BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE Annual Report 2003-04 MISSION // TO ENHANCE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BUSHFIRE RISK TO THE COMMUNITY IN AN ECONOMICALLY AND ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE MANNER.

OBJECTIVES //

TO DEVELOP AN INTERNATIONALLY TO PROVIDE A RESEARCH FRAMEWORK TO INCREASE THE SELF- SUFFICIENCY RENOWNED CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE TO THAT WILL IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITIES IN MANAGING THE LEAD AND COORDINATE BUSHFIRE OF BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT AGENCIES BY: RISKS FROM BUSHFIRES BY: RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA BY: > Facilitating Australasian collaboration > Understanding and encouraging > Establishing a sustainable output of between end users and researchers to appropriate community behaviour university graduates to specifically specify outcomes (products and toward bushfires undertake research into bushfire and services) that improve community > Increasing the understanding of the hence build the Australasian safety and firefighter wellbeing, role and importance of volunteerism knowledge base relating to bushfire protect property and reduce risk and in relation to the management of cost associated with the sustainable > Maintaining the biodiversity of Australasian bushfire management of bushfire Australasia through improved TO COMMERCIALISE OR OTHERWISE bushfire management based on > Ensuring the expectations of end MAKE AVAILABLE CENTRE INTELLECTUAL knowledge of the impact and positive users in terms of usefulness and PROPERTY IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO use of bushfire in relation to performance of research are fully ENSURE THAT THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT sustainable resource management met to encourage a high level of ACCRUES TO AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING adoption of future outcomes > Facilitating the transfer of the AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY, THE PARTIES, innovative technology component of > Ensuring the timely and appropriate THE AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENT AND THE outcomes to industry through delivery of outcomes through AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY GENERALLY; AND appropriate commercial arrangements continuous end user evaluation that generate revenue streams to TO PROMOTE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE further the pursuit of the objectives CRC PROGRAM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: INDIVIDUALS: NSW fire brigade Kevin Tolhurst CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products Brett Hardy, Parks Victoria CSIRO Atmospheric Research Alan Wain, BoM CFA Brad Mahoney, DSE MFB Simon Milner, DSE DSE G McCarthy, DSE BoM Andrew Pook, DSE QRFS Gunter Becherer, DSE Timber Promotion Council Rachel Dawkins, DSE Dave Nichols, CFA Trevor Meers Cameron Wade RFS Ian Dicker NSW NPWS Colin Jolliffe, CFA Victoria Matthew Willis Mark Baker CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY // 03 STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT // 09 COMMERCIALISATION AND UTILISATION // 13 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES // 17 EDUCATION ACTIVITIES // 45 COLLABORATION // 49 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS // 51 SPECIFIED PERSONNEL // 53 PUBLICATIONS // 55 PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION // 57 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS // 65 01

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vulnerable to fire. less houses making of ways and effectiveness of aerial suppression the burning, prescribed or reduction bushfires. These include hazard of management improved to related governments and the community agencies, management issues of concern to fireand land theprogram some of addresses key The Bushfire CRC’s research bushfire research inAustralasia. and comprehensive approach to representing the firsttruly national establishment of this new CRC emphasised the timeliness of the summer of 2001-2002. This has 2003, and the major fires of the the disastrous fires of January management of bushfires following period of intense focus on the first year of operation during a The Bushfire has CRC completed its CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH EXECUTIVE SUMMARY agencies, key universities, CSIRO fire authorities, land management includeCRC major rural and urban governments. The partners of the State, Territory and Federal has been the strong support of A key feature of the CRC’s early life expected willbe amajor challenge. the shorter timescales now responding to allresearch issues in much concern and controversy, fires. Because these fires caused so established following the 2003 various inquiries that were that have or willemerge from the to respond to the research issues that the Bushfire iswell CRC placed agencies and the researchers, mean user fireand land management close coordination between the end- operating structure that ensures research program, and the The make-up of the Centre’s protection of people and property. and people of protection communities, and how to improve biodiversity, how to foster safer the landscape, the impact of fire on forecasting, management of firein into firebehaviour, weather has been very good on key research the chapter on research. Progress CEO’s report and inmore detail in the firstyear, as described inthe note the significant achievements in research program Iampleased to Though it isearly days inour Australasia and globally. success of the Bushfire in CRC a major influence on the future strength of this collaboration willbe forestry research colleagues. The well as our New Zealand fireand Australian Building Codes Board, as Management Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology, Emergency and key Federal bodies such as the

IAN MAC DOUGALL Australian Department of Heritage of Department Australian partner during the year –the South It ispleasing that we gained anew integrated way. address fireresearch inan across the disciplines needed to new generation of researchers of high priority inworking towards a scholarships, this isclearly anarea enough high quality candidates for faced some challenges insecuring While the education program has most significant achievements. could become one the Bushfire CRC’s believe I research work inthis area land management activity. and fire in the economic value of the investment on done been has work little available, is bushfires from losses economic bushfires. While some data on fledgling area of the economics of is making good progress inthe I’m particularly pleased that the CRC 5

and the Environment – and that including roles as State Regional smoothly at the completion of its first I also appreciate the personal interest several others are in the process of Director in Victoria and New South operational year, reflects great credit in the CRC taken by the Minister for or have expressed interest in Wales, and Deputy Director in the on the researchers themselves, and Science, the Hon. Peter McGauran, joining. The level of international Bureau’s national office. on the management team of the CEO, who officially launched the CRC at a interest in the Bushfire CRC is Centre staff and Program Leaders. I ceremony in Fitzroy Gardens, strong – helped by the International The Board membership changes appreciate their efforts very much. Melbourne, on 9 December 2003. Conference on Wildland Fire in during the year included the Sydney in October 2003, and replacement of Kevin O’Loughlin by While the Centre’s staffing was Finally I acknowledge the value of overseas visits by the CEO and Dr Ray Canterford, of the Bureau of progressively established during the the strong links between the several of our researchers. Meteorology, after Mr O’Loughlin year, it is important I acknowledge research and user communities in took up the position of CEO, and the the excellent efforts of people who this CRC, epitomised by the co- The CRC’s Board has met monthly replacement of Independent Board worked hard to put the original location of the CRC’s office with the and worked very constructively in member Joanne Bloch, Deputy CEO program together and get the CRC office of AFAC. This is not only cost- making the key appointment of the of the Investment and Financial established. In particular, I effective, it also helps ensure the CEO, and setting in place strong Services Association, by Anne acknowledge Len Foster, CEO of the CRC’s research is carried out in a governance and strategic planning Gardiner, Company Secretary for the Australasian Fire Authorities Council way that maximises the frameworks. After an extensive Challenger Group, when Ms Bloch (AFAC), whose guidance was opportunities to add value to fire search, the Board appointed Kevin resigned in January 2004 to invaluable, Geoff Spring of the and land manager partners. O’Loughlin to the position of Chief accompany her family overseas. Victorian Country Fire Authority, who Executive Officer in September Details of the current Board was seconded as project director in 2003. Mr O’Loughlin has extensive membership appear later in the report. the setting up of the CRC, and the experience as a scientist, and in End User Leaders, Program Leaders, management and leadership roles in That the Bushfire CRC can show researchers, AFAC staff and Ian Mac Dougall the Commonwealth Bureau of substantial progress on much of its consultants who worked hard on Chairman Meteorology and internationally, research agenda and is operating the original proposal. L-R: SCIENCE MINISTER THE HON. PETER MCGAURAN, KEVIN O'LOUGHLIN, KEVIN MCGAURAN, PETER THE HON. MINISTER SCIENCE L-R: OF THE LAUNCH IAN MAC AT TOLHURST AND KEVIN MARK ADAMS DOUGALL, CRC THE BUSHFIRE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY KEVIN O’LOUGHLIN KEVIN CEO’S REPORT

The Bushfire CRC's first year of Fire also featured prominently on example because a number of burning issue, is a good example of operation has featured exciting early the international disaster scene projects were able to leverage off the need for a multi-disciplinary progress on its research agenda, a when the northern hemisphere the main fire behaviour objectives. approach, and of the need to strengthening of the connection summer of 2003 saw extensive The experiment could not have engage with the community to between researchers and the fire fires in locations as varied as been undertaken without extensive achieve greater understanding of and emergency services industry, Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, cooperation from fire, land a complex topic. new partner interest and significant California and Canada. management and forestry agencies, interaction internationally. and volunteer fire fighters. The CRC's research on the current It is significant that the fires in and likely future state of A major background feature of the Australia and in the northern The research program's diversity volunteerism is already gaining report year July 2003 to June hemisphere were quite exceptional of topics is one of its main good feedback from the volunteer- 2004 has been the follow-up in in terms of severity, extent and strengths. Research areas feature based fire agencies. Research on several jurisdictions to the duration. In the context of these the expected topics of fire effective decision-making is disastrous fires that affected major wild fires and the impacts on behaviour, fire weather, another area of psychological Canberra and large parts of Victoria their communities, the Bushfire management of fire in the research that promises practical and New South Wales in January CRC's program of multi-disciplinary landscape, the impact of fire on results for the operational 2003. Extraordinary interest in the research is a timely contribution to biodiversity, and improved fire agencies. community and by governments fire research in Australasia and, suppression and protection built on pre-existing concerns potentially, on a wider global scale. technology. But equally, the program Another major strength of the CRC arising from the extensive fires has a strong focus on important is the geographic diversity that affected Sydney and large As is detailed in the chapter on areas of social and economic represented by both the partners areas of New South Wales in research in this report, progress on research related to bushfires. and the research program. 2001-02, and continuing major the Centre's research agenda has While a major focus is on providing Research activity ranges from drought conditions over much of been very encouraging. The CRC fire and land management agencies southwest Tasmania to Darwin eastern Australia. These significantly framework is already showing the with improved knowledge and and from Western Australia to New influenced the work undertaken in benefits of close user-researcher techniques for managing bushfire Zealand. This geographic spread 2002 to set up the Bushfire CRC, interaction and an integrated, risk, the CRC is also engaging with provides an important perspective. and the priority given to research multi-disciplinary approach to the the community and other sectors The fires in south eastern Australia on contentious issues such as research. A major experimental burn of industry such as the insurance in recent years have been hazard reduction burning and at Tumbarumba, NSW, in February and building materials sectors. The disastrous, while bushfires in aerial suppression. 2004, provided an excellent prescribed, or hazard reduction northern and remote areas of

