Appendix D Bushfire hazard assessment

21/15073/127529 Southern Highlands Regional Shooting ComplexEnvironmental Assessment

Appendix D

Bushfire hazard assessment

GHD Pty Ltd

NSW Sport and Recreation

Report for Southern Highlands Regional ShootingComplex

Bushfire Hazard AssessmentNovember 2007

i21/15073/06/57319 Southern Highlands Regional Shooting ComplexBushfire Hazard Assessment

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Overview 1

1.2 The Proposal 1

1.3 The Site 1

1.4 Assessment Requirements 3

2. Method 4

2.1 Desktop Study 4

2.2 Site Inspection 4

2.3 Vegetation 4

2.4 Slope 4

3. Bushfire Hazard Analysis Results 5

3.1 Desktop Analysis 5

3.2 Field Assessment 6

4. Bushfire Hazard Management 7

4.1 Asset Protection Zones 7

4.2 Building construction 9

4.3 Water Supply 9

4.4 Access and Egress 11

4.5 Bush Fire Hazard Remaining on the Site 11

4.6 Bushfire hazard resulting from revegetation 12

4.7 Emergency Plan and procedures manual 12

4.8 Discretionary Considerations 13

5. Conclusion 15

6. References 16

Table IndexTable 1.1 Director-General’s Requirements 3Table 4.1 Proposed Asset Protection Zones (Special Fire

Protection Purpose and Fire Weather of 100) 7

ii21/15073/06/57319 Southern Highlands Regional Shooting ComplexBushfire Hazard Assessment

Figure IndexFigure 1-1 Site Location 2Figure 4-1 Asset Protection Zones 10

AppendicesA NSW Rural Fire Service – Key Issues

121/15073/06/57319 Southern Highlands Regional Shooting ComplexBushfire Hazard Assessment

1. Introduction

1.1 OverviewThis report has been prepared as part of the environmental assessment of the proposed SouthernHighlands Regional Shooting Complex. NSW Sport and Recreation (an agency of the Department ofArts, Sport and Recreation is the proponent of the proposal).

The environmental assessment is being prepared by GHD, in accordance with the requirements of Part3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Department of Planning Director-General’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (DGRs) for the proposal.

This report has been prepared to assess the bushfire hazard for the proposed Southern HighlandsRegional Shooting Complex, located near Hill Top (referred to as ‘the proposal’ for the purposes of thisreport). The report also addresses the DGRs relating to bushfire (Table 1.1 p.3) and the NSW Rural FireService’s Key Issues and Assessment Requirements (Appendix A).

1.2 The ProposalThe proposal would involve works to establish a regional recreational shooting complex incorporating theexisting Hill Top Rifle Range (which would continue to operate), and include:

» An additional rifle range (500 metres by 100 metres);

» An additional range for rifle and pistol shooting (200 metres by 85 metres);

» A pistol range (50 metres by 140 metres);

» A shotgun range;

» An indoor air range (21 metres by 17 metres by 6.5 metres); and

» Supporting facilities and infrastructure, including:

– Clubhouse;

– Toilet facilities;

– Access roads (designed for two wheel vehicle access) connecting to Wattle Ridge Road andbetween the clubhouse and ranges;

– Diesel generator, solar panels, water supply tanks and septic system;

– Informal (sealed) parking for 180 cars; and

– Ponds to contain water for water quality control and fire fighting purposes.

1.3 The SiteThe land subject to the proposal is located in the vicinity of the existing Hill Top Rifle Range on a siteexcised from the Bargo State Conservation Area on Wattle Ridge Road, approximately 5.5 km northwestof the village of Hill Top in the Wingecarribee LGA (referred to as ‘the site’ for the purposes of thisreport). The location of the site is shown in Figure 1-1.

Designated Bushfire Prone Land maps have been prepared for the Wingecarribee LGA. The entire studyarea has been mapped as Bush Fire Prone Land.


