are:

/ small lawn space if required

/ stormwater management measures

/ drought tolerant trees and gardens

/ lighting

/ shared footpath

/ shelter

The proposed key landscape elements of the Northern Linear Space are

/ small lawn space for gathering and dog exercise

/ drought tolerant trees and gardens

/ urban furniture (benches, drink fountains, tables)

/ shelter

/ lighting

/ shared footpath

/ bike racks


/ basketball half court and terrace spectator seating

1. Youth space2. Kick about space3. Orchard4. Shelter with picnic facilities5. Existing trees6. Shared path and trail network7. Possible sewer pump station

1

2

3

7

5

2

6

6

4

4


Figure 8. Northern Linear Park

Figure 9. Blackadder Pocket Park

3.2.4 Farrall Road Bush Forever and Buffer

The Farrall Road Bush Forever Site 309 is a valuable local community asset and will be accommodated within the subdivision design as part of the local open space network. Bushland management is required within the area to ensure the flora and fauna is conserved and protected.

Critical aspects of the design include:

/ A fence around Bush Forever site to prevent illegal dumping and protection of habitat

/ Pedestrian access to avoid alienation and lack of ownership by ad-joining residents.

/ Paths that connect with the broader network and provide clear points of access.

/ Interpretative signage explaining the local environment and aborigi-nal heritage.

/ Local native species planted in adjoining road reserve and buffer / Suitable access for fire management and maintenance. / Retained remnant vegetation in the buffer zone where possible in

particular Priority 3 vegetation Isopogon drummondii (P3) / A Management Plan to address long term protection including weed

control, rehabilitation, management of buffer zones, and fire manage-ment

/ Good passive surveillance from the surrounding neighbourhood with clear views lines from the adjoining homes and streets

The proposed key landscape elements of a Neighbourhood Park are:

/ park benches for resting / trails with interpretation

/ shared path for walkers and cyclists

1. Bush Forever2. Shared path and trail network3. Existing Trees


1

2

3

2


Figure 10. Farrall Road Bush Forever

14

33


3.2.5 Southern Linear Park

The Southern Linear Park consists of 3 separate spaces which form a lateral green link through the southern part of the site. They are informal recreational spaces for the immediate residents.

Critical aspects of the design of Southern Linear Space are:

/ A youth space near Farrall Road / A children’s play space / Universal access for the elderly, children and disabled alike / Shade during summer and access to sun during winter / Good safety during the day and night / Some protection from rain / A natural outlook / Low water landscape treatments / Paths which connect with the broader network and provide clear

points of access / Consideration of ongoing management including rubbish collection; / Regular maintenance to ensure the space is safe and regularly used;

The proposed key landscape elements of the Northern Linear Space are

/ small flat lawn areas for kicking a football, flying a kite, running around or exercising the dog;

/ shaded children’s playground / basketball half court and urban ping

pong table / picnic facilities including, tables,

benches and shelter / drought tolerant trees and garden

/ benches for sitting

/ shelter

/ lighting

/ shared footpath

/ bike racks


Figure 11. Southern Linear Parks

1. Play Space2. Youth Area3. Shelter with picnic facilities4. Kick about space5. Shared path and trail network

2



Woodbridge Creek is a major landscape and recreational features within the southern portion of the Midvale Development.

It has a good canopy of local native existing trees. These trees will be retained and enhanced with further tree and understory planting.

As a low point in the site some bio-retention and flood storage basins will be constructed on the banks of the creek to assist with stormwater treatment and management.