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 7

Australia are more often seen as part State and Territory-based research research, such as the Tropical by Science Minister, the Hon. Peter of the natural cycle, and therefore forums to enable user-researcher Savannas CRC and the Desert McGauran, of a book on experimental can be perceived to be "good". interaction on a geographic basis. Knowledge CRC, or on related topics fires in the Northern Territory by such as the CRC for Spatial CSIRO's Dr Alan Andersen and others. The Western Australian perspective The Bushfire CRC's Education Information. We also aim to provide is one of more than 70 years of Program is making good progress a focal point for the exchange of Other international highlights active management of fire in the after a slow start affected by information among those working included CRC-sponsored visits for landscape, coupled with a delays in formal completion of on bushfire research, following the four researchers, and a valuable commitment to research. It was partner accession to the Minister for Science's decision that opportunity I had to attend a review pleasing to see that the strength Commonwealth Agreement, staffing the Bushfire CRC should provide a meeting in Spain of a major of collaboration between the the Education Coordinator's position vehicle for advice on bushfire European Commission-funded fire research and user communities in and attracting enough quality science in lieu of the previously research project. A conference on Western Australia saw progress scholarship candidates. The established Bushfire Research the economics of wild fire attended towards the setting up of a "WA program has accelerated well in Advisory Group. by Professor John Handmer and node" of the Bushfire CRC. Similarly the latter part of the financial year Beth Proudley of RMIT provided our most eastern partners in New and good progress is being made It is pleasing to report that valuable linkages to international Zealand provide another perspective towards the long-term target of an awareness of the Bushfire CRC is research in this fledgling area. It on the integration of community additional 40 higher degree already high internationally. The was also pleasing to note that we protection with that of highly valued researchers flowing from CRC timing of the Third International have attracted several international commercial forestry assets. scholarships. The launch of an Wildland Fire Conference in Sydney post- doctoral researchers to work innovative education project at the in October 2003 provided an in the CRC. The diversity of topics and Northern Territory Wildlife Park excellent opportunity for the geographic spread of both research near Darwin in May 2004 was one CRC to make an early impact The public profile of the Bushfire and user partners have presented of the year’s highlights. internationally. This Conference CRC is high. It was reinforced by a particular challenges in attracted around 1100 delegates well-publicised official launch by the communication and coordination. The Bushfire CRC is giving attention from more than 60 countries. The Minister for Science in the Fitzroy The CRC held a research workshop to links with others working in the CRC featured with a number of Gardens, Melbourne, on 9 December back to back with a Stakeholder fire research field or in related presentations, including an 2003. The launch generated Council meeting in December 2003, endeavours. We are developing overview of the CRC's plans by considerable national media and started a series of smaller relations with other CRCs that are Chairman Ian Mac Dougall, several coverage. program-based workshops, and either working in some area of fire poster contributions, and a launch EXECUTIVE SUMMARY > CEO’S REPORT

A major challenge towards the end Most of the people who have The CRC is especially fortunate to of the year was that of responding contributed to the successful first have such high quality and effectively to various inquiries year of the Bushfire CRC are experienced Program Leaders for undertaken in 2003. Numerous mentioned elsewhere in this the research programs. They are recommendations from these have report, but I would like to mention working very effectively with direct implications for the Bushfire a few individuals and groups in Research Director Richard Thornton CRC's work. In particular, the particular. and me, and I believe we have a Bushfire CRC has interacted strong leadership team. I strongly with the Council of In the early months of the CRC's appreciate very much the hard Australian Governments (COAG) first year prior to my appointment, work of all the staff working in the National Inquiry on Bushfire Geoff Spring and Mavis Reynoldson Centre. I also thank the members Mitigation and Management. from the Victorian CFA, consultant of the Stakeholder Council and Effective response to James Smith and newly-appointed members of the Board and accommodate new work arising Business Manager David Peterson Chairman Ian Mac Dougall, who from these inquiries, or to did a great job setting up the have provided support and wise accelerate research on existing Centre. They were guided by counsel to me during the year. I key issues, will require Australasian Fire Authorities Council look forward to another exciting adjustments to the resource (AFAC) CEO Len Foster, who played year ahead. levels and priorities set largely in a central role in the successful bid late 2002. Nevertheless, I feel for the Bushfire CRC and is now a confident on the basis of progress member of the Board. The this year, that the CRC's co-location of the CRC with AFAC is well-designed program places proving to be both efficient in the Kevin O'Loughlin us well to respond to such new sharing of resources, and effective CEO challenges. in helping to build stronger links between end users and researchers. KEVIN O'LOUGHLIN, CEO AND SCIENCE MINISTER THE HON. PETER THE HON. MINISTER AND SCIENCE CEO O'LOUGHLIN, KEVIN CRC THE BUSHFIRE OF THE LAUNCH AT MCGAURAN

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 02

STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

The Bushfire CRC operates two independent members, and // An End Users' Research The Scientific Advisory Committee through an incorporated "not for meets monthly. The company's Committee which ensures that will conduct an annual review to profit" company, Bushfire CRC Ltd. constitution allows for participants the research conducted meets ensure that all aspects of the Participating agencies are contributing cash of $100,000 p.a. the strategic aims of the CRC Bushfire CRC science are of members of the company. or more to be able to vote and and the needs of the users international quality standards. nominate members to the Governing Bushfire CRC Ltd was registered in Board. Both the Stakeholder Council // A Human Resources Committee March 2003 and began formal CRC and the Governing Board have the which manages the complex operations in July 2003. same independent Chairman, human resource issues Ian Mac Dougall. surrounding a CRC. The Bushfire CRC's Stakeholders' Council consists of representatives The Governing Board has three Another Committee to be of each of the participating agencies. committees: established in the second year is an external Scientific Advisory The Council meets twice a year // A Compliance Committee which Committee. This Committee will to review and receive updates oversees audit responsibilities, report directly to the Governing on the progress of research, finance and compliance. This Board. It will be a peer review group communication and other activities, Committee has a strong of two or three people, and will and to provide strategic advice to commitment to corporate include at least one recognised the Governing Board. The Governing governance international expert. Board, has nine members including

BUSHFIRE CRC END USERS RESEARCH STAKEHOLDER COMMITTEE COUNCIL ORGANISATION STRUCTURE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE GOVERNING BOARD

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHIEF EXECUTIVE EXEC ASSISTANT/ OFFICER EVENTS COORDINATOR COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

BUSINESS RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS EDUCATION MANAGER DIRECTOR COORDINATOR COORDINATOR

PROGRAM A PROGRAM B PROGRAM C PROGRAM D PROGRAM E Safe Prevention, Management of Fire Community Self - Protection of People Education, Training Preparation and in the Landscape Sufficiency for Fire and Property and Communication Suppression Safety CRC BOARD AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE (L-R): LEN FOSTER, TIM VERCOE, SOPHIE PANOPOLOUS SOPHIE VERCOE, TIM FOSTER, LEN (L-R): HOUSE PARLIAMENT AT CRC BOARD THE HON. THORNTON, RICHARD ANNE GARDINER, MP, NAIRN GARY KOPERBERG, PHIL MP, DOUGALL, IAN MAC MORGAN, GARY O'LOUGHLIN, KEVIN PETERSON, DAVID MCGAURAN, PETER CANTERFORD. MP AND RAY MCARTHUR STEWART OWENS, ROBYN GLEDHILL, JOHN

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 11

GOVERNING BOARD

GOVERNING BOARD GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS: COMMITTEES:

Ian MacDougall Phil Koperberg // Compliance Committee: (Independent Chairman) Commissioner, Anne Gardiner (Independent) NSW Rural Fire Service Anne Gardiner Ray Canterford Company Secretary, Gary Morgan Robyn Owens Challenger Financial Services Chief Fire Officer, Group Limited Department of Sustainability // Human Resources Committee: and Environment, Victoria Ian MacDougall Ray Canterford Len Foster Assistant Director, Robyn Owens Tim Vercoe Commonwealth Bureau of Dean, Graduate Studies, Phil Koperberg Meteorology University of Western Australia

Len Foster Tim Vercoe // End Users’ Research Committee: Chief Executive Officer, Director Asset Protection Centre, Phil Koperberg Australasian Fire Authorities CSIRO - Forestry and Forest Gary Morgan Council Products John Gledhill John Gledhill Tim Vercoe Chief Officer, Tasmania Fire Service STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

PARTNERS

CORE PARTNERS ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Australian Building Codes Board New South Wales Fire Brigades ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety Commonwealth Bureau of New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Meteorology Australian National University New South Wales Rural Fire Service Country Fire Authority of Victoria ACT Emergency Services Bureau Queensland Fire and Rescue CSIRO – Divisions of Manufacturing Service James Cook University & Infrastructure Technology, Forestry and Forest Products and State Forests of New South Wales La Trobe University Sustainable Ecosystems Tasmanian Government New Zealand Forest Research Emergency Management Australia University of Western Australia RMIT University Fire and Emergency Services Department of Sustainability and South Australian Country Fire Authority of Western Australia Environment, Victoria Service University of Melbourne, Department of Conservation and South Australian Department Forest and Ecosystem Science Land Management, Western of Environment and Heritage Institute Australia South Australian Metropolitan Melbourne Metropolitan Fire and Fire Service Emergency Services Board University of New South Wales

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 03

COMMERCIALISATION, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND UTILISATION COMMERCIALISATION, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND UTILISATION

The primary goal of the Bushfire ensures the CRC's researchers are // increased growth in industries Strategies include: CRC is to carry out research that well aware of end user priorities, such as sustainable forestry will be utilised by fire and land and can access the people or tourism 1. Effective engagement of senior managers, emergency managers, responsible for adopting key managers in the End User groups // reduced costs of providing industry and the broader outputs. The CEOs and senior managers of protection and fire fighting, community. The outcomes of this user groups are intimately involved through more effective and research will make a difference to The mission is to improve the at all levels of the research from efficient policies and practices those affected by bushfires or management of the risk from serving on the Governing Board responsible for the protection of bushfires in an economically and // better management of through being advisors (User the nation' s assets, private and environmentally sustainable way. Australia's environmental Leaders) to each of the programs, environmental. One of our key constituents is the assets to providing insight on individual general public, and the CRC's projects. The research portfolio and The Bushfire CRC gives high communications and education // increased biodiversity, and budget is approved by a committee priority to ensuring that the programs will focus on ensuring of the Board comprising CEOs and research program is driven by effective communication with // increased community senior managers of the partners. our partners' needs and addresses stakeholders and the community. awareness of and engagement strategically important issues. This may be through our partners, in the issues surrounding fires 2. Understanding the adoption path Active "user engagement" has been through informing the political in Australia. a key component in the successful debate, through university or Each project has identified the path adoption of research outputs, and school courses, or directly with STRATEGIES to utilisation as part of its project integrated into the research various communities. plan and is required to ensure there program from the very beginning. The Bushfire CRC has a number of is strong engagement at all stages In this CRC it was the user The Bushfire CRC appreciates that strategies in place to ensure the of the research. community which defined the it will be judged by the effects its outputs of its research go beyond outputs have in making a publication in quality scientific research plans and directions. 3. Embedding end user groups significant difference to the journals, and translate to within the research groups The CEOs and chief fire officers of community. These will be outcomes for its partners and the our partner fire and land measured by: community. Wherever possible, the CRC management agencies are actively encourages end user organisations involved in the research programs. // reduced risk of loss to people to be actively involved in the This high level of engagement and property research. A number of the research