Figure 1-1 Site Location


The new ranges and associated facilities would occupy an area of approximately 16 hectares within1,000 hectares of land excised from the Bargo State Conservation Area by means of the National Parksand Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Act 2006. The area occupied by the range and associated facilitieswould need to be cleared as part of the proposal. The remainder of the land (approximately 984hectares) would be retained in its existing condition as a vegetation buffer zone. This area would act asa safety zone for the shooting complex when it is fully operational.

The site entrance would be located approximately 600 m further west of the entrance to the existingrange. The site would be accessible via the unsealed Wattle Ridge Road. Nattai Reserve, part of theGreater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, is accessible from the end of Wattle Ridge Roadapproximately 3 km away.

The site is surrounded by the Bargo State Conservation Area and as such is undeveloped. The siteconsists of native vegetation and although slightly overgrown, there is evidence of some old accesstracks throughout the site.

1.4 Assessment RequirementsThe proposal is to be assessed under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.The DGRs related to bushfire are provided in Table 1.1 p.3.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) also made a submission to the Director General of Departmentof Planning providing detailed requirements with respect to bushfire issues. A copy is attached asAppendix A. In circumstances where NSWRFS have made references to Planning for Bushfire Protection2001, updated provisions contained in the new Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006 guidelines havebeen applied.

DGRs and NSWRFS key issues have been specifically addressed in this report.

Table 1.1 Director-General’s Requirements

Requirement Where addressed in report?

Identify the future management regimes for any areas ofhazard remaining within the subject area. This shouldfocus on the level of hazard posed to future developmentby the land or adjacent land and how the hazard maychange as a result of development.

Section 4.5

Identify required asset protection zones for futuredevelopment in order to minimise the impact of radiantheat and direct flame contact by separating developmentfrom any bushfire hazard.

Section 4.1

Identify appropriate evacuation measures / strategies to beimplemented in a bush fire event.

Section 4.7


2. Method

2.1 Desktop StudyA review of available documents was carried out and contact made with Wingecarribee Council planningstaff and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. Documents considered include:

» Planning for Bushfire Protection (NSWRFS 2006) (hereafter referred to as PBP 2006);

» Wingecarribee LGA Bush Fire Prone Land Mapping;

» Bushfire Risk Management Plan (2001); and

» Preliminary Assessment for the proposal prepared by GHD.

2.2 Site InspectionA site inspection was conducted to confirm potential bushfire risks associated with the site. The locationfor the supporting facilities (including clubhouse) is near the site entrance located approximately 600 mfurther west of the entrance to the existing rifle range. The building footprint for these was not marked inthe field and the building footprint was assumed for the purposes of this assessment. Proposed rangelocations were also assessed for vegetation type. The guidelines for bushfire risk assessment as set outin PBP 2006 were used to determine these potential bushfire risks.

2.3 VegetationVegetation typically provides the principle source of fuel for bushfires. As vegetation types vary in theirfuel load and characteristics, PBP 2006 provides a number of vegetation type descriptions, each of whichis linked to particular hazard ratings. The vegetation of the site and surrounding areas was classed onthe basis of an assessment of the vegetation structure along four 140m transects based on PBP 2006.

2.4 SlopeSlopes affect the speed and intensity of bushfires, with steep slopes presenting a greater hazard thanflatter slopes. A building downhill of hazardous vegetation, the hazard is ‘upslope’ or above the building,is less exposed to bushfire hazard. A building uphill from hazardous vegetation, the hazard is‘downslope’ or below the building is more exposed to bushfire hazard. Land on the site was classifiedinto slope classes (as per PBP) on the basis of slope angle over a distance of 100 m measured with aclinometer. The gradient considered to be the most likely to influence fire behaviour was used tocalculate the bushfire hazard.


3. Bushfire Hazard Analysis Results

3.1 Desktop Analysis

3.1.1 Planning for Bushfire Protection (PBP) 2006

PBP 2006 outlines the bushfire protection measures required for development in designated bush fireprone areas.

Although not within the meaning of the NSW Rural Fires Act 1997, PBP 2006 (NSWRFS 2006 p.31)states that class 9 buildings under the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which are also ‘assembly areas’,should be considered as if they were a ‘Special Fire Protection Purpose’ development. The PlanningControls outlined in Chapter 4.2 of PBP 2006 are therefore relevant the clubhouse and indoor air range.

