View
0
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Mr I Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Level Assessment
– Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
V1 – 08 October 2019
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd
99C Lord Street, Whiteman, WA, 6076
Ph: (08) 9209 2767
info@naturalarea.com.au
www.naturalarea.com.au
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 2 of 21
Disclaimer Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as Natural Area Consulting Management Services (Natural Area), has
prepared this BAL-assessment for use by:
▪ Mr I Yujnovich
▪ Consultants hired by Mr Yujnovich to support environmental and other approvals for the Lot
▪ City of Kwinana
▪ Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
▪ Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
▪ WA Planning Commission.
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. 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.
Document
Title YUN R BHA L123 Mortimer Rd Casuarina.docx
Location Client Folders NAC/Yujnovich, Ivan (John)/Bushfire Hazard Assessment/
Version No. Date Changes Prepared by Approved by Status
V1 08 October 2019 New document SB BC Final
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 3 of 21
Contents
1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.0 Bushfire Threat ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Site Characteristics ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.1 Location ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.1.2 Contours ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Land use ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Vegetation Classification ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Area 1: Class D Scrub .................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Area 2: Class B Woodland ........................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Area 3: Class C Shrubland ........................................................................................................... 12
2.2.4 Area 4: Class G Grassland - Unmanaged..................................................................................... 13
Figure 7: Class G Grassland - unmanaged .................................................................................................. 13
2.2.5 Low-threat Vegetation ............................................................................................................... 14
2.2.6 Area 6: Non-vegetated Areas ..................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Bushfire Hazard Level ......................................................................................................................... 17
3.0 Compliance and Justifications ................................................................................................................ 19
3.1 SPP 3.7 Objectives and Application of Policy Measures ..................................................................... 19
3.2 Compliance with Relevant Documents .............................................................................................. 20
3.3 Compliance Statement ....................................................................................................................... 20
4.0 References .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 4 of 21
1.0 Introduction
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd T/A Natural Area Consulting Management Services was engaged by Mr I.
Yujnovich to prepare this bushfire hazard level assessment (BHL) to support the planning approvals process
to subdivide Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina in the City of Kwinana into two Lots (Figure 1) in the first
instance. The Lot has been in the ownership of Mr Yujnovich for more than 60 years and represents a legacy
site in terms of the environmental values that are present on the site and which need to be considered from
an approvals process today, in contrast to when the Lot was purchased. In time, it is likely that further
development will occur with more detailed consideration of bushfire impacts are expected at that time.
This report details the following:
▪ site details and location
▪ vegetation classification
▪ site slope
▪ fire danger index
▪ potential bushfire impacts
▪ bushfire hazard level for the site.
A site assessment was undertaken on 26 July 2019 and this report has been prepared by Sue Brand, a Level 2
bushfire planning and assessment (BPAD) practitioner accredited with the Fire Protection Association of
Australia.
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 5 of 21
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 6 of 21
2.0 Bushfire Threat
2.1 Site Characteristics
2.1.1 Location
Lot 123 Mortimer Road is located to the east of the Kwinana Freeway, and is bounded by existing rural
residential properties to the north, south, east and west.
2.1.2 Contours
Lot 123 is located on the Bassendean Dune System and is characterised by undulating land associated with
sand dunes and interdunal swales. The site ranges in height from 18 m AHD in the north to 38 m AHD in the
south-east, with some higher areas around the centre of the site (Figure 3). Accordingly, slope across the site
is currently variable, and will be modified when development progresses and engineering works are carried
out.
2.1.3 Land use
The site is remnant bushland (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Land use, Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 7 of 21
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 8 of 21
2.2 Vegetation Classification All vegetation within 100 m of Lot 123 was classified in accordance with Clause 2.2.3 of AS 3959 – 2018
Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas (Figure 10). The site is largely remnant bushland with
firebreaks cleared around the perimeter and across the site (Figure 1).
2.2.1 Area 1: Class D Scrub
The dominant vegetation class present within Lot 123 is Class D Scrub, which covers the majority of the site
(Figure 4). Class D Scrub is characterised by shrubs 2 – 4 m with a continuous canopy with occasional trees to
6 m.