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 15

projects are actually managed in 5. Strong educational program park's visitors, providing an This service will be offered to the insight into the factors affecting wider bushfire community with the the user organisations by bringing The Bushfire CRC's Education biodiversity and fire in the aim of building a vibrant and world in the universities and more Program is a core element of its Northern Territory. It is hoped that leading bushfire research traditional research providers. This strategy for utilisation and opportunities for similar projects community in Australia. close co-operation has two major technology transfer. One of the in other states can be explored advantages: major goals of the CRC is to ensure through CRC. there is a new generation of fire // The research progress and researchers coming through and directions are closely matched learning from the senior 7. A clearinghouse for bushfire to the needs of, and owned by researchers. The Education research the end users. Program also focuses on how to The Bushfire CRC recognises there // Technology transfer is carried communicate research outputs to are other significant pockets of through the people in the project. stakeholders and the community. research into the effects of fire, This will enhance prospects of This will be achieved by working and will take steps to develop strong retention within the end with CRC partner agencies and information exchange and user organisations, including through specific targeted collaboration among a larger beyond the life of the CRC. documents and guides. community of fire researchers whose work may become more 4. Regular updates and forums to 6. Targeting information resources visible and relevant because of the work of the Bushfire CRC. It's ensure that all parties to the CRC The CRC will investigate the hoped this will also minimise are informed and engaged development of targeted duplication of research work. The CRC plans a series of State and information resources utilising Territory-based research forums. university and TAFE courses, school The Bushfire CRC will aim to help These will combine with a more information and public resources. in communicating issues affecting general "meet the CRC"session to For example, in a project the CRC is bushfire research by developing help engage the broader running in conjunction with the a role as a clearing house for community. CRC newsletters and Territory Wildlife Park in Darwin, information and providing a focal update bulletins will help the a substantial part of the research point for public dissemination of communication process program is focused on an research outputs and discussion. and strengthen partnerships. educational program aimed at the COMMERCIALISATION, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND UTILISATION

UTILISATION TABLE

ORGANISATION REPRESENTED STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATIVE INFORMATION/ COLLABORATIVE ON BOARD & COUNCIL RESEARCH RESEARCH GRANTS COMMITTEES EXCHANGE

FIRE AGENCIES Country Fire Authority, Victoria • • • Fire and Emergency Services • • • Authority of Western Australia Melbourne Metropolitan Fire and • • Emergency Services Board New South Wales Rural • • • • Fire Service Queensland Fire and • • • Rescue Service Tasmanian Fire Service • • • South Australian Country • • Fire Service NZ Rural Fire Service • • South Australian • • Metropolitan Fire Service ACT Emergency Services Bureau • • Bushfires Council Of NT •

LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES New South Wales National • • • Parks and Wildlife State Forests of New South Wales • • • Tasmanian State Forests • Victorian Department of • • • • Sustainability and Environment New Zealand Forest Research • • • South Australian Department of • • Environment and Heritage

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES • Australian Building Codes Board • • • Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology • • • • Emergency Management Australia • • CSIRO • • • •

OTHERS ACT Department of Justice • and Community Safety Territory Wildlife Park NT • • Australian Institute of • • Criminology World Wildlife Fund for Nature • Nature Conservation • Council of NSW

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 04

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES USER LEADERS PROGRAM LEADERS education activities inthe next. described inthis chapter, and The firstfour categories are // // // // // and activity: inter-related areas of research Bushfire focuses CRC on five The research program of the ACTIVITIESRESEARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH Communication Education, Training and Property People and of Protection for Fire Safety Community Self-Sufficiency Landscape the Management of Fire in and Suppression Safe Prevention, Preparation CH CH End User and Program Leaders Leader. The Program Research of anEnd User Leader to each formalised by the assignment end users and researchers is this strong interaction between Now that the isoperational, CRC and the research teams. these end-user organisations active collaboration between institutions. There has also been with researchers and their departments), inconsultation Commonwealth and State agencies, and other management land and services (namely, fireand emergency or responsibilities for, bushfires organisations with interests in, strongly influenced by end-user program of the Bushfire was CRC The development of the research

PHIL KOPERBERG JIM GOULD

GARY MORGAN MARK ADAMS preceding chapter of this report. researchers, as described inthe between end users and ensuring effective linkages also exploring other ways of research projects. The is CRC are assigned to individual Leaders User cases, some End In committee a of the CRC’s Board. activities isalso considered by program and for research program. The annual budget management of the research the Thornton on Research Director Richard work closely with the CEO and

RICHARD THORNTON JOHN GLEDHILL JOHN HANDMER

NEIL BIBBY BOB LEICESTER 19

PROGRAM A – SAFE PREVENTION, PREPARATION AND SUPPRESSION

PROGRAM LEADER: This category of research aims to The duty of care principles The five themes are: Jim Gould, CSIRO Forestry and increase understanding of, and the constraining bushfire and Forest Products ability to manage bushfires, in prescribed fire management across // A1. Fire behaviour modelling, order to reduce the risk to a widening range of social and with sub-themes: USER LEADER: firefighters and the community. environmental issues, require that > 1.1 Fire behaviour Phil Koperberg, New South Wales the fire manager uses reliable modelling Rural Fire Service Accurate, high-resolution fire prediction tools which make the > 1.2 Bushfire Observer's weather and fire behaviour best use of emerging technology. handbook predictions are key to taking Advances in computing and > 1.3 Fuel classification effective management action knowledge-based systems will and availability before and during fires. There is a greatly facilitate the integration of // A2. Fire weather and fire danger need to more accurately describe more of the critical variables which the fire environment and the level determine the development of // A3. Suppression technology of uncertainty in predictions, so either wildfire or controlled // A4. Bushfire risk management that fire managers can better prescribed bushfire. The challenge // A5. Computer simulation understand the consequences of will be to determine which are the modelling their actions, and of their most relevant factors from all the interaction with natural events. available sources and then subject Projects aligned with these these to rigorous field testing. Reliable predictions of different themes are led by researchers from CSIRO, the Commonwealth elements of fire behaviour and fire Program A is divided into five Bureau of Meteorology and the danger are critical in suppression major research themes. Each Universities of Melbourne, New strategies. Diurnal, short-term (up to has a range of research projects, South Wales, and Western four day outlooks), seasonal, and post doctoral research fellows, Australia. long-term predictions of potential postgraduate studies, end user fire occurrence and severity are also collaboration and national and Program A has established an critical for allocating fire fighting international linkages. End User Advisory Committee to resources, implementing prescribed strengthen the important link burning programs and for public between researchers and users. warning and fire migration programs. JIM GOULD JIM BRIEFING TUMBARUMBA FIRE OPERATION > PROGRAM A RESEARCH ACTIVITIESRESEARCH bushfires indifferent fuel ages and structures Australia investigating the behaviour of Conservation and Land Management inWestern project between CSIRO and Department of Project Vesta was acomprehensive research eastern fuels inMargle State Forest, NSW. findings from Project Vesta results to south Research work includes field validation of the systems to end users. production and delivery of firebehaviour models, documentation, training and the experimentation and validation of firebehaviour prescribed fires. The research includes spotting for both wildfires and controlled rate of spread, flame height, intensity and aspects of bushfire behaviour. Factors include prediction for System Prediction Behaviour fire behaviour models into aNational Fire The project plans to integrate existing and new between fire, fuel, weather and topography. knowledge and understanding of the interactions aims to address this need by providing better a growing concern inrecent years. This project safety inthe management of bushfires has been The need to improve firefighter and community Jim Gould, CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products Academy at UNSW Wendy Anderson, Australian Defence Force LEADERS: PROJECT 1.1 >FIRE BEHAVIOUR MODELLING ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH greater Sydney Basin Region. behaviour of fires inheathland fuels inthe and fuel moisture parameters affecting the of thispart project to investigate the weather South Wales (ADFA) was also established as A postgraduate scholarship at University of New Zealand Forest Research. Management, Western Australia and New Land and Conservation of Department Sustainability and Environment Victoria, Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of of New South Wales, New South Wales National (staff and volunteer firefighters), State Forests firefighters), Country Fire Authority Victoria Rural Fire Service (staff and volunteer than 20 researchers and 60 personnel from NSW Systems projects. The experiment involved more such as the Fuel Classification and Tanker linked with anumber of other research projects, Bushfire and CRC was notable because it was experimental burn conducted inthe lifeof the Park inFebruary 2004. This was the first Tumbarumba" conducted inKosciusko National scale experimental burn code named "Operation A highlight of the work this year was alarge- http://www.ffp.csiro.au/nfm/fbm/vesta) key component of the research. (See website: behaviour information from major wildfires isa Experimental burning and the collection of fire during burning under summer dry conditions.

A FIRE TANKER EQUIPPED WITH PROTECTIVE WATER SPRAY SYSTEMS

WENDY ANDERSON // // will provide: The Bushfire Observer's Handbook consistent manner across the CRC. data on firebehaviour ina describe methods of collecting experimental fire. It also aims to designing and executing of an minimum requirements for This project aims to outline the people and organisations. different many by conditions behaviour under many different gather information on fire enables aunique opportunity to best of times. The Bushfire CRC are extremely subjective at the Observations of bushfire behaviour Forestry and Forest Products LEADER: Andrew Sullivan, CSIRO PROJECT 1.2 >BUSHFIRE OBSERVER’S HANDBOOK ANDREW SULLIVAN requirements experimental firedesign measuring them methods for estimating or behaviour characteristics and definitions of allbushfire

KEVIN TOLLHURST and field staff during experiments. publication for use by allresearch result inavaluable reference will The project methodologies. and validation for all feedback and purposes, specific for groups other by developed It willalso include metho Behaviour and Management. refined by CSIRO Bushfire and developed methodologies Observer's Handbook willoutline slope, aspect]. The Bushfire weather, fuel and topography [i.e. a fireisburning, among them measuring the conditions inwhich need for anagreed set of rules for spread and size. There isalso a intensity, flame geometry, rate of bushfire behaviour. These include definitions of the characteristics of There isaneed for anagreed set of // // environmental conditions. environmental procedures for measuring fire, and conducting anexperimental procedures for setting up and dologies

BUSHFIRE FUEL TYPES AND CONSUMPTION VARY GREATLY published research (predominantly relating to recently logged forest). forests islikely to be more complex than has been indicated by previously suggesting that the modelling of fuel moisture and availability innatural material incontact with the ground and material suspended above it, modelling. Asignificant difference infuel moisture was found between woody woody debris innatural forests isasignificant problem for fuel consumption initial results obtained. The high level of fuel moisture variability incoarse Tumbarumba inFebruary 2004, when amethodology was developed and emission models can be improved. Initial research was undertaken in different fire, fuel and weather conditions so that firebehaviour and smoke research aims to be able to predict the extent of fuel consumption under The second component of this project relates to fuel consumption. This development of the classification hierarchy isthe next challenge. in February 2004. Systematic classification of fuels across Australia and the The classification system was applied to the fuels inthe Tumbarumba experiment and near-surface fuels to the classification. Results to date have been to add bark fuels, unshed branches inplantations, This work isbeing carried out incollaboration with the US Forest Service. amount of detail known about fuels at any particular point inthe landscape. smoke emission, ecological and other possible models regardless of the with the advantage of providing the necessary parameters for firebehaviour, United States. This isauniversal classification and hierarchical instructure, classification system developed by David Sandberg and colleagues inthe Initial work for this project focused on revising and improving afuel Understanding fuel types iscritical for the improved control of bushfires. Institute Kevin Tolhurst, University of Melbourne, Forestry and Ecosystems Science Wendy Anderson, Australian Defence Force Academy at UNSW LEADERS: PROJECT 1.3 >FUELCLASSIFICATION ANDAVAILABILITY 21 > PROGRAM A RESEARCH ACTIVITIESRESEARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH

GRAHAM MILLS mesoscale numerical forecasts. theof latest and observations “nowcasts”, utilising the strengths observations. This should produce model guidance to recent latest numerical weather prediction There isarequirement to linkthe changes and wind behaviour. wind of prediction accurate the of firefighting operations needs Fire weather forecasting insupport VERYA. SHORT RANGE PREDICTION weather. There arethree inter-related components to this project: so that outcomes willinclude enhanced capability of the community and fireauthorities to prepare for adverse fire The research and development willlinkwith research, communication and education activities of the Bushfire CRC, facilitate the development of improved forecast products. fire forecasts willbe improved on very short term, short to medium term and seasonal time-scales. It also aims to better knowledge and understanding of wind, temperature and humidity structures and distributions. The goal isthat bushfire. This project’s objective isto improve the operational utility of these forecasts and outlooks by providing Accurate fireweather forecasts can make allthe difference to acommunity or management agency preparing for LEADER: Graham Mills, Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology PROJECT 2>FIRE WEATHER –FIRE DANGER Handbook project). conjunction with the Bushfire aspect isbeing explored in a focus of considerable effort. (This important, humidity forecasts willbe While wind flow structures are effective strategies to control fires. controllers indeveloping more would be expected to assist incident lead to increased firedanger. These of regional scale conditions likely to prediction models allow the prediction scale, and global numerical weather available from the mesoscale, regional The 12-hour to several day forecasts B. SHORT-MEDIUM RANGE PREDICITON impact of climate change. also be examined to determine the The historical record of firedanger will seasonal firedanger willbe investigated. seasonal forecast systems to predict Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology’s index. The possibility of using the records using astandard firedanger historical temperature and rainfall combined with existing high quality prevalent areas. This data willbe fire- in locations at strength wind of atmospheric humidity and, possibly, develop aconsistent historical dataset The first step inthis project willbe to C. SEASONAL WEATHER 23

PROJECT 3 > EVALUATION OF SUPPRESSION TECHNIQUES AND GUIDELINES

LEADER: Jim Gould, CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products

This project addresses the need for more insight into suppressing wildfire and how our resources can be best used. Its aim is to develop guidelines for selecting suppression resource strategies (both ground and aerial) based on efficiency, allocation, deployment and real-time use. Considerable attention has been given in recent years to aerial suppression as a result of rising suppression costs, limited budgets and the general interest of the public and media in the use of air tankers.

Fire agencies have highlighted the extensive media coverage and strong community interest in the use of specialised aircraft for fire fighting. This is a dedicated research project investigating all aerial and ground resource techniques, including an updated review of the technologies available and their effectiveness.

Although various approaches could be used to answer the question “How much aerial (retardant drops) and ground suppression is needed to a given fire suppression job?”, the preferred alternative is to conduct the study under actual fire operations by quantifying appropriate variables and results. The research aims primarily to:

// identify the intensity of fire in different fuel types that can be contained by different suppression resources (both aerial and ground) // define the rate of line construction of different suppression resources and combination of resources, and // define the holding time of suppression lines, especially the holding time of aerial drops (with different suppressants), before the fire burns through.

AN AERIAL SUPPRESSION DROP RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM A

PROJECT 4 > BUSHFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT MODEL

LEADER: Kevin Tolhurst, University emergency response agency and The second phase will develop a of Melbourne, Forestry and two representing land managers with conceptual model to describe the Ecosystems Science Institute fire responsibility (e.g. State Forest likelihood of a fire with particular and National Parks). Seventeen characteristics occurring in a There are many facets of risk people were interviewed. The particular space and time across management in the Bushfire CRC. interviews were structured to the landscape. The essential This project aims to pull together systematically look at the current components of this phase will many of these into a single status of fire management from each describe the ignition and spread of management support system. Two manager's perspective, looking at fires across the landscape given levels of bushfire risk management links between different aspects of particular management and have been recognised - those bushfire prevention, preparedness, weather scenarios. It will identify associated with strategic planning, response, recovery and management and characterise specific values, and those associated with tactical burning. The results are still being also defining a "fire catchment planning. The project will initially summarised, but it is clear that the area". This will mean that it will be deal with strategic planning issues. management context is important to possible to calculate the probability the nature and strength of the links of a damaging fire from that In its initial phase the project aims between various aspects of bushfire catchment. Such probabilities will be to describe the fire management management. This fire management affected by different management business. After considering various business model will form the strategies such as prevention, options, it was decided to use a underlying structure for the risk protection, response, recovery and structured interview process with management model, allowing a management burning. experienced, senior fire managers better understanding of how changes from around Australia. About three in one aspect of management can managers were interviewed in each affect other aspects of management. state, one representing an

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 latest understanding of physical Simulations willbe based on the and scenarios. “what if” assisting with real-time decisions under awide range of conditions, execution of bushfire simulations permit rapid and repeatable A computer-based environment will control training. wildfire suppression and incident risk analysis, prescribed burning, management activities, including and support a wide rangeoffire animation to underpin technology and modelling, simulation develop reliable bushfire spread critical scenarios. This project will decision-making when it comes to meaningful way improves Modelling bushfire spread ina of Western Australia LEADER: George Milne, University PROJECT 5>COMPUTER SIMULATION MODELLING

GEORGE MILNE experience and explore, invirtual suppression options. Trainees will and firefighter safety and changes to the fireenvironment and how it can be affected by understand to users firebehaviour interface. This toolset willallow visual display and readily useable utilising ahigh-performance purposesenvironment for training computer-based simulation The overall outcome willbe a Canberra inJanuary 2003. extreme firebehaviour, as seen in theof non-linear scaling found in also increase our understanding of containment strategies. They behaviour and the effectiveness improving predictions of fire These simulations arekey to discrete automata-based models. fire behaviour captured within strategies. safest and best containment scenarios and directly influence events leading to worst-case and conditions of the sequence The developed system willpresent conditions. topographical under various weather, fuel and resources can alter firespread deployment of firesuppression of fire-breakspositioning and understanding of how the relationships willincrease The resulting cause-and-effect visible consequences. differing conditions with readily repeated simulation under containment strategies via reality, the effect of different 25 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM B

PROGRAM B – MANAGEMENT OF FIRE IN THE LANDSCAPE

PROGRAM LEADER: Mark Adams, A first example is that, in the past Roy Witkuhn, Maria Taranto, Karen University of Western Australia year, several outstanding books on King and Kate Parr. It is significant fire have been produced. These that two are international – Matthias USER LEADER: Gary Morgan, include works by Alan Andersen and from Spain, and Kate from South Department of Sustainability and colleagues, focused on fire in the Africa. Environment, Victoria savannas in northern Australia (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Literature reviews will feature highly Managing fires on the landscape Darwin), and Geoff Carey and as outputs for several current scale is a difficult task in a continent colleagues, focused on forests of research projects. These are eagerly where fire is a central component of the south-east (ANU, UNSW, NPWS- awaited by both the CRC research both the ecology and the biophysical NSW and others). These follow an committee and the stakeholders. 'structure' of the environment. This equally productive period during Program B research spans Australia - program focuses on the use of which at least four other major from Darwin to Perth to Adelaide to prescribed fires to prevent loss of works on fire were produced by the entire eastern seaboard. It also life and property, and to retain key members of Program B, many of spans research across nearly every ecological attributes such as which have found their way to the imaginable type of Australian biodiversity. Embracing prescribed desks of leading fire managers. ecosystem, and includes research fire as a central plank in maintaining conducted within long-term fire biodiversity has been one of the The CRC looks forward to further regime experiments, as well as that major shifts in government policy in dialogue on how to best integrate the conducted 'opportunistically'. Some recent years and a testament to the outputs and learning into practice. of the NSW and WA research aiming work of many scientists over many Recent launches of books and to develop landscape-scale use of years. However, the job is not research projects in Sydney and fire history data in conjunction with finished and progress in Program B Darwin have attracted broad media biodiversity and other ecological during the first year of the CRC's and community interest. data offers exciting prospects for the operation has largely been the CRC's stakeholders. Equally exciting continuation of research already Another important outcome in this are the prospects of a world-class underway. early part of the CRC's life has been facility for analysis of bushfire the recruitment of key postdoctoral smoke, and the related development researchers. New young researchers of a data-base. in Program B include Matthias Boer,

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 27

PROJECT 1 > MANAGING FIRES IN PROJECT 2 > FIRE REGIMES AND SUSTAINABLE BRADSTOCK ROSS FORESTED LANDSCAPES IN LANDSCAPE RISK MANAGEMENT SOUTH WEST AUSTRALIA

LEADER: Lachlan McCaw, Department of LEADER: Ross Bradstock, National Parks and in this project is the FIRESCAPE Conservation and Land Management, WA Wildlife, NSW landscape/fire regime simulation model. The model is being used to conduct experiments This project seeks to improve understanding of The world is changing. Changes to human that examine the sensitivity of bushfire risk the ecological effects of fire on a landscape scale populations and climate are having a direct to different management options (see graph by comparing the flora and fauna in forest areas impact on fire and its associated risks to below), and climate change. FIRESCAPE can that have experienced different fire regimes over people and biodiversity. Fire management is perform comparisons of options and the past five decades. also changing. We are entering an era of risk scenarios at large spatial and temporal management that has a deliberate emphasis scales – for example, less than 1,000,000 Findings will be used to provide fire managers on the assessment, measurement and hectares and greater than 500 years – scales with scientifically based guidelines for the mitigation of risks to a wide range of values that are highly relevant to management but optimum frequency, season, intensity and extent such as property and ecosystem services, beyond the bounds of practical of burning to achieve a range of land management including water, air quality, indigenous experimentation. objectives. values and biodiversity. The FIRESCAPE work is part of an The study will utilise fire history records available How do we assess and quantify these risks? international fire modelling program with for forest areas since the early 1950s in the form How do we comprehend them at large spatial similar aims in differing continents. This of maps showing the extent and season of and temporal scales? How do we compare modelling is supported by two major strands prescribed burning and wildfires. Satellite imagery the impacts of differing management options of on-ground investigation aimed at will also be used to examine spatial patterns of for decreasing risks? How do we weigh up measuring the responses of biodiversity to fire intensity, and patchiness within management the trade-offs inherent in managing for different fire regimes and the sensitivity of blocks. A stratification based on landform, multiple objectives and values? Will the fire behaviour to vegetation, fuel vegetation and fire history will be developed for a same set of management options yield the moisture, landscape characteristics and fire case study area of up to 50 000 hectares and same results in differing ecosystems? How suppression /prevention activities. used to select sampling sites in which flora and will climate change affect risk mitigation? fauna attributes will be assessed. Sites will be The studies in this project will enhance and carefully matched so that valid comparisons can This project seeks to answer these validate key functions in FIRESCAPE and be made to assess the effects of past fire regimes questions through a set of studies focused allow explicit quantification of risks posed by on current ecosystems. on four contrasting regions across Australia particular fire regimes. (the Sydney basin, the ACT, South West Tasmania and Central Australia). A core tool

THE DISTRIBUTION OF SIZES OF SIMULATED FIRES RESULTING FROM LIGHTNING IGNITIONS IN THE WORLD HERITAGE AREA OF SOUTH WEST TASMANIA. The results show the effect of differing levels of prescribed burning, based on 500-year simulations using the FIRESCAPE model. Fire size directly affects the risk posed to various management objectives such as the protection of alpine and rainforest vegetation. PATCHED BURNING IN FORESTED LANDSCAPE FORESTED IN BURNING PATCHED RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM B

PROJECT 3 > BEHAVIOUR OF SMOKE PLUMES AND HAZES FROM RURAL OR URBAN FIRES

LEADER: Graham Mills, Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology

The impact of smoke from prescribed and fuel The product is delivered via a registered-user reduction burns and wildfires on community health website, and includes the ability for users to and safety is a key concern these days, with interactively specify the ignition sites. growing public interest. The overall objective of this work is to assist in reducing this impact. The early part of the project will enhance product delivery to fire and land management agencies, In particular, this sub-program will assist integrate the guidance product with other prediction of the transport and dispersion of meteorological information, and deliver products smoke from an urban or rural fire, and predict in an agency-compatible form. In the early to concentrations of smoke particulates at locations middle stages of the project there will be an affected by the smoke plume. emphasis on source height specification, together with validation against field observations. Controlled burns must be planned in a way that minimises the impact of smoke on the community. Over the life of the project there will be a move to This project builds on a successful Australasian include the use of more powerful atmospheric Fire Authorities Council-funded project that chemistry models. demonstrated via an experimental program how useful forecasts of smoke transport from potential Techniques for estimating emissions from a given sites of controlled burns can be an aid to source will be developed in several CRC projects planning these burns. and will then be incorporated into such models.