PBP 2006 does not apply to the proposed ranges.

3.1.2 Bushfire Planning – Wingecarribee LGA

Wingecarribee LGA has a long history of significant bushfires. The Bushfire Risk Management Plan(Wingecarribee Bush Fire Management Committee 2001) prepared for the LGA notes major fire seasonsoccurred in 1965, 1968, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1997 and 1998. Extended drought periods resulted in firesduring these seasons burning significantly large areas. Serious fires also occurred in the area in the lastfew years including a fire that burnt the site.

Hill Top is noted in the Bushfire Risk Management Plan as a developed village with large houses on theWest side in a known fire path surrounded by bush. Nattai National Park is to the west and there is onlyone access road. In that plan and the associated mapping the bushfire threat for the area of the site is“Major” and “Extreme”. Bushfire Prone Land Mapping has superseded this mapping.

3.1.3 Bushfire Prone Land

Designated Bushfire Prone Land maps have been prepared for the Wingecarribee LGA. The entire studyarea has been mapped as supporting Bushfire Prone Land and Group 1 vegetation.

3.1.4 NSW Rural Fire Service

The proposal may be referred to the NSW Rural Fire Service with respect to bushfire requirements andrisk. Rural Fire Service staff generally consider developments of this type, using PBP as a starting point.Informal discussion with the Rural Fire Service suggest that they would be interested in:

» The setbacks of the building(s) from the bushfire hazard, the Asset Protection Zone;

» Protection of the building from ember attack;

» Water supplies; and

» Access and egress.

These aspects are dealt with in this report and were further set out in the detailed submission by theNSW Rural Fire Service to the Department of Planning (Appendix A).


3.1.5 Use as a Shooting Complex

There may be a concern with respect to use of the shooting complex on days of high fire danger. GHDhas experience working with the Department of Defence on fire management plans and guidelines forDefence training facilities, ranges and high explosives target areas. Due to the use by personnel ofmilitary munitions and ordnance there is a potential for ignition from high explosive ordnance and from‘tracer’ ammunition that contains phosphorous. Accordingly the Department of Defence has aninstruction that relates to ‘live-firing’ on ranges on days of high fire danger and total fire bans.

Civilian munitions are not explosive nor contain phosphorous. Work recently with Defence on nationalguidelines suggests that the incidence of ignition from firearms using conventional ammunition isnegligible to zero.

3.2 Field Assessment

3.2.1 Vegetation

The vegetation at the site is largely intact although there is evidence of management in the form ofvehicle tracks and tree stumps. The existing range has been cleared.

The field assessment confirms the Bushfire Prone Land mapping that is held by the Wingecarribee LGAand supported by the Bushfire Risk Management Plan.

The vegetation surrounding the proposal is Dry Sclerophyll Forest with a shrubby sub formation asdescribed in Table A2.2 of PBP 2006.

3.2.2 Slope

The site is relatively flat, mainly 0-5 degrees, with both upslopes and downslopes. Towards the edge ofthe ridgeline and plateau proposed for the supporting facilities and ranges the slopes become rapidlysteeper, including a 5-10 degree downslope on the most hazardous transect, and there are significantareas of rock.

3.2.3 Additional Information

During the site inspection and desktop analysis, it was identified that:

» There is evidence of fires in the recent past including dead burned trees, charcoal and youngregeneration of eucalypt and other species.

» There is a small dam near the likely site for the supporting facilities.

» There are vehicle tracks throughout the site in varying condition.


4. Bushfire Hazard Management

The following sections demonstrate compliance with PBP 2006 for the relevant bushfire protectionmeasures specifically required by the DGRs and NSWRFS’s Provision of Key Issues and AssessmentRequirements (Appendix A).

Compliance will be achieved by satisfying all the ”Specific Objectives”, “Performance Criteria “ and“Intent of Measures” contained within Chapter 4.2.7 of PBP 2006 (Standards for Bush Fire ProtectionMeasures for Special Fire Protection Purpose Developments, NSWRFS 2006 p.42). The assessmentrelates only to the clubhouse as no other structures are currently proposed.