Area 1 Classification or Exclusion Clause Class D Scrub
Photo ID: 1
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 9 of 21
Photo ID: 2
Photo ID: 3
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 10 of 21
Photo ID: 4
Figure 4: Class D Scrub
2.2.2 Area 2: Class B Woodland
Area 2 is patches of Class A Forest, which is characterised by trees 10 – 15 m with a canopy cover of less than
30% with a low understorey (Figure 5). These patches of forest are associated with wetter areas of the site,
representing a probable transition zone between wetland areas to the west and the dryland species present
on the majority of Lot 123.
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 11 of 21
Area 2 Classification or Exclusion Clause Class B Woodland
Photo ID: 5
Photo ID: 6
Figure 5: Class B Woodland
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 12 of 21
2.2.3 Area 3: Class C Shrubland
Area 3 is Class C Shrubland associated with a wetter area in the northern portion of Lot 123. This vegetation
class is characterised by low shrubs to 2 m (Figure 6).
Area 3 Classification or Exclusion Clause Class C Shrubland
Photo ID: 7
Photo ID: 8
Figure 6: Class C Shrubland
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 13 of 21
2.2.4 Area 4: Class G Grassland - Unmanaged
Class G grassland in the form of sown pasture and grasses to approximately 50 cm are present offsite in rural
properties across Mortimer Road to the south (Figure 7), as well as in other adjacent properties.
Area 4 Classification or Exclusion Clause Class G Grassland
Photo ID: 9
Photo ID: 10
Figure 7: Class G Grassland - unmanaged
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 14 of 21
2.2.5 Low-threat Vegetation
Area 5 is low threat vegetation in the form of maintained lawns and gardens in neighbouring properties
(Figure 8); this vegetation class is subject to exclusion clause 2.2.3.2 (f) of AS 3959 - 2018.
Area 5 Classification or Exclusion Clause Class G Grassland
Photo ID: 11
Photo ID: 12
Figure 8: Class G Grassland in neighbouring properties
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 15 of 21
2.2.6 Area 6: Non-vegetated Areas
Non-vegetated areas are present in and around the site, and includes roads, existing buildings, cleared areas
and firebreaks (Figure 9); these areas are subject to exclusion clause 2.2.3.2 (e) of AS 3959 – 2018.
Area 5 Classification or Exclusion Clause Non-vegetated areas – exclusion clause 2.2.3.2 (e)
Photo ID: 13
Photo ID: 14
Figure 9: Non-vegetated areas in proximity to Lot 123
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 16 of 21
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 17 of 21
2.3 Bushfire Hazard Level The bushfire hazard level assessment categorises the bushfire hazard level as extreme, moderate or low
according to the predominant vegetation class as per AS 3959 – 2018. Table 1 outlines the characteristics of
each hazard level as per the Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (Department of Planning Lands
and Heritage, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Western Australian Planning Commission,
2017), with those assigned for Lot 123 shown in Figure 11.
Table 1: Bushfire hazard level and classified vegetation as per AS 3959 – 2018
Hazard Level Characteristics
Extreme ▪ Class A Forest
▪ Class B Woodland (05)
▪ Class D Scrub
▪ Any classified vegetation with a slope greater than 10 degrees
Moderate ▪ Class B Open Woodland (06), Low Woodland (07), Low Open Woodland
(08), Open Shrubland (09)
▪ Class C Shrubland
▪ Class E Mallee/Mulga
▪ Class G Grassland, including sown pasture and crops
▪ Vegetation that has a low hazard level but is within 100 m of vegetation
classified as a moderate or extreme hazard is to adopt a moderate hazard
level
Low ▪ Low-threat vegetation may include areas of maintained lawns, golf
courses, public recreation reserves and parklands, vineyards, orchards,
cultivated gardens, commercial nurseries, nature strips and windbreaks
▪ Managed grassland in a minimal fuel condition (insufficient fuel is available
to significantly increase the severity of the bushfire attack). For example,
short-cropped grass to nominal height of 100 mm (10 cm)
▪ Non-vegetated areas including waterways, roads, footpaths, buildings and
rock outcrops.