The system uses the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology’s operational high resolution prediction models to provide forecast wind and temperature fields and the location and strength of the smoke plume.

THE LEFT PART OF THE IMAGE SHOWS A HYSPLIT SMOKE DISPERSION FORECAST, WHICH BEGAN AT 1000 EST ON FEB 12 2003, 7 HOURS INTO THE FORECAST AT 1700HRS.

THE RIGHT HAND IMAGE IS AN ENHANCED NOAA-12 AVHRR SATELLITE IMAGE FOR THE SAME TIME, SHOWING THE FIRE LOCATIONS AS DOTS.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 PROJECT 4>SMOKE COMPOSITION FROM PRESCRIBED ANDWILD FIRES ANDHEALTH from prescribed prescribed from wildfires. Anissue to be resolved isifthe smoke great or greater than that produced by occasional smoke produced on the community may be as control the severity of wildfires, the impact of the While regular prescribed fires may be thought to and Ecosystem Science Institute LEADER: Tina Bell, University of Melbourne, Forest dioxins, irritants and carcinogens), greenhouse (particularly those affecting human health – wildfires to particulate matter, classical pollutants measure the contribution of prescribed burns and This project willuse new and existing techniques to by wildfires. fires differs from smoke produced // // be addressed by asking such questions as: Ecological and environmental considerations will recovery and community perceptions. conducting surveys of hospital admissions, patient investigate the impact of smoke on human health by depleting chemicals insmoke emissions. It willalso gases, photochemically active gases and ozone- throughoxidationofcarbon, nitrogenand nitrogenand sulphur? throughoxidationofcarbon, What might be the extent of loss of nutrients the atmosphere? and wildfires make to greenhouse gases in What contribution do prescribed burning incorporating our research findings. bushfire riskmanagement willbe improved by of models and strategies burning Prescribed legislation relating to smoke production. andenvironmental policies, and regulations and It should enable substantial reviews of health smoke on community health and safety. This willlead to areduction inthe impact of smoke from agiven vegetation type and condition. predicting the concentration and composition of The project willultimately produce asystem for // germination of seed? of vegetation, for example the promotion of Is there a‘good’ side to smoke for regeneration

TINA BELL 29

THE BLACKENED PATH OF A BUSHFIRE. SEPTEMBER 1983 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM B

PROJECT 5 > IMPACTS OF FIRE ON ECOLOGICAL PROJECT 6 > PRESCRIBED FIRE AND PROCESSES AND BIODIVERSITY BIODIVERSITY IN TROPICAL SAVANNAS

LEADER: Alan York, University of This project seeks to model nutrient LEADER: Alan Andersen, CSIRO The project is the first of its kind Melbourne, Forest and Ecosystem fluxes under different fire regimes, Sustainable Ecosystems in Australia, and features a new Science Institute investigating the roles played by field experiment for fire mycorrhiza and decomposer fungi Southern Australians are often research, integrated with the A significant issue for land managers and their inter-relationships with surprised to find that the vast delivery of information and is the implication of hazard reduction plants and invertebrates, and the majority of Australian bushfires learning products for public burning for Ecologically Sustainable likely impacts on ecosystem occur in the tropical north. The awareness and education. The Management. processes and carbon cycling. Aboriginal tradition of landscape field experiment has 18 hectare- burning continues there, with sized plots, each of which will be The ecologically sustainable The work aims to understand the prescribed fire the key landscape subject to one of six fire management of forest ecosystems interaction between fire, vegetation, management tool across the vast regimes. A wide range of depends on an understanding of the invertebrates and soil organisms in conservation estates. Half or more research activities has been processes involved in carbon and carbon and nutrient cycling, and of the monsoonal tall grass established, covering fuel nutrient cycling. The involvement of how this contributes to biodiversity landscapes of north-western dynamics and fire behaviour, organisms in these processes and conservation and ecosystem Australia are burnt each year. soil biology and ecological how they contribute to biodiversity function. function, grass and tree conservation must also be The Bushfire CRC has established dynamics, the role of herbivory in understood. This knowledge should enable land the ‘Burning for Biodiversity’ vegetation recovery, invertebrate managers to protect life and project at the Territory Wildlife biodiversity, and the population Forests play an important role in this property whilst maintaining Park, near Darwin. This project dynamics of small lizards. The nutrient recycling, through the ecological processes essential to aims to enhance our knowledge of first experimental fires were lit accumulation of carbon above and ecosystem health and productivity, the effects of different fire regimes in June 2004. below ground. Low intensity fires are and also to improve awareness and on biodiversity and ecological used extensively in managed forests understanding of the role of fire in function, improve fire management in Australia and there is growing biodiversity management through protocols for biodiversity concern that repeated fire may have the integration of research, conservation, and increase public a negative influence on plant and communication and education. awareness and understanding of animal communities. the role of fire in northern Australia. ALAN ANDERSEN

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 31

PROJECT 7 > SYNTHESIS AND INTEGRATION PROJECT 8 > MULTI-SCALE PATTERNS IN ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND FIRE REGIME IMPACTS

LEADER: Mark Adams, University Recent research in the United LEADER: Pauline Grierson, effect of future prescribed of Western Australia States has provided a simple University of Western Australia burning regimes. economic model that explains During the year, this project has much of the social (e.g. bush and Most studies of impacts of fire on “Ecological memory” can be concentrated on better defining the fire ‘experience’) and biophysical ecological processes have dealt thought of as the correlation of social, political and economic (e.g. infrastructure) changes at largely with single fire events and data gathered at successive context for the biophysical science the urban-rural interface, and is have examined fire at localised times. The project will formalise of prescribed burning (or equally applicable in Australia. This scales without reference to the the analysis of fire management ecological burning). It is apparent model could be populated and variability of fire in the landscape. impacts in terms of the spatial to all practitioners of prescribed parameterised for Australia. The lack of an appropriate data and time scales of the burning that the science frequently Equally, synthesis of the many landscape context for fire management measures, on the plays a secondary role when recent inquiries into the fires of management may lead to one hand, and of the affected decisions are made about the 2003 suggests there is growing management decisions that are landscape patterns on the other timing, location and scale of such unrest in rural areas as a result of contrary to the intent of hand. The bringing together of fires. A significant paper on the the politics of capital cities. That ecologically sustainable fire process-based data across subject of bushfires and the social, unrest is also likely to manifest as regimes. scales is rare in ecological economic and political context was a call for greater recognition of studies, but of increasing Further, the patterning observed presented to Science Minister Peter rural experience and less support relevance. Linking information to after a single fire event is often a McGuaran at a meeting of the for policy positions advocated by decision-making frameworks is a consequence of the effects of Bushfire Research Advisory Group groups that rural people regard as relatively unique component and previous fires, yet the concept of in 2003. This paper will be urban ‘greenies’. key objective of this project. presented at the Bushfire CRC’s dynamic models that take into conference in Perth in October account impacts of preceding fires 2004. is often missing. Without understanding the consequences of “ecological memory" on local and landscape patterns, it is impossible to predict the likely PAULINE GRIERSON PAULINE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM C

PROGRAM C – COMMUNITY SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR FIRE SAFETY

PROGRAM LEADER: The CRC's research program has The projects are closely linked to John Handmer, RMIT University started to address these issues other CRC activities, in particular through projects on: parts of Program D on building USER LEADER: // understanding communities safety, Program A on aerial fire John Gledhill, Tasmania Fire Service fighting, and all areas with an // risk communication interest in bushfire risk modelling. The Community Self Sufficiency for // negligent and deliberate fire Initial reports and presentations Fire Safety program aims to lighting have been produced in the first increase community resilience year and next steps include through self-sufficiency in // the economics of bushfires, and finalising reports for publication, managing bushfire risk. People // the “stay-or-go” policy. and commencing primary data living and working in bushfire- collection and analysis, which will prone areas bear the fire risk and A project on the evaluation of involve case studies and collation also, through their lifestyles and community safety policies and of disparate datasets. locations, help create the risk. programs will also commence in the second year of the CRC. This work has attracted Some members of these Projects in this program draw considerable overseas interest. communities may also create risk primarily on social science and Collaboration has commenced in by starting fires through economics. the economics area and is also carelessness or arson. Through expected soon in the "stay-or-go" individual and community action Each project or project area is project. people can reduce their own working towards two basic aims: vulnerability, and reduce the // a state of the art methodology, probability of fires, and or guidelines for the specific substantially reduce the impact. topic, and Communities need support to achieve this, and agencies involved // the evaluation of selected with bushfire risk management existing practices through need to know how best to provide case studies. it. They need to be confident that programs work and that they are cost-effective.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 33 ALLISON COTTRELL ALLISON

PROJECT 1 > UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITIES PROJECT 2 > EFFECTIVE RISK COMMUNICATION

LEADER: Allison Cottrell, James in the way of extensive rigorous LEADER: Linda Anderson-Berry, managers, and the residents of fire- Cook University social research on communities Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology prone areas) will benefit from the and bushfires, but there is much application of research relating to The Understanding Communities research from other hazard A significant proportion of the effective fire risk communication, project addresses the need for studies that can be successfully population in many communities fails which is the aim of this project. increased community resilience adapted to these communities. to respond appropriately or adequately to bushfires. This means building to fire weather and fire emergency The project takes the view that a better understanding of how The Bushfire CRC is providing an warnings. Most people rely on weather, communities need support to achieve government policy and public opportunity to advance fire and emergency services to provide effective risk communication networks, perceptions interact. It also aims research in this area which will the essential information on which by working in partnership with weather, to understand how the make a significant contribution they may base the defensive action fire and emergency services – and that expectations of service providers, to community well-being and that will ensure their immediate and these services need to know how best communities and agencies knowledge. Another important longer term safety. to provide that support. The role of agree and differ. task is to document the impact media in risk communication is also of the COAG bushfire review on Risk communication is an ongoing being investigated, with a literature It will then be possible to develop fire service provision. difficulty for fire and emergency review now being produced. methods to enhance agreement services. Coroners' reports continue and resolve differences. Once The project is now preparing to refer to the need for better, timely Standard qualitative and quantitative these are developed they reports on bushfire hazards for warnings and advice on action. The social science research techniques may be evaluated for their indigenous communities on failure of pre-event safety messages, being employed include a literature effectiveness in meeting the western Cape York Peninsula, a fire warnings, post-event review in academic and industry needs of communities and review of approaches to bushfire communications and the associated arenas, surveys of providers of weather service providers for bushfire hazards by State Government "action" advice results in lower information and fire and emergency mitigation, response and recovery. fire services, and a review of standards of safety and increased services, and the community. existing literature on property, heritage, environmental It is understandable that previous communities and bushfires. and social losses. Outputs will include a framework and research on communities and methodology for identifying bushfires has tended to focus on The effectiveness of risk communication community information and risk a technical response basis, but it depends on the appropriateness of communication needs during bushfire is also necessary to develop communication channels, format and emergency. Documentation and understanding of community media networks. All stakeholders assessment of current practice will perceptions and attitudes to (weather services, fire and emergency also be produced. bushfires. There has been little services, community planners and LINDA ANDERSON-BERRY LINDA COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION MITIGATION BUSHFIRE QUEENSLAND AND RESCUE FIRE SERVICE DAY. TRAINING > PROGRAM C RESEARCH ACTIVITIESRESEARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH

DEREK JORY and the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC). This project isbeing conducted jointly by the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety // // // // // Some of the major outputs expected are: preventing some of them occurring. be made inthe way investigation and prosecution of offences isundertaken, as well as fires, why they do it and what makes them target aparticular time or location, improvements can arson inAustralian bushland environments. Through greater knowledge about who starts these in severe fireweather close to urban developments. This project aims to understand more about and even death from adeliberately lit bushfire. This potential isincreased when fires arestarted people starting these fires intend it or not, there isgreat potential for widespread damage, injury number of common causes. One isarson, or the deliberate criminal setting of fires. Whether the The bushfires that threaten Australian homes and lives on aregular basis originate with asmall Australian InstituteToni of Criminology Makkai, ACT Dept. of JusticeDerek and Community Jory, Safety LEADERS: NEGLIGENT AND PROJECT 3> prosecution of bushfire arson offences. reports and guidelines on issues surrounding the investigation and through interviews with known offenders examination of the motives and methods of bushfire arsonists, methods of operation of bushfire arsonists a review of the data available on bushfires across Australia and analysis of the to bushfire arson, and ongoing information on this topic for stakeholders a regularly-updated database of literature relevant to understanding and responding a comprehensive review of the literature on motivation and treatment of arsonists DELIBERATE FIRE LIGHTING 35

PROJECT 4 > THE ECONOMICS OF BUSHFIRES PROJECT 5 > THE STAY-OR-GO POLICY

LEADER: John Handmer, RMIT specifically for the urban interface LEADER: John Handmer, RMIT The legal aspects are complicated areas. The CRC project expands because of the number of Economic input is increasingly the scope of what is normally The position advocated by the jurisdictions involved, the range seen as an essential part of fire included to ensure that coverage Australasian Fire Authorities of relevant fire and emergency risk management decision-making, is comprehensive, taking into Council (AFAC), known as the service legislation, and the from suppression strategies account the costs of arson, the “stay-or-go” policy, is a recent changes to the law of through to land-use planning. impact of error and uncertainties, fundamental component of negligence. The global literature Much work on bushfire carbon accounting, additional community bushfire safety. on evacuation has also been economics is being done impacts of mega events, The essence is that people reviewed. Overseas material is of overseas, especially in the US, volunteers, and intangible losses. should prepare themselves and limited assistance because the although much of this work In most natural hazards their properties and stay and “stay-or-go” policy is not widely concerns forestry rather than economics research, it is defend when a bushfire is likely, used outside Australia, although urban interface issues. intangible losses that are the or leave the area well before the there is much interest in the Considerable loss assessment stumbling block to establishing a fire is likely to arrive. approach. Initial reports are work has also been done for comprehensive loss assessment being finalised for publication. The aim of this project is to other hazards like flooding. This framework. A method for costing identify impediments to full project draws on this work intangibles such as memorabilia, The next major step involves implementation of the policy, where appropriate, and builds health effects and environmental case studies of recent fires and to suggest improvements. collaboration with experienced damage and benefits, needs to where there were significant In addition, it examines ways of overseas fire economists. be created so an accurate issues surrounding evacuation integrating the policy with other assessment can be made of the or staying. The cases are being The project is developing a important factors in bushfire risk economic impacts of fire. drawn from Australia and framework for bushfire loss management. The project has overseas. assessment and the assessment compiled the evidence base for of mitigation options. General the policy as well as frameworks exist, though not documenting the associated legal situation across Australia. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM D

PROGRAM D – PROTECTION OF PEOPLE AND PROPERTY

LEADER: The risk to people and the regulation requirements, details of investigated as part of the safety Bob Leicester, destruction of property by bushfires house construction, local fire fighting drive. One such project has assessed CSIRO, Manufacturing & in Australia are both major political policies and the preparations and the performance of fire fighting Infrastructure Technology issues. Community expectations actions of the building occupants trucks that have been modified to change with time and so does the themselves. In addition, laboratory provide protection in the event of an USER LEADER: impact of bushfires. Living in the studies will be undertaken to develop accidental burn-over from a moderate Neil Bibby, Country Fire high risk urban interface is now a methods for the design of various forest fire. A project is also underway Authority, Victoria much sought after life style for a building components, such as to assist firefighters in making safe large proportion of Australians, and decking and glazing, to resist attack decisions, particularly when the ability of new arrivals to cope by bushfires. subjected to the stress of operational with bushfires is often inadequate. In situations. addition, community expectations for FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND SAFETY the health and safety of firefighters VOLUNTEERISM are now higher than they were even a The largest part of this program will decade ago. Working conditions on the target the health and safety of The recruitment and retention of fireground are now expected to be as firefighters. Both short-term risks volunteer firefighters is seen as a safe as those in a normal work place. and long-term health hazards will be major issue in the protection of investigated. Initially the people and property. Currently demographics and physiology of Australia is serviced by about THE NEED FOR A RISK MODEL Australian firefighters will be 300,000 highly effective volunteers A key focus of this program is obtained. These will be used to map and their services, which if paid for, developing a risk model for assessing out strategies for work routines, would cost several billion dollars the impact on houses and thence the which will then be checked by field each year. The indications are that cost-effectiveness of various measurements under operational the size and nature of this volunteer recommendations related to safety. conditions. Of particular concern is work force will change in the future The numerous factors that affect the health impact of air toxics in the due to changes in the demographics safety include climate factors, the fire-ground, where many potentially and culture of those living in rural terrain and vegetation landscape hazardous chemicals are detected. and peri-urban areas. Accordingly, within a kilometre or so of houses, Improvements in fire fighting research is underway to assess the local urban planning and building equipment are also being changes and to develop strategies for dealing with them.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 // // sequential outputs: the project willhave the following Taking place over seven years, and working inbushfire-prone areas. improved lifestyle for people living the work should also generate an direct loss of buildings inbushfires, the reducing as well education. As research, communication and bushfires, through integrated issues surrounding building loss in awareness and understanding of the This project ispursuing animproved Technology Manufacturing and Infrastructure LEADER: Justin Leonard, CSIRO, PROJECT 1>BUILDING ANDOCCUPANT PROTECTION packages for community and in the form of information by ember. This willbe delivered solutions to minimise ignition effective timber deck design drawing on existing data prone areas, by collating and standards for building inbushfire- town planning, and building for recommendations developing a risk-based metho

JUSTIN LEONARD dology for dology // // // reducing radiant reducing heat loading ground firespread and fencing systems inlimiting panel solid non-combustible using of methods effective an understanding of the most and agencies. community, town planners information packages for will be delivered inthe form of of ignition of structures. This vegetation can reduce the risk use of naturally fire-resistant an understanding of how the community and industry. information for packages the in form delivered of be loss during bushfires. This will mitigates the riskof glazing selection and glass product how framing system design a enhanced understandingof products, glazing resulting in an investigation of current a review of previous data and publications. contributions to scientific through as well as industry, // // installation industry. in the spray system seek to promote self-regulation standard of design. It willalso design, and developminimum a spray of elements system determine the most effective initiative willalso seek to strategy for buildings. This risk-minimisation a systems as of using external water spray viability the of assessment an and agencies. and community, town planners information for packages the in form delivered of the bushfire event. This willbe spread of fireduring and after influencing house-to-house a study of the factors scientific publications. scientific through contributions to community and industry and information packages for delivered inthe form of on buildings. This willbe // // // Standard AS3959 as required the evolution of the Australian scientific support for for this infrastructure. of effective installation advice resulting inthe development equipment inbushfires, and town gas supply gas bottles supply domestic a study of the behaviour of projects within the CRC. agencies and social research collaboration with established This initiative willrequire improved. continuously be can fire events, so that data sets and social interaction infuture agency damage, of building effectivecapability for surveys more development a of 37 > PROGRAM D RESEARCH ACTIVITIESRESEARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH

DAVID NICHOLS a significanta cost each year. The Firefighter deaths and injuries are priority for firefighting agencies. Firefighter safety isof the highest and hydration and nutrition. and rest cycles, physical condition work capacity isaffected by work conditions inwhich fatigue and on firefighters include stressful effects of the wildfire environment pressures on firefighters. The physiological and psychological as well as conditions, chemical and that includes heat, smoke, noise, challenge of the work environment unsafe and unhealthy due to the eachyear. Wildfires areinherently wildland urban interface areas property inrural areas and the battle wildfires on public and private Thousands of Australian firefighters VictoriaAuthority, LEADER: David Nichols, Country Fire PROJECT 2>FIREFIGHTER HEALTH ANDSAFETY cause a decline in decision-making in decline a cause identify precisely what factors suppression. Researchers will firefighters working on bushfire the health, safety and well-being of fatigue and crew management on stress, the effects of fitness, factors. will Thedetermine research physiological andbehavioural ergonomic, of measurement welfare willbe studied by firefighter. Firefighter safety and the effects of wildfire on the respect to unhealthy conditions and the fireground environment with the firsttime aquantified picture of safety of firefighters willprovide for Research targeted at improving the safety conditions on the fireground. fire fighting agencies inimproving presents asignificant challenge to the Australian volunteer firefighter variety and physical condition of demographic population, ageing and procedures and at athe local level. standardised safety processes training, and increase of OHS issues, improve safety agency and firefighter awareness injuries, improve fire management safety willreduce deaths and coordinated strategy for firefighter Anationally assigned tasks. and to the ability to complete long-term exposure to bu well-being related to short and firefighter health, safety and safety based on measures of national strategy for firefighter The research willproduce a decline. this procedures to minimise safety threats –and then devise to regard with ability –particularly shfire,

FIREFIGHTERS WORKING IN A HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT 39

PROJECT 3 > PERSONAL EXPOSURE OF FIREFIGHTERS TO AIR TOXICS AND OHS RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