The “Performance Criteria” and “Intent of Measures”, outlined in Section 4.2.7 of PBP 2006, will besatisfied by adhering to relevant “Acceptable Solutions”. No variations to “Acceptable Solutions” areproposed.

4.1 Asset Protection ZonesThe following addresses NSWRFS key Issue no. 3, 4, and 10 (Appendix A) and DGRs (Table 1.1)

The Asset Protection Zones (APZs) (Figure 4-1) proposed for the clubhouse and indoor airpistol rangeare provided in Table 4.1 below. The APZs are to be established from the building footprint towards thedirections shown in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Proposed Asset Protection Zones (Special Fire Protection Purpose and Fire Weatherof 100)

Asset Protection ZoneDirection Vegetation Slope

IPA1 (m) OPA2 (m)

Northwest Forest >5-10 downslope 60 25

Northeast Forest Upslope/flat 40 20

Southwest Forest >0-5 downslope 50 20

Southeast Forest Upslope/flat 40 201 Inner Protection Area, refer to Section 4.1.12 Outer Protection Area, refer to Section 4.1.2

APZ fuel management specifications is to be in accordance with ‘Standards for Asset Protection Zones’(NSW RFS 2005) as described Section 4.1.3 of this report.

As demonstrated in Figure 4-1 (p.10), the APZs for the clubhouse will be wholly contained within theproperty boundary. This is in accordance with the requirements of PBP 2006.


4.1.1 Inner Protection Area (IPA)

The purpose of the IPA is to minimise the impact of direct flame contact and radiant heat on theproposal. The IPA can incorporate existing roads, new access roads and carparks (NSWRFS 2006 p.10)

The IPA (Table 1.1 and Figure 4-1 p.10) is to be established to the following standard (NSWRFS 2006p.51):

“An IPA should provide a tree canopy on less than 15% and should be located greater than 2metres from any part of the roofline of a dwelling. Garden beds of flammable shrubs are not to belocated under trees and should be no closer than 10 metres from an exposed window or door.Trees should have lower limbs removed up to a height of 2 metres above the ground.”

4.1.2 Outer Protection Area (OPA)

The purpose of the Outer Protection Area is to reduce the potential length of flames by slowing the rateof spread, filtering embers and suppressing crown fire.

The 15 m IPA (Table 1.1 and Figure 4-1 p.10) is to be established to the following standard (NSWRFS2006 p.51).

“An OPA should provide a tree canopy cover of less that 30 % and should have understoreymanaged (mowed) to treat all shrubs on an annual basis in advance of the fire season (usuallySeptember).”

4.1.3 Asset Protection Zone Maintenance

The APZ is to be managed in perpetuity by the Department of Arts, Sport and Recreation. Maintenanceof the APZ will form part of the management plan for the site. This will ensure attention to the standardsset out in PBP 2006 and this assessment report at regular intervals, particularly before and during the fireseason.

Fuels are to be controlled in accordance with Standards for Asset Protection Zones (NSW RFS 2005),i.e.;

1. Raking or manual removal of fine fuels:

Ground fuels such as fallen leaves, twigs (less than 6 mm in diameter) and bark should be removed on aregular basis.

2. Mowing of grass:

Grass needs to be kept short and where possible, green.

3. Removal or pruning of trees, shrubs and understorey:

Prune or remove trees so that there is no continuous canopy leading from the hazard to the asset.Separate tree crowns by at least two to five metres. A canopy should not overhang within two to fivemetres of the building.

Native trees and shrubs should be retained as clumps or islands and should maintain a covering of nomore than 20 % of the area.


4. Slashing and trittering

Cut material is to be removed or allowed to decompose well before the summer starts.

Practices that result in sharp stakes/stumps are to be avoided.

4.2 Building constructionThis subsection addresses NSWRFS key Issue no. 7 (Appendix A).

In accordance with the methodology outlined in Appendix 3 of PBP 2006, a level 1 construction standardunder AS 3959-1999 is applicable to the proposed clubhouse and indoor air range.