Critical aspects of the design of Northern Linear Space are:

/ Retained existing vegetation and trees / Pedestrian access to avoid alienation and lack of ownership by ad-

joining residents / Paths that connect with the broader network and provide clear

points of access / Interpretative signage explaining the local environment and aborigi-

nal heritage / Local native plant species planted in buffer and biofiltration swales

and understoey / Suitable access for management and maintenance / Opportunity for local community groups to implement the Blackadder

Woodbridge Catchment Group Action Plan 2012 – 2022

3.2.6 Woodbridge Creek


Figure 12. Woodbridge Creek

Flood StorageWoodbridge Creek

1 IN 100 YEAR

Existing TreesExisting Trees

Bund

Bio�ltration

INVERT1.21.7

0.51.2

0.5

0.3

1.4 MIN 2.0

0 1 3 5 10 20M Flood StorageWoodbridge Creek

1 IN 100 YEAR

Existing TreesExisting Trees

Bund

Bio�ltration

INVERT1.21.7

0.51.2

0.5

0.3

1.4 MIN 2.0

0 1 3 5 10 20M

Figure 13. Woodbridge Creek SECTION CC


4.0 LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIESThe Open Space and Landscape Master Plan is based on seven over arching strategies. Each strategy addresses a distinct topic; however, they need to be read in conjunction with each other.

The key strategies are summarised as below.

IdentityFoster a sense of place and reinforce community and environmental values through the open space network and landscape treatments.

Open Space Use the open space network to create a series of destinations with appropriate amenities, connected by comfortable walking and cycling paths.

PlantingUse planting to enhance biodiversity, reinforce the local identity , support integrated water management,

Materials Utilise a material palette that is reflective of the Midvale identity.

Tree RetentionSeek to integrate and protect existing trees.

Public Art and InterpretationUse art and interpretation as a means to connect the development with the local culture and environment.

Water managementImplement a sustainable water management approach to support irrigation water use and integrated stormwater management. Design different development zones with distinct landscape characteristics reflecting the local


The landscape treatments of the open spaces and the character streets creates and image and identity that expresses Midvale genus loci.

The setting of Midvale and nearby Midland has an interesting history and strong environmental connections. Revealing and celebrating this history is an essential step in developing distinctive identity and enhancing the liveability of the development.

Key objectives include:

/ Combine key aspects of the surrounding areas to create an appealing, safe estate complimenting the traditions of the area while establishing an innovative and contemporary character.

/ Retrace, reveal and interpret the Indigenous cultural heritage to reveal important local stories;.

Bull Frogs still occur in Blackadder Creek and the Green Bullfrog dreaming track is within the Blackad-derCreek flowing down into Midland. Apart from the fauna, the Blackadder Creek also has Bush Tucker including Sacred Yanchet (Typha domigensis) (Yanchet the Bull Rush) and Kujong or the wattle tree (Acacia saligna).Page 35 City of Swan Midland Local Area Plan Discussion Paper October 2013

/ Reinstate components of the area’s natural features that have been modified through past land uses including Blackadder Creek and Woodbridge Creek to be prominent landscape features.

/ Draw on the iconic industrial federation architectural vernacular in Midland Town Hall and Rail workshops as inspiration.

/ Reference the rural heritage of the region.

Local Structure Plan Subdivision Ongoing

Identification of possible materials and plant selection.

Propose realignment and reinstatement of Blackadder Creek.

Consult with local aboriginal groups to determine appropriate themes and types of interpretation.

Undertake detail design of open space areas and road reserves, planting and irrigation.

Implementation of Landscape Management Plan.

4.1 Identity


The open space will be designed and developed in ac-cordance with City of Swan Local Planning policy: POL-C-112 Public Open Space – Residential Areas.

The open space provided within Midvale Development is categorized as Local Open Space under the Classifica-tion Framework for Public Open Space (2012).

Under this classification Open Space will have the fol-lowing characteristics: / A size ranging from 0.4ha to 1.0ha

/ Located within 5 minute (400m) walk of nearby residents

/ Form part of the overall pedestrian and cycle net-work

/ Support good passive surveillance.

The parks support a range of activities including:

/ Children’s play,

/ Dog walking,

/ Friends and family gatherings with shelters and picnic tables

/ Relaxation and rest spots

/ Walking, running or cycling.

/ Low-key youth activities

The local environment including Bush Forever, Blackad-der Creek and Woodbridge Creek will shape the design and character of the Open Space and contribute to the local identity. The natural focus of these open spaces will protect local biodiversity and natural area values.