LEADER: Steve Brown, CSIRO, ongoing exposures to carcinogens several hours. These devices will be // In year six, all data will be Manufacturing and Infrastructure and lung irritants. selected to be robust to endure the combined to estimate personal Technology harsh field conditions, to be specific exposures and risk potential to This project will take place over to the air contaminants, and to be firefighters for different tasks and This project will identify the key air seven years and aims to produce the supported by reliable chemical fire types. These assessments (as toxic species in bushfire smoke and following outputs: analyses. Field pre-testing of the well as the exposure assessments provide the capability to measure, devices and methods will then be in years two to five) will be // A review of Australian and evaluate and control the exposure carried out and a work plan will be closely linked to assessments of international literature to of firefighters and rural and semi- developed for field sampling of physiological stress and crew determine the key air toxic species rural communities to these toxics. firefighters. management. Similarly, decisions to which bushfire fighters may be on strategies for risk control (e.g. It will develop and apply capabilities exposed. Key fire agencies and // The personal exposure of through personal protection, task for measuring the personal exposure researchers in other countries will firefighters will be determined assignments) will be linked with of bushfire fighters to a wide range be contacted for details on related according to their task descriptions CRC research into equipment for of air toxics in different fire scenarios, research in progress. These reviews (mostly for those close to the fire reducing fireground risk. such that air toxics exposures can will underpin the determination of front) and for a range of fire types. be evaluated in the field and key air toxics to which firefighters This will be done by intensive field // In year seven, these strategies controlled where necessary. Health may be exposed. monitoring programs over four fire will be evaluated for their and safety exposure guidelines will seasons, with data analysis and effectiveness on the fireground, // Measurement of the personal be utilized in developing strategies interpretation in the off-seasons, with preparation of a final report exposure of Australian firefighters to reduce exposure risks to comply and the provision of annual reports that details the air toxics exposures to these air toxics will require the with OHS regulations. There will be of findings. Interaction with other of firefighters, control strategies selection of commercial air a focus on both short-term risks programs that conduct experimental for managing air toxics exposure sampling devices or the from exposure to air toxics in and prescribed fire burns is likely, risks, and evaluation of compliance development of specific devices bushfires and long-term risks from though access to accidental with OHS regulations in Australia. that the firefighters will wear for bushfires is a priority. AIR TOXICS MEASURED AT TUMBARUMBA EXPERIMENTAL BURN, NSW BURN, EXPERIMENTAL TUMBARUMBA MEASURED AT TOXICS AIR > PROGRAM D RESEARCH ACTIVITIESRESEARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH

MARY OMODEI

A COMPUTER SIMULATION OF AN ATTACK PHASE. THIS RECREATES EVENTS LEADING UP THE LINTON FIRES (FIRE ORIGIN ON FAR LEFT) however, factors a cause what such precisely changing and relatively unpredictable decision-making ability deteriorates inrapidly Previous research suggests that human decisions they might implement. attention to, the safety implications of any individuals be aware of, and give adequate brigade activities, therefore requires that both inbushfire situations and inassociated initiate courses of action. Firefighter safety, firefighters to form riskassessments and human activity. It requires individual suppression technologies, isultimately a prediction, hazard models, firecontrol and Fire fighting, despite heavy reliance on fire PROJECT 4>SAFE BEHAVIOUR ANDDECISION-MAKING LEADER: Mary Omodei, La Trobe University situations such as a bushfire. It bushfire. is a unclear, as such situations Such recommendations and guidelines developed to counter their effects. recommendations and guidelines identified and appropriate of impaired decision-making is therefore that the fullrange of causes decision-making, it isimportant In order to optimise safety-relevant overall safety climate. to pervasive effects of anorganisation’s abilities through stress and overload, limitations of cognitive processing that such factors range from inherent suggest safety. to There isevidence withregard particularly to threats to decline indecision-making ability, // with firefighting agencies, include: University team, incollaboration undertaken by the La Trobe The research activities being situationstraining more generally. and to brigade activities and operational decision support tools, those pertaining to the design of to operational procedures, but also comprise not only those pertaining needs research perceived determine and firefighter associations to officers of fireagenciessenior conducting interviews with 41

PROJECT 5 > SAFE COST-EFFECTIVE EQUIPMENT

LEADER: David Nichols, Country Fire Authority, Victoria

// carrying out detailed post-incident The Australian firefighter constantly works under The project will improve the safety and well-being of debriefings of fire fighting personnel hazardous conditions with a variety of vehicles firefighters by identifying inherent conditions and (across all levels of rank)who are and equipment. Little research has been done recommending design enhancements or involved in incidents which raise into the physical hazards and the safety risk to advancements in fire fighting vehicles and safety issues firefighters present in fire fighting vehicles and equipment. For the first time, there will be a equipment. Fire fighting agencies have a quantified picture of equipment used on the // conducting controlled experimentation significant challenge to improve the safety of fireground with respect to the safety of firefighters. using computer-generated safety vehicles and equipment used for fighting wildfire. threats (using Networked Fire Chief), Preliminary work has been completed on fire fighting and Bushfire CRC scientists will identify key issues in vehicle engines and fire fighting pump engines as a equipment and vehicle crew protection needs of result of the experimental fires at Tumbarumba, // developing and testing methods for Australian fire fighting agencies. Analysis New South Wales. Benefits of the work will include presenting fire-related information methodologies will be developed to evaluate the development of preferred design guidelines for and for training to reduce vehicle and equipment hazards and risks. engines to operate safely in the bushfire environment. safety-compromising behaviour. Laboratory and field trial methods will be developed and implemented to provide users with Firefighter crew safety will be improved as safer safety results on identified fire fighting vehicle vehicles and equipment are designed and systems and equipment. implemented. FIELD TESTS CONDUCTED ON FIRE FIGHTING PUMP ENGINES FIGHTING TESTS FIRE ON FIELD CONDUCTED RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM D

PROJECT 6 > VEHICLE CREW PROTECTION SYSTEM FIELD VALIDATION

LEADER: David Nichols, Country Fire Authority, Victoria

Firefighters working from vehicles are exposed Tumbarumba, New South Wales, to validate the Crew safety can be improved in burnover incidents if to intense radiant heat and flames in wildfire crew protection system findings from the wildfire crew protection systems are designed to protect against “burnover” situations. Little research has been burnover simulator tests. The experimental fires radiant and convective heat and to prevent the entry of done into protecting fire fighting tanker crews subjected the vehicle crew protection systems to flame into crew areas. when vehicles are burnt over by wildfire. two levels of radiant temperatures and flame duration exposure as the result of controlled Acceptable benchmarks and performance standards for The Country Fire Authority of Victoria (CFA) and wildfire. The tests include measuring the fuel such systems, based on scientific research, will be New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) before the fire, measuring conditions within the developed. Rules for the development and commissioned CSIRO to evaluate crew protection fuel during the fire, and fitting instruments on the implementation of such systems for fire fighting vehicles systems for fire tankers using a large-scale fire trucks to measure radiant heat, temperature, will be the direct output of the project. The results will gas-fires wildfire burnover simulator. As a result water use by the sprinklers, and toxic gas provide the scientific principles for the design of safer of the simulator work, Bushfire CRC scientists exposure. fire fighting vehicles. have conducted two experimental fires at

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 43

PROJECT 7 > ENHANCING VOLUNTEERISM

LEADERS: Mary Omodei, James McLennan, La Trobe University

Australian rural fire services rely In some rural communities economic The Bushfire CRC volunteerism project The research will involve heavily on volunteers. Ensuring and demographic factors have involves carrying out research into community surveys, interviews adequate crewing levels for the resulted in declining and ageing factors impacting on the recruitment with current volunteers, case brigades is essential for protecting populations, and some new housing of future volunteers and the retention studies of best practice people, property, and the environment developments in previously rural of current volunteers. The project aims brigades, and surveys of in communities vulnerable to areas have low levels of community to provide rural fire services with employers of volunteers. It will bushfires. There are concerns by participation in voluntary activities. information to help strategic planning track the experiences of new many that in the future volunteer Structural changes in the nature of and policy development concerning volunteer recruits as they move numbers may decline in some employment, and social and volunteer numbers, and to suggest through recruitment, induction, communities. Potential threats to the economic pressures on families, new ways of recruiting and supporting training, initial eployments to number of volunteer firefighters come may also restrict opportunities for volunteer workforces. fires and related emergency from several sources. volunteering. incidents. RFS VOLUNTEER PARADE AT THE END OF THE NSW THE END OF FIRES 2003 AT RFS PARADE VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM D

PROJECT 8 > RESPIRATORY HEALTH OF FIREFIGHTERS

LEADERS: Phil Weinstein, Angus The health and safety of firefighters and compared with using no mask. To do this, Cook, Phil Thompson, University of volunteers has become a key concern in a random sample of volunteers will to be Western Australia recent years. The effects of vegetation fires selected from the available pool of 900 in in Australian eucalypt and savanna areas the Perth metropolitan area. Those willing Do the smoke masks used by may differ from those in deciduous or pine will take part in exposure tests carried out Australian bushfire fighters offer forests overseas. Two types of masks are in a controlled environment at FESA’s enough protection? Because there is currently used by Australian firefighters. Training Centre. not yet enough evidence to answer One mask (P2) is designed to protect from this question, this project will particulates only, and the other The results of this study will lead directly investigate the respiratory effects of (P2+Organic) from particulates and organic to the formulation of recommendations on Australian combustion products as volatiles. maximising firefighter safety in Western well as the efficacy of the standard Australian conditions. Also, the technology issue smoke masks. This study aims to evaluate the developed for these tests will be transferable effectiveness of these different masks as – thus adding to FESA’s research capability. FIREFIGHTER MOPPING UP, PULLING APART SMOULDERING TREE AT CASSALIS VALLEY. CASSALIS TREE AT SMOULDERING APART PULLING UP, MOPPING FIREFIGHTER

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 05

EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE CENTRE RESEARCH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES compliment to the researchers involved. establishment of the Bushfire and CRC, a of the level of activity prior to the students. This pattern isalso indicative capacity to attract further postgraduate top-up scholarships, the has CRC good these aresupported via honours and students and projects. Because most of hasCRC attracted agood range of support of Bushfire researchers, CRC the Over the past sixmonths, with the with no students and no projects. this program started from azero base Unlike many of the research programs, steadily forward during this first year. The Education Program has been moving PROGRAM E–EDUCATION ACTIVITIES USER LEADER: Len Foster, Australasian Fire Authorities Council LEADER: Mark Adams, University of Western Australia