4.3 Water SupplyThis subsection addresses NSWRFS key Issue no. 6 (Appendix A).

In permitting any type of land use, the level of water provided for firefighting purposes is an essentialconsideration. Contact with the NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed that water supply would be important.Fire fighting vehicles, if they can arrive in time, have only limited amounts of water available. Water maybe provided from mains water supply or through an on-site static supply. Where mains supply is providedit is not usually necessary to provide supporting static supplies. However, where mains water supply isnot available, the amount of static water needed will be dependent on the construction material of thedwelling, the surface area and the nature of the vegetation near the structure.

The site requires water for the purpose of fire fighting. This water will need to be sourced independentlyand stored separately from the main water supply in a designated tank, as there is no reticulation systemavailable.

In accordance with the “Acceptable Solutions” set out for water supply in PBP 2006 (NSWRFS 2006p.37) the proposed development will provide the following;

» Minimum 10,000 litres dedicated water supply (concrete or underground tanks) for protection of theclubhouse,

» 200 mm access holes if underground tanks are installed and a hardened ground surface for trackaccess within 4 m of the access hole.

» A 65 mm Storz outlet with Gate or Ball valve located within the IPA and connected to the static watersupply,

» Metal pipework and taps, and

» Shielded pump/s (if installed).

Existing Hill TopRifle Range

Air pistol range, car park and clubhouse

Pistol range

Pistol andrifle range

Shotgunrange

VERSION: DRAFT

óFigure 4.1:

Asset protection zone(s)

PROJECT NO: 23-15073

MAP NO: 23-15073-Z005

Document (MXD): G:\Projects\21\15073\CADD\GIS\MapDocuments\Z005.mxd

DRAWN: RCJ DATE: 23/10/2007

This document shall remain the property of GHD Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the terms of the engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited

0 50 100Metres

LegendAsset protection zone

Inner protection areaOuter protection areaClub houseCar park locationRange danger areaSite boundaryTransectFull vegetation clearing

SOURCE:

NSW Dept. Lands

DATUM/PROJECTION: MGA Zone 56

Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex

NSW Sport & Recreation


4.4 Access and EgressThis subsection addresses NSWRFS key Issue no. 5 (Appendix A but adjusted to PBP 2006).

The property access roads from Wattle Ridge Road to the buildings comply with the ‘AcceptableSolutions’ for Special Fire Protection Purpose developments contained in PBP 2006 (NSWRFS 2006p.35). i.e.,

The proposed development will meet all relevant “Acceptable Solutions” i.e.;

» The road to the clubhouse will be two-wheel drive, sealed, all-weather road;

» The clubhouse will be within 100 m of Wattle Ridge Road and a turning facility will be provided at theclubhouse;

» Traffic calming devices that may affect the progress of fire fighting vehicles are not proposed;

» A vertical clearance of four metres is to be established and maintained;

» Curves are to have a minimum inner radius of 6 m and be minimal in number;

» The minimum distance between inner and outer curves is to be grater than 6 m.

» There will be no bridges with which to indicate load limits;

» Pavements will be capable of carrying a load of 15 tonnes;

» The access roads will not traverse a wetland or other land potentially subject to periodic inundation;

» The cross fall of the access road will not exceed 10 degrees

» Grades will not exceed 15 degrees.

4.5 Bush Fire Hazard Remaining on the SiteThis subsection addresses NSWRFS key Issue no. 8 (Appendix A) and DGRs (Table 1.1).

Once the development is completed it is proposed that 985 hectares of the site will remain as nativevegetation. The NSWRFS (Appendix A) and the DGRs (Table 1.1) identify the need to assess the futuremanagement regimes for any areas of hazard remaining within the subject area with a focus on the levelof hazard posed to future development of the site or adjacent land and how the hazard may change as aresult of development.

With respect to bushfire, the area has been identified as extreme and very high hazard by the BushfireRisk Management Plan prepared by the Wingecarribee Bush Fire Management Committee in 2001. Thearea has been identified as a ”Land Management” zone meaning that it is required to meet relevant landmanagement objectives, a category applied in areas where Asset Protection or Strategic Fire AdvantageZones are not appropriate. The Bush Fire Risk Management Plan defines these terms and they are notthe same as Asset Protection Zones as set out in Planning for Bushfire Protection and used in thisreport.