They will also provide for low-impact recreational activi-ties including:

/ Nature play,

/ Dog walking,

/ Relaxation and rest spots

/ Walking, running or cycling.

/ Community volunteerism (local bushcare and catch-ment groups)

In relation to Open Space and Landscape Management, the Developer will commit to maintaining the Open Space for two years from practical completion to coincide with the development programme.

During the two year maintenance period the developer will maintain the POS to the same standard as it would otherwise be maintained by the City. At handover the Developer will ensure the landscape has achieved sufficient maturity and density and the standard of infrastructure is consistent with that specified in the landscaping plan approved by the City.


Identify areas of open space within the LSP area requiring landscape treatment.


Prepare Landscape Management Plan, detailing proposed design within open space areas.

Negotiate a 2 year POS maintenance period with the City of Swan to coincide with development programme of the northern section of the site.

Implement Landscape Management Plan.

Undertake maintenance measures as required, including regular weeding, fertilising, re-mulching, replanting and irrigation repairs within the land which it either owned or managed by agreement by the City.

Provide the City with as-constructed drawings and asset management data for the public open space, irrigation infrastructure and any facilities/infrastructure at handover.

4.2 Open Space


Figure 14. Open Space Network and Amenity

BUSH FOREVER

TANK

Fitness/Walking Track

Dog Exercise Area

Youth Active (Basketball)

Picnic Facilities (shelter, tables and benches

Children’s/Nature Play

Local Gathering Area

Conservation Interest

Pocket (less than 0.5 ha)

Local (0.5 - 1 ha)

Neighbourhood (1 - 7 ha)

Conservation

Living Stream

Trees to be retained


The aim of the material selection is to create a friendly and attractive place to live and provide the community with a distinctive identity. Generally the materials need to robust and cost effective.

However to reflect the neighbourhood and community values the final selection should be able to express a human scale and richness that is engaging to the local residents.

A strong emphasis will be placed on locally manufactured materials (such as red clay bricks) and natural materials.

Any trees identified for removal will be harvested, milled dried and dressed (sizes to be determined) for future use in the public open space as furniture and nature play elements. The trees will be harvested utilising a licensed contractor and current best practice techniques.

Any harvested trees not suitable for timber will be mulched and used in garden beds.

The urban furniture such as seating and tables and shade structures will improve the comfort and use of the public spaces.

Key consideration to their selection and design include:

/ Use materials that reinforce the identity of Midvale and draw upon on the iconic industrial federation architectural vernacular in Midland

/ Select propriety products (off the shelf) for quick and cost effective replacement or parts if required;

/ Design for easy installation, ongoing replacement and maintenance;

/ Select items with robust design to minimise the ef-fects of vandalism, theft or weathering;

/ Use galvanised and powder coated finishes to maxi-mize life span;

/ Use urban furniture such as bus stops, seating and tables, BBQ, drinking fountains, rubbish bins, shade structures to improve the comfort and use of the pub-lic spaces.


None Undertake design of open space areas and road reserves.

Consult with City of Swan to agree the final material selection.

Prepare Landscape Management Plan, detailing proposed design and material selection within open space areas and road reserves.

Implement Landscape Management Plan

Regularly maintain urban furniture and pavements including cleaning and replacement and refinishing within the land which it either owned or managed by agreement by the City.

4.3 Material Selection


Figure 15. Material Selection


Planting in the parks and streets will contribute to the identity, sense of community and biodiversity of Midvale.

Plant selection will be largely guided by the requirement to rehabilitate the local creek lines, enhance the local biodiversity and tolerate drought conditions due to limited access to irrigation water.

