Parts of the site are located within a 'bushfire prone area' under the statewide map of bushfire risk areas prepared by the Office of Bushfire Risk Management (OBRM 2019). The identification of a site within an area that has been declared as forest fire-dangerous necessitates that a further assessment of the. The majority of the site has been cleared of native vegetation and contains areas managed to a low threat standard in accordance with Section 2.2.3.2 of AS 3959.
Vehicular access: The proposed structure plan envisages an interconnected road network within the site, using existing and future links with Lord Street to the west, Park Street to the south, Losino Boulevard and Gnangara Road to the north-east, and Asturian Drive to the north and the future avenue Henley Brook in the east of the town. These road links will provide exit options to the north, east, south and west of the site.
Background
Aim of this report
Statutory policy and framework
Description of the proposed development
The proposed development within the site is consistent with the 'urban' zoning of the site under the Metropolitan Regional Scheme (MRS). The site is currently zoned as 'residential development' under the City of Swan City Planning Scheme (TPS) No.
Description of land characteristics
No vegetation within the site has been identified as significant (ie threatened ecological communities or threatened flora) or of regional or local importance. St. Leonard's Creek, a tributary of the Swan River is located within the area along with a The site has been identified as a multi-use wetland, which is described as a wetland with few remaining wetland attributes.
One FRTBC rest site (associated with a stand of non-endemic eucalyptus) has been identified within the site and is proposed to be retained within POS. It is noted that an environmentally sensitive area is located to the west of the site associated with Bush Forever Site 304.
Native vegetation – modification and clearing
Revegetation and landscape plans
This area will be designed to achieve low threat in accordance with section 2.2.3.2 of AS 3959 and is intended to minimize an increase in the risk of wildfires. The bushfire risk for the site has been considered according to the methods described in the guidelines (WAPC and DFES 2017) and in AS 3959. Annex two of the guidelines describes how to carry out a broad level assessment using the vegetation classifications from AS 3959.
The bushfire risk to the site has been duly considered in the specific context of the guidelines and AS 3959. Vegetation and ground areas exempt from classification as potential hazards are defined as low hazard in accordance with AS 3959 section 2.2.3.2.
Bushfire attack level (BAL) assessment
Assessment inputs
- Post development assumptions
Fire danger level (Figure 3): Extreme Two small areas with forest vegetation are located within the northern part of the area. Forest vegetation within the site (Plot 1) will be removed to facilitate future development that will result in the conversion of currently vegetated areas to non-vegetated areas consisting of public roads and/or residential areas. The forest vegetation located to the west and south-west of the site is assumed to remain in its existing condition, and is therefore assumed to remain a fire hazard for the site.
Woodland vegetation to the south of the site is likely to be removed as part of future development in line with the existing Local Structure Plan for site 348 Park Street, Brabham. However, since the timing of this development is unknown, it is assumed that this vegetation poses a fire hazard to the area. Forest vegetation within the site will be removed to allow for future development, resulting in the conversion of currently vegetated areas to non-vegetated areas consisting of public roads and/or residential lots.
Shrubland to the south of the site is likely to be removed as part of future development in line with the existing Local Structure Plan for site 348 Park Street, Brabham. Two drainage basins are found on the site to the northeast (Plot 9) and north (Plot 16) of the site. Grassland vegetation to the south of the site (plot 11) is likely to be removed in the future.
Grassland vegetation to the northeast of the site (Plot 10) within existing rural housing is believed to remain as it is and therefore continue to pose a wildfire risk to the site. Similarly, grassland vegetation to the west of the site (Plot 12 - 13) is believed to remain as it is and remain a wildfire risk to the site. All classified vegetation within the site will be removed or modified to achieve low threat in accordance with paragraph 2.2.3.2 of AS 3959.
It is believed that all classified vegetation surrounding the site will remain in its current state in the future and therefore remain a wildfire risk to the site. A foreshore area has been designated in connection with Saint Leonards Creek, located in the eastern part of the site.