In respect of the vegetation present on the site, the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan identified thatunder some circumstances there may be a decline in biodiversity. These include:

» Three or more consecutive fires, with each of the fires less than 5 years apart

» No fires for 30 years


The proposal is consistent with the existing use of the land and the existing identification under the BushFire Risk Management Plan of the management as “Land Management” so it will not alter the hazard.

The fire management objectives and emphasis for management of the land as native vegetation are setout in the draft Fire Management Plan (National Parks and Wildlife Service 2002) as the Bargo StateRecreation Area, part of the Nattai Reserves system. Additional context for the current management ofthe site is provided by the Nattai Reserves Plan of Management (NPWS 2001).

The site is zoned in the draft Fire Management Plan as a “Heritage Area Management Zone”. Theobjective of the heritage area management zone is to manage bushfires to meet the conservationobjectives for the values of the reserve, which may be at risk of long- and short-term damage as a resultof inappropriate bushfire regimes.

The presence of the supporting facilities and other infrastructure adjacent to potential bushfire hazard isconsidered and accounted for by applying the requirements of PBP 2006 in respect of the proposalfollowing the Bushfire Assessment of the site.

The management of the hazard remaining on the site, under a Voluntary Conservation Agreement withthe NPWS, will be consistent with past management as set out in the relevant NPWS and documentsand the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan.

4.6 Bushfire hazard resulting from revegetationThis subsection addresses NSWRFS key Issue no. 9 (Appendix A).

Revegetation is not proposed outside the areas affected by the development. All revegetation within thedevelopment site is to be in accordance with APZ specifications detailed in Section 4.1 of this report.

4.7 Emergency Plan and procedures manualThis subsection addresses DGRs (Table 1.1).

In response to DGRs, an emergency plan and procedures manual is to be prepared and approved by theNSWRFS prior to utilisation of the clubhouse and range. This plan is to be enhanced by the inclusion ofspecific bushfire emergency related provisions, guidance and requirements.

To satisfy the ‘Acceptable Solutions’ detailed in PBP 2006 (NSWRFS 2006 p.39). The emergency plan isto be consistent with the NSWRFS Guideline Preparation of Emergency/Evacuation Plan (NSWRFS2004). A copy of the emergency plan will be provided to the Wingecarribee Bush Fire Risk ManagementCommittee.

The elements of the bushfire emergency plan and procedures manual is to include the following:

» Clear instructions on the steps to take when a bushfire approaches or is imminent;

» Detailed plans on all Emergency Assembly Areas including “onsite” and offsite arrangements;

» Roles and responsibilities of staff;

» Consultation with emergency services;

» Statement of actions/procedures in the event of a bushfire;

» Training for users of the site in bushfire awareness and safety measures;


» Orientation to, and demonstration of, bushfire sensible behaviour and steps to take before andduring the bushfire season for all users of the site;

» Summary of advice and steps to take provided to all users of the site and displayed appropriately;

» Effective communication of advice and warnings related to adverse bushfire weather conditions andforecasts; and

» Consideration of restricting activities at the site on days of very high or extreme bushfire danger.

4.8 Discretionary ConsiderationsThe foregoing sections identify mandatory, minimum requirements for compliance with regulatoryrequirements and the issues specifically raised by the NSW RFS. GHD notes that the SouthernHighlands Regional Shooting Complex is proposed in a very fire prone area. It is a ridgetop site open tothe full force of adverse fire winds, has vast expanses of Eucalypt forests to the west and north with verylimited access for fire control, has a long and indeed recent history of being in the path of high intensitybushfires. These site attributes mean that the site is certain to be exposed to repeated fire impact in thefuture. Therefore, apart from compliance with regulatory requirements, there are very significant humanlife and property protection imperatives to ensure that high levels of fire protection continue to bemaintained for the site on an ongoing basis. Therefore the following discretionary considerations areraised for consideration:

4.8.1 Good Neighbour Policy

The management of fire hazards on and adjacent to the site will benefit from the development of goodcollaboration and partnerships with the immediate neighbours and the NSW NPWS.