Source: Department of Planning Lands and Heritage, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the
Western Australian Planning Commission, 2017
The majority of the site is assigned an extreme hazard based on the current site characteristics. As
development occurs in future, some areas of vegetation will be retained while the majority will be cleared,
reducing the hazard level. More detailed consideration of bushfire hazard and acceptable solutions will be
assessed at that time.
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 | Page 18 of 21
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 |Page 19 of 21
3.0 Compliance and Justifications
3.1 SPP 3.7 Objectives and Application of Policy Measures The intent of State Planning Policy (SPP) 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (Department of Planning and
Western Australian Planning Commission, 2015) is to ensure that bushfire risks are considered in a timely
manner and that planning documents demonstrate the appropriate application of the various policy
measures. Table 2 summarises the intent and objectives of SPP 3.7 and provides evidence of how Lot 123
Mortimer Road Casuarina complies.
Table 2: Evidence of compliance with SPP 3.7 intent and objectives
SPP Reference Description Evidence of Compliance
Intent ▪ Ensure that risks associated
with bushfires are planned
using a risk-based approach
▪ Undertaking a BHL-assessment at the
preliminary planning stage documenting
outcomes in this report
▪ The hazard assessment provides an indication
of the potential intensity of bushfire at the site
Objective 1 ▪ Avoid any increase in the
threat of bushfire to people,
property and infrastructure
▪ The hazard assessment provides an indication
of the potential intensity of bushfire at the site
▪ The hazard level will decrease as development
occurs on the site
▪ A range of acceptable solutions that will
reduce the bushfire risk will be explored and
developed as planning and other approvals for
the site are progressed
Objective 2 ▪ Reduce vulnerability to
bushfire
▪ The hazard assessment provides an indication
of the potential intensity of bushfire at the site
▪ The hazard level will decrease as development
occurs on the site
▪ A range of acceptable solutions that will
reduce the bushfire risk will be explored and
developed as planning and other approvals for
the site are progressed
Objective 3 ▪ Ensure that higher order
strategic planning documents
and proposals consider
bushfire protection
requirements at an early stage
▪ This bushfire hazard assessment has been
carried out at the first stage of planning
associated with development of the site
Objective 4 ▪ Achieve an appropriate
balance between bushfire risk
management and biodiversity
conservation
▪ Conservation of biodiversity is being
considered at the first stage of the planning
process
▪ Site assessments have been carried out, with
outcomes contributing to environmental
approvals required for the site
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 |Page 20 of 21
3.2 Compliance with Relevant Documents Section 3.1 indicates that the proposed intensification of land use at Lot 123 Mortimer Road complies with
State Planning Policy 3.7 (Department of Planning and WA Planning Commission, 2015). When appropriate,
and assessment against acceptable solutions described in Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas
(Department of Planning, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and WA Planning Commission, V1.3,
2017) will be undertaken. In the interim, the owner will continue to comply with relevant sections of the
annual firebreak notice and bushfire information prepared by the City of Kwinana, such as total fire ban and
hazard reduction programs.
3.3 Compliance Statement This BHL-assessment report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of State Planning Policy
3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (Department of Planning and Western Australian Planning Commission,
2015) and Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the
Western Australian Planning Commission, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, V1.3, 2017),
with the information provided herein accurate as at 08 October 2019.
Signed:
Dated: 08 October 2019
Accreditation Number: 36638
Accreditation Expiry Date: 30 April 2020
Mr I. Yujnovich
Bushfire Hazard Assessment – Lot 123 Mortimer Road Casuarina
Natural Area Holdings Pty Ltd © 2019 |Page 21 of 21
4.0 References
AS 3959 – 2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas
Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the Western Australian Planning Commission, and the
Department of Fire and Emergency Services, (2017), Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (V1.2),
Western Australian Planning Commission, Perth, Western Australia.
Department of Planning and the Western Australian Planning Commission, (2015), State Planning Policy
(SPP) 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas, Western Australian Planning Commission, Perth, Western
Australia.
Recommended