The final plant selection will be developed using selection criteria based on environmental, social/aesthetic, and functional attributes. The design of the soft landscape will be guided by the following principles:

/ The final planting palette will be determined in con-sultation with the City of Swan;

/ Creek lines and buffer zones will be planted with suitable locally native plant species

/ Productive trees and plants (such as olive trees, al-monds and Mulberry trees, and herbs) will be used in a feature location to reference the local agricultural history of the location. The species selection will be based on low management attributes;

/ Large, native shade trees (perefrabbly local) will be used in the streets and parks to mitigate urban heat and create cool shaded places for people to walk;

/ Groundcovers and low shrubs will only be used in street medians where a WSUD function is required.

/ Lawn will be limited to areas of high recreation use;

/ Drought tolerant plants will be used with the intent of reducing the irrigation requirements;

/ Non-irrigated areas will be planted with a combina-tion of seeding and tubestock. Planting will occur in winter/ early spring. Replacement planting will occur in the following Autumn. Plant selection will include quick growing pioneer species (e.g. local wattles);

/ Planting design needs to consider fire management strategies.

/ Character Streets with a central swale will be planted with locally native wetland plants to assist with conveyance of storm water and biofiltration. To conform with City of Swan OHS requirements a maintenance strip will be provided on the edges of the median consisting of a 0.6m maintenance path (organic mulch only) and 0.6m of a low ground cover (Myoporum). Refer to Figure 18

/ Within the Farrall Road median, street trees will be planted into organic mulch only with no low vegeta-tion. Corymbia calophylla (Marri) is the preferred tree species.

/ Verges will be planted as part of the house and land ‘landscape package’. The verge landscape treatments will be designed to create water wise ‘green cor-ridors’. Verges will be irrigated by the adjoining lot using scheme water. Conduits will be provided under footpaths at the time of the construction of the civil works.


Identify areas of open space and road reserve with the LSP area requiring planting.

Consult with City of Swan to agree the final plant selection.


Prepare Landscape Management Plan, detailing proposed design and planting within open space areas and road reserves.


Undertake replanting of non-irrigated areas in the following Autumn to ensure establishment.


4.4 Planting



Identify areas of open space and road reserve with the LSP area requiring planting.

Consult with City of Swan to agree the final plant selection.


Prepare Landscape Management Plan, detailing proposed design and planting within open space areas and road reserves.


Undertake replanting of non-irrigated areas in the following Autumn to ensure establishment.


Eucalyptus todtiana BlackbuttAgonis flexuosa Peppermint

Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong

Citrus spLime, orange, lemon, mandarin

Morus Sp. Mulberry Olea europea Olive

Corymbia calophylla Marri Eucalyptus rudis Flooded Gum

ASTARTEA FASCICULARIS HIBBERTIA SPP

JACKSONIA FURCELLATA

HYPOCALYMMA SPP

MELALEUCA SPP

ACANTHOCARPUS PREISSII

CALOTHAMNUS QUADRIFIDUS

HAKEA LISSOCARPHA

MACROZAMIA RIEDLEI

XANTHORRHOEA PREISSII

BANKSIA ATTENUATA

RHAGODIA BACCATA

ACACIA PULCHELLA

SPYRIDIUM GLOBULOSUM

HAKEA PROSTRATA

KENNEDIA PROSTRATA

ISOPOGON DRUMMONDII

CONOSPERMUM INCURVUM

BAUMEA JUNCEA

DIANELLA REVOLUTA

FICINIA NODOSA

JUNCUS KRAUSSII

ANIGOZANTHO SPPLEPIDOSPERMA GLADIATUM

LEPIDOSPERMA GLADIATUM

CAREX DIVISA

LOW/ NO IRRIGATION WATER GARDEN

/ Reinforce surrounding Woodland character / Utilise locally native species / Non irrigated / Native shrubs and groundcover planting / Low maintenance / Integrate with retained existing trees

MELALEUCA SPP

RIPARIAN ZONE VEGETATION

/ Important WSUD function / key focal points within POS areas

/ celebrate water story

Figure 16. Tree and Plant selection


Public art in the landscape can be used to express important environmental, cultural and social aspects of the site including its history and community values. The art should be tactile and accessible wherever possible.