It will be beneficial to establish good relationships with the NSW Rural Fire Service Volunteer BushfireBrigades in the area and with NPWS staff working in the Wingecarribee local government area.Consultation with local volunteer brigades and NPWS should cover advice of bushfire ignitions sourcesand their mitigation, public education with respect to bushfires in the area and potential for sitemanagement to support and assist the local Rural Fire Service staff and volunteers as appropriate. Localinput should also be sought for the Emergency Management Plan and the Asset Protection ZoneMaintenance Plan.

4.8.2 Bushfire Management During Construction

A number of additional recommendations are suggested for fire protection during construction andinclude:

» Preparation of a bushfire hazard sub-plan as part of the construction environmental managementplan that details fire prevention measures to be implemented during construction, including but notlimited to:

- Work involving risk of ignition should not be carried out during total fire bans;

- Fire suppression equipment should be available on site; and

- Safe storage and handling of liquid fuels and other flammable materials.

» Emergency bushfire response procedures should also be detailed for any persons located at the siteduring the bushfire season; and


» The local Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centre should be notified of the dates during whichconstruction is to be undertaken and any dates during which ‘hot works’ are to be conducted shouldbe highlighted. This would enable Rural Fire Service to advise when weather conditions are notappropriate to carry out the works proposed.

4.8.3 Low maintenance roof and guttering design

Due to the fire prone nature of the site, ongoing maintenance of the buildings (such as keeping roofingand gutters clear of leaves and combustible material) and building surrounds will be important.Therefore, in the design and building of the shooting complex buildings and facilities, it would be prudentto design roofing and guttering such that they minimise the collection of combustible material, and thatthey are readily and safely accessible (noting Workcover requirements for safe working at heights) forregular clearing out.


5. Conclusion

All DGRs relevant to bushfire as well as the NSWRFS’s Key Issues and Assessment Requirements willbe addressed through the implementation of the recommendations contained in this report.

The bushfire protection measures specific to the DGRS and NSW RFS’s Key Issues, have been appliedto the proposal to current legislative standards (Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006), i.e.;

» Asset Protection Zone dimensions, establishment, and maintenance recommendations (Section 4.1)comply with the “Acceptable Solutions” for Asset Protection Zones.

» Building standards (level 1 AS3959) complies with Appendix 3 of PBP 2006 and thereby the BCA.

» The recommended 10,000 static water supply specifically reserved and adapted for fire fightingpurposes (Section 4.3) complies with “Acceptable Solutions” for services.

» The emergency management plan to be prepared and approved prior to the utilisation of the rangeand clubhouse, complies with “Acceptable Solutions” for Emergency and Evacuation Planning.

Additional measures recommended for the proposal include engaging with neighbours and importantlocal institutions and applying bushfire prevention controls and awareness programs during construction.


6. References

NSWRFS (NSW Rural Fire Service) 2004. A Guide to Developing a Bushfire Evacuation Plan. Planningand Environment Services.

NSWRFS (NSW Rural Fire Service) 2005. Standards for Asset Protection Zones.

NSWRFS (NSW Rural Fire Service) 2006. Planning for Bush Fire Protection: A guide for Councils,Planners, Fire Authorities and Developers. Prepared by NSW Rural Fires Service in cooperation with theDepartment of Planning.

Standards Australia 1999. AS3959-1999 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone areas. StandardsAustralia and the Australian Building Codes Board, Sydney.

Wingecarribee Bush Fire Risk Management Committee 2001. Bush Fire Risk Management Plan.


Appendix A

NSW Rural Fire Service – Key Issues


GHD Pty Ltd ABN 39 008 488 373

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© GHD Pty Ltd 2007

This document is and shall remain the property of GHD Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for thepurposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Consultancy Agreement for thecommission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Document Status

Reviewer Approved for IssueRevNo. Author

Name Signature Name Signature Date

0 Geoff Young Brett Shields Paul de Mar Noted on file 01/11/06

mailto:[email protected]

Appendix D Bushfire hazard assessment

Documents

Transcript of Appendix D Bushfire hazard assessment