Assessment outputs
Provide appropriate separation distance from wildfire hazards to the east, south and west of the site to ensure that a BAL rating of BAL-29 or less can be achieved on future habitable buildings (built form). This is particularly relevant for the northeastern part of the site where unmanaged grassland is likely to be immediately adjacent to the boundary of the site and will also be considered as part of phased development. As part of future development, it is likely that an 'acceptable solution' will be able to address the intent of all four forest fire protection criteria as part of future development within the site.
A1.1 Location of the development Based on the results of the fire hazard level (BHL) assessment, the development (i.e. future habitable buildings) within the site will be located in an area subject to a low or medium level of risk from fire and is therefore able to achieve the criterion. The BAL contour plan (see Figure 6) indicates that most of the area will be able to achieve a BAL rating of BAL-29 or less. Based on the existing condition of the north-eastern portion of the site, this portion of the site is subject to a BAL rating that exceeds BAL-29.
The structural plan through the location of public roads, public open space and/or depth of urban areas provides adequate separation to achieve a BAL rating of BAL-29 or less for future residential buildings on most of the site. As part of the development within the site, additional road links to Park Street and Old Lord Street will be established in addition to the future Henley Brook Avenue to the east of the site. While cul-de-sacs should be avoided in bushfire-prone areas, a single cul-de-sac is proposed in the south-eastern part of the area.
This cul-de-sac is still considered to meet the acceptable solution given the site's location in an urbanized area and connection to the wider road network. No private driveways longer than 50m are proposed as part of the structure plan or likely based on the proposed urban development. A3.6 Emergency access road As the proposed structure plan accommodates various access roads, emergency access roads are not required as part of the proposed development of the site.
Additional management strategies
- Future approval considerations
- Landscape management
- Within the site
- Surrounding the site
- City of Swan Firebreak Notice
- Vulnerable or high-risk land uses
- Public education and preparedness
The City of Swan publishes a Firebreak Notice annually to provide a framework for bushfire management in the city. The City of Swan may enforce this notice in accordance with Section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954. In addition, Section 33 1(b) also gives the City additional authority to direct landowners to carry out work to remedy conditions conducive to the outbreak or spread of forest fires.
Professional, qualified consultants also offer bushfire safety advice and relevant services to residents and businesses in high risk areas in addition to what is provided in this VIP. Additional wildfire mitigation responsibilities will be outlined as part of future BMP/s prepared to support detailed subdivision for the site, including responsibilities for future site owners. Provide a copy of this BMP to the relevant decision makers to support approval of the proposed structure plan.
Prepare a new/revised PKM in accordance with SPP 3.7, the Guidelines and AS 3959 to support future subdivision applications, based on the proposed detailed plan and taking into account the existing or expected fire hazards following. In addition, if assumptions regarding treatment at the POS, pipeline easements, and/or coastal zone change as part of future detailed design phases, a revised MPC will be required. Where possible avoid cleats and battle-axe parts, or when used, ensure that these take into account the general requirements outlined in Table 4 and Appendix Four of the Guidelines, or as agreed with the City of Swan.
Separation distances shall be in accordance with the minimum distances described in Table 3 of this MPC for the relevant plot/vegetation classification, or as determined in subsequent BMP/BAL assessments. Comply with the Town of Swan Fire Notice until the subdivision progresses, including that for residential land greater than 25,000m2, provide firebreaks at least 3m wide and keep short grass fuels. Monitoring vegetation fuel loads on private lands against the City's Fire Notice requirements (and/or existing maintenance regimes outlined in this MPC) and liaising with relevant stakeholders to keep fuel loads to minimum levels /suitable fuel.
Accreditation
Declaration
General references
Online references
Please note: This BAL contour plan has been prepared to detail the fire hazard posed by vegetation within 150m of the site only, in accordance with the guidelines and AS 3959. All areas and dimensions are subject to survey, engineering and detailed planning and subject to change without notice. GAS PIPELINE EASEMENT REQUIRED NOISE MODELING POSSIBLE FUTURE LIFESTYLE VILLAGE POSSIBLE FUTURE RAILROUND CIRCUIT.