Key themes for the landscape and public art include:

/ Establish strong, relevant story lines relating to the places, people and objects of the district, providing opportunities for residents to engage with the unique local heritage.

/ Interpretation should involve multiple methods of communication and respond to both the natural and cultural history of the site.

/ Communicate the historic significance of the Avon-link rail line through interpretive and interactive ele-ments.

/ Feature cultural heritage through communicating Green Bullfrog Dreaming and its importance to the Blackadder Creek area.

/ Utilise cleared vegetation as construction material for furniture, play or artwork on site.

/ Use entry statements and Character Street planting to recreate the relaxed, rural/ bush character.

/ Draw on the vegetation and geology of the Darling

Scarp to form a diverse and ecologically significant planting and materials palette.

/ Feature brickwork connecting Midvale to the Midland town heritage.

Suitable locations for public art include:

/ Trails

/ Blackadder Creek

/ Woodbridge Creek

/ Bush Forever

/ Local Parks


Identification of open space areas. Appoint a public art coordinator to identify suitable public art themes, locations and commission suitable artists.

Install art.

Regularly maintain art including cleaning and replacement if required.

4.5 Public Art & Interpretation


There are several groups of mature trees, which can be retained and incorporated into the Open Space network

These trees will be integrated with the future landscape design to provide immediate identity and amenity to the community.

To maximise the successful retention of these trees to following measures are recommended:

/ Review alignment of road reserves and carriage-ways, with the inclusion of tree islands between car-riageways, or widened verges.

/ Limit soil disturbance around areas of tree retention including drainage.

/ Undertake tree retention in accordance with Austral-ian Standard 4970-2009 Protection of trees on de-velopment sites and will include but not be limited to:

/ Provision of temporary fencing and signage;

/ Minimization of ripping and compaction within 5m of the existing drip line of trees; and

/ Supply of temporary irrigation to trees that are stressed due to disturbance during construction


Identification of mature trees suitable for retention in urban areas.

Provision of retention of mature trees through LSP design with open space areas and widened road reserves.

Undertake detailed design to determine trees to be retained on suitability and civil engineering and drainage requirements;

Prepare Landscape Design to respond to existing trees and tree protection zones.

Implement tree protection measures during construction including:

/ Fencing and signage of trees to be retained;

/ Site induction to include requirement for retention of tree protection;

/ Selected pruning of trees to mini-mise stress to trees, and minimise health and safety risk;

/ Apply temporary irrigation to reduce stress.

Implementation of Landscape Management Plan;

Monitor health of trees within the land which it either owned or managed by agreement by the City, to minimise health and safety risk to public and property;

Removal of trees or limbs if considered health and safety risk;

Assessment of Development Applications to ensure key existing trees are being retained.

4.6 Tree Retention, Protection and Management


Effective and sustainable water management is an important outcome for Midvale. This is driven by a lack of ground water allocation for irrigation, impervious clay soils that reduce drainage, and the reinstatement of existing creeks as key features of the development. Accordingly the key principles of the Open Space and Landscape Management Plan are:

/ Promote water conservation and reduce water de-mand.

/ Use water sensitive urban design to treat storm-water, recharge groundwater aquifer and control overland water flow

/ Develop alternative irrigation water supplies

The key water management strategies are:

/ Increase pervious surface treatments supporting natural infiltration.

/ Channel overflow from streets into surface stormwa-ter treatment and retention systems, such as biofil-tration swales, living streams, constructed wetlands, existing creekline systems and retention basins.

/ Enhance existing creeks as using Living Stream principles.

/ Use of water wise plants, with a focus on local native species.

/ Limit use of turf.

/ Design the irrigation system in accordance with best water efficient practices including drip system and hydrozone design solutions.

/ Improve existing site soils with soil conditioner certi-fied to Australian Standard AS 4454 to a minimum depth of 150 mm where turf is to be planted and a minimum depth of 300 mm for garden beds.

/ Mulch planted areas to 75 mm with a product certi-fied to Australian Standard AS 4454.

/ Design irrigation to incorporate stations that can be terminated as planting is established and no longer requires irrigation.

/ Provide Community awareness of water conserva-tion will be promoted at the point of sale by providing educational literature.

/ Explore alternative supplies water for irrigation, in-cluding underground stormwater storage tanks.


Identification of open space areas and existing trees to be retained.

Investigate alternative irrigation water sources including water storage tanks (refer to Department of Water: Guideline for the approval of non-drinking water systems (2013), LWMS and UWMP).

Confirm capacity, location and design of biofiltration, flood storage areas and creeklines.

Calculate anticipated irrigation water use for POS and streetspaces

Prepare detail design of the irrigation system to City of Swan specification

Prepare Landscape Management Plan, detailing design parameters (soil infiltration) type of irrigation, planting palette, hydrozoning, main line infrastructure, water filtration, and water source.

Maintain irrigation system within the land which it either owned or managed by agreement by the City.

Review and replace irrigation infrastructure as required, including nozzles and sprays.

Regularly replenish soil and replace any depleted mulch.

Monitor water usage, ensure excessive water is not applied to parks and change watering regime if necessary.

‘Switch off’ irrigation infrastructure no longer required following establishment of parks and streets;

4.7 Water Management


SEDGES & RUSHES

STREAM SHADED BY TREES

RIFFLES / ROCK BEDS SEDGES & RUSHES

RIPARIAN ZONE

RIPARIAN ZONECHANNEL

6M MIN

2M MIN

1 IN 6

• Reinforce surrounding Woodland character• Non-irrigated native shrubs and groundcover planting• Low maintenance• Integrate with existing trees

• Important WSUD function• Key focal points within POS areas• Celebrate water story

ClientPEET

Project1434

DrawingMIDVALE ESTATESITE ANALYSIS

DateMARCH 2015

ScaleAS SHOWN

© placelaboratory 2014

RevisionB L_CP_003

STREET TYPOLOGIES - CHARACTER STREETSSTREET TYPOLOGIES - CHARACTER STREETS

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1.5M 1.5M3.5M0.6M 0.6M0.6M 0.6M

3.5M

7.0M4.1M 4.1M

22.2-23 M

1.2MMAINTENANCE STRIP

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STRIP

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1.5MFOOTPATH

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3.5 MCARRIAGEWAY

1.5MFOOTPATH

ClientPEET

Project1434

DrawingMIDVALE ESTATESITE ANALYSIS

DateMARCH 2015

ScaleAS SHOWN

© placelaboratory 2014

RevisionB L_CP_003

STREET TYPOLOGIES - CHARACTER STREETSSTREET TYPOLOGIES - CHARACTER STREETS

PRO

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1.2MMAINTENANCE

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0 1 3 5 10M

3.5 MCARRIAGEWAY

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Figure 17. Blackadder Creek: Indicative Living Stream Profile

Figure 18. Character Street with central swale - indicative plan and section


A lack of available ground water for irrigation has a major impact on the landscape design and treatments. Areas identified in the Open Space Master Plan which require irrigation, include:

/ Localized areas of the Public Open Spaces (POS) of high rec-reational value and activity;

/ Planted medians associated with WSUD

/ Street trees located in medians (until establishment)

/ Retained mature trees (during construction)

Figure 19. Irrigation Strategy

40,326 M2

17,454,M2

29,633M2

5,491 M2

34,74 M2

3,808M2

1,585 M2

1,047 M2

7,050M2

4,945M2

7,720M2

5,028M2

3,836M2

11,217 M2

Area to be irrigated:4000 M2

Area to be irrigated:Nil






Area to be Irrigated:Nil

TOTAL AREAS TO BE IRRIGATED:8,180 M2

Total areas to be Ir-rigated:2900M2

Area to be irrigated:500M2




Median to be irrigated:2680M2

Median to be Irrigated:410M2



01POS

POS

POS

POS

POS

POS

06

13

0304

09

8

7

A

B

11

14

05

02

12

10

BUSH FOREVER

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