MARK ADAMS

LEN FOSTER and projects. the range of Bushfire programs CRC scholarships). These awards cover project support and top-up and nine PhDscholarships (full, scholarships, one MSc scholarship The now CRC has three honours education program. provide overall guidance on the with Mark Adams as chairman to reference group was also formed scholarship proposals. Aneducation was formed, to advise the CEO on Research Director Richard Thornton Gledhill and Gary Morgan, and members and End User Leaders John (RMIT), Geoff Cary (ANU),Board Mark Adams (UWA), John Handmer A scholarships advisory group of opportunities of this kind. Bushfire willbe seeking CRC more science widely accessible. The education inaway that makes the that combines research with example of aninnovative approach thefollowing section isanexcellent in The education described project postgraduate students in2004-05. be aiming to find at least another 10 With this inmind, the Bushfire will CRC bushfire research. gain higher degrees inthe field of and 40 postgraduate students will its seven year life isthat between 20 One of the main aims of the over CRC RJC BURNING FOR BIODIVERSITYPROJECT 1> LEADER: Alan Andersen, CSIRO, Sustainable Ecosystems fire innorthern Australia. biodiversity conservation, and increase public awareness and understanding of the role of fire regimes on biodiversity and ecological function, improve firemanagement protocolsfor The Burning for Biodiversity project aims to enhance our knowledge of the effects of different northern landscapes. Australian high degree of public confusion and lack of understanding of the importance of firein on biodiversity remain poorly understood. Such scientific uncertainty isaccompanied by a including World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Ho the key landscape management tool across the vast conservation estates of the north, protection ofthan rather lifeand property. Inparticular, prescribed firehas been adopted as the north isrelatively low, and bushfire issues relate primarily to habitat management north, where on average square kilometres 300,000 areburnt each year. Fire intensity in The great majority of Australian bushfires occur inthe savanna landscapes of the tropical The audience included more than 100 children from the local primary school. CEO Kevin O’Loughlin, Research Director Richard Thornton, and Program Manager Mark Adams. University. It was launched by NTChief Minister Clare Martin, and attended by Bushfire CRC researchers and educators from CSIRO, the Northern Territory Government and Charles Darwin education project at the Territory Wildlife Park, near The Darwin. project involves ateam of 27 More than 200 people attended the May launch of the Bushfire CRC’s fireresearch and IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA THE BURNING FOR BIODIVERSITY PROJECT IS LAUNCHED IN MAY 2004 wever, the effects of prescribed prescribed wever, of the effects fire be produced. be training materials for students and firemanagers, willalso Australian bush. Arange of public information products, and hands-on experience of the role of fireinthe northern range of interpretative displays, where visitors can get of public walksthrough demonstration sites, featuring a The education component of the project willinclude a series fire regimes. The firstexperimental fires were lit inJune 2004. hectare-sized plots, each of which willbe subject to one of six awareness and education. The field experiment has 18 delivery of information and learning products for public new field experiment for fireresearch, integrated with the The project isthe firstof its kind inAustralia, and features a CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTAL BURNS AT THETERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK SCHOOL CHILDREN ANDOTHER TOUR GROUPS WITNESS

ALAN ANDERSEN 47 EDUCATION ACTIVITIES > PROGRAM E

STUDENT/PROJECT FUNDING PROJECT RELATIONSHIP

PhD SCHOLARSHIPS

Melissa Fixter Top-up scholarship: Respiratory health of PhD, UWA $7K pa for three years bushfire fighters

Christine Kelly Honours scholarship: Fire regimes and dynamics in Honours, ANU $5K in sub alpine forest

Brendan Pippen Full PhD scholarship: Fire behaviour in heathland PhD, UNSW $25K pa for three years vegetation

Alan Rhodes Project support: “Stay-or-go” policy and community PhD, RMIT $5K pa for three years programs

Josh Whittaker Full PhD Scholarship: Land use planning and PhD, RMIT $25K pa for three years bushfire hazard

Philip Zylstra Project support: Plant species contribution PhD, UNSW $5K pa for three years to fire intensity

Luke Balcombe MSc support Perceptions of bushfire hazards MSc, JCU $25K for two years in urban/rural interface

Bevan McBeth Top-up scholarship: Soil, fire and physiological PhD, SCU $7K pa for three years processes in coastal eucalypt forests

Rowan Sadler Top-up scholarship: Long term monitoring and PhD, UWA $7K pa for three years modelling of fire

Madeline Osborn Project support: The role of fungi in fire-prone forest PhD, University of Melb $5K pa for one year communities

Chris Carson Project support: Bushfire information and warning PhD, RMIT $5K pa for three years mechanisms

Pamela Sapurmas Honours scholarship: Firefighter decision-making Honours LaTrobe $5K

Anna Brozovic Honours scholarship: Firefighter decision-making Honours LaTrobe $5K

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 06

COLLABORATION COLLABORATION

THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR SUCCESS

Working together, Bushfire CRC The Bushfire CRC and AFAC CEOs Similar experiments are now There is considerable interest from researchers and End Users confer frequently, and shared planned for a number of overseas in all Programs. Already address major, practical problems conference facilities make it Australasian locations over we are attracting high calibre with a focus on collaborative, convenient for participation in coming years. researchers from overseas with at usable research. each other's meetings. Because of least four Post-Doctoral fellows the overlap in membership of the RESOURCE SHARING being employed from Europe, the Our cooperative centre is a joint two organisations, close US and South Africa, building on Collaboration between CRC venture between end user groups coordination on meeting Australia's capability. partners has been a key feature in (State fire authorities and land schedules maximises the this first year. Leading to new management agencies), research opportunities for efficient and ways of maximising the resources providers, and the Federal effective collaboration. The CRC available, this has benefited the Government. will hold its major annual research CRC in the sourcing of experts, IT conference in conjunction with Through the Bushfire CRC, many support and building the AFAC annual conference in separate groups have become communication tools. October 2004. actively involved in much needed fire research with a set of OTHER CRCs IN THE FIELD common goals. There is a growing interaction Having structured alliances between the Bushfire CRC and a It is critical to the success of the means bushfire research can be number of other CRCs including CRC that this high level of tackled on a number of levels the Tropical Savannas CRC, the interaction takes place. Making involving the expertise and CRC for Spatial Information and this happen has already lead to support of many organisations. valuable partnerships and notable the Desert Knowledge CRC. This achievements. One clear example of such interaction, based on common cooperation within the CRC was research interests and the sharing of ideas, will no doubt lead LINKS WITH FIRE AND LAND the experimental burn carried out MANAGEMENT AGENCIES at Tumbarumba in February 2004. to significant new projects. Having close relationships with This large-scale event involved a INTERNATIONAL Australasia's major fire and land number of research projects. management agencies is one of International collaboration is an It was coordinated by researchers the Bushfire CRC's major essential part of the CRC's from CSIRO's Forestry and Forest strengths. As well as its links with activities. A number of Products Division with the help of the individual agencies, the relationships have already been others such as State Forests of Bushfire CRC works closely with developed with researchers and New South Wales, National Parks the Australasian Fire Authorities fire agencies in Portugal, Spain and Wildlife Service NSW, the Council (AFAC), the peak body for and China and the United States. Rural Fire Service, the Country air and land management In the US the Bushfire CRC Fire Authority, Forest Research agencies in Australia and New collaborates with the US Forest New Zealand and the Zealand. The co-location of the Service on research from Program Commonwealth Bureau of Bushfire CRC and AFAC offices in A (the Fuel Classification project). Meteorology, as well as university East Melbourne greatly facilitates There is also CRC research taking and governmental departments. these linkages. place in New Zealand investigating fire prediction and behaviour and suppression.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 07

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

CENTRE STAFF

Central management, project The CRC staff work closely with and coordination, finance support the program leaders, Mr Kevin O’Loughlin administration and promotion project leaders and 170 full and Chief Executive Officer activities are carried out by a small part-time researchers working on > Appointed Sep 2003 team based in Melbourne at the the research programs. They also Bushfire CRC office, Level 5, 340 liaise with all stakeholder agencies, Albert Street. support meetings of the stakeholder council, and monthly The CEO, Kevin O'Loughlin, is meetings of the Board. Ms Kylie Crockett supported by a Research Director, Executive Assistant and Richard Thornton, Business The Bushfire CRC offices are in Events Coordinator Manager, David Peterson, Education newly fitted out premises co-located > Appointed Oct 2003 Coordinator, Malory Weston*, with the Australasian Fire Communications Coordinator, Authorities Council (AFAC). The Derek McCormack and Executive Bushfire CRC shares a receptionist Assistant and Events Coordinator, with AFAC as well as joint Kylie Crockett. conference and other facilities. Dr Richard Thornton Research Director *Malory Weston resigned in May > Appointed Feb 2004 2004 and was replaced by Kellie Watson in June 2004.

Mr David Peterson Business Manager > Appointed May 2003

Mr Derek McCormack Communications Coordinator > Appointed May 2004

Ms Kellie Watson Education Coordinator > Appointed June 2004

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 08

SPECIFIED PERSONNEL SPECIFIED PERSONNEL

Staff whose involvement is essential to the successful operation and running of the CRC are listed below. These staff relate to positions as contained within the Schedules of the Commonwealth Agreement and will be revised in 2004-05 now that the Centre has passed its initial set-up phase.

TITLE AND NAME ROLE IN CRC CONTRIBUTING ACTUAL TIME ALLOCATION ORGANISATION TO CRC (0.0 – 1.0)

Mr Kevin O’Loughlin CEO Bushfire CRC Ltd 0.75 (commenced September 2003)

Mr David Peterson Business Manager Bushfire CRC Ltd 1.0

Dr Richard Thornton Research Manager Bushfire CRC Ltd 0.33 (commenced February 2004)

Mr Derek McCormack Communications Manager Bushfire CRC Ltd 0.2 (commenced May 2004)

Mr Jim Gould Program A Manager CSIRO 0.65

Prof Mark Adams Program B Manager Uni of Melbourne (FESI) 0.38 Mr Gary Morgan Program B Advisor DSE, Victoria 0.15

Prof John Handmer Program C Manager RMIT 0.7 Dr Judith Newton Program C Advisor QldF&R 0.1

Dr Bob Leicester Program D Manager Bushfire CRC Ltd 0.3 Mr Grant Lupton Program D Advisor SAMFS 0.1 Mr Ivan Donaldson Program D Advisor ACTJCS 0.05

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 09

PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS

BOOKS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCES Cary G, Lindenmayer D, & Dovers S Mills GA: ‘Mesoscale NWP and Gould J: ‘Project Vesta- findings, (Eds.): “Australia Burning: Fire extreme fire weather’ 3rd extension and validation for south Ecology, Policy and Management International Wildland Fire eastern Australia eucalypt forest’, Issues”, 268 pages, CSIRO Publishing Conference, 3-6 October 2003, Bushfire 2004 conference, 25-28 Sydney. May, Adelaide Andersen AN, Cook GD & Williams RJ (Eds) (2003): “Fire in Tropical O’Loughlin KJ: ‘Fires and Drought – Gould J, Plucinski M, McCarthy G: Savannas: The Kapalga Experiment”, Meteorologists, Managers, Media ‘Aerial Suppression- need for Springer-Verlag, New York and Society’, First World Conference evaluation’ Bushfire 2004 on Broadcast Meteorology, 3-5 June conference, 25-28 May, Adelaide BOOK CHAPTERS 2004, Barcelona, Spain. O’Loughlin KJ: ‘A New Era in Weber R: ‘Modelling Heating Effects’ Wain A and Mills G: ‘The Bushfire Research’, Bushfire 2004 submitted in May 2004 AFAC/Commonwealth Bureau of conference, 25-28 May 2004, Meteorology Smoke Management Adelaide JOURNALS Project’, 3rd International Wildland O’Loughlin KJ: ‘Inflaming Passions Keane RE, Cary GJ, Davies ID, Fire Conference, 3-6 October 2003, – New Directions in Bushfire Flannigan MD, Gardner RH, Lavorel Sydney Research’, NSW Conservation S, Lenihan JM, Li C, and Rupp ST: ‘A Handmer J & Proudley B: ‘The Council Bushfire conference, 24-25 classification of landscape fire economics of interface wildfires’, June 2004, Sydney succession models: spatial Proceedings 2nd International simulations of fire and vegetation Symposium on Wildfire Economics, Leonard RJ, Blanchi R and dynamics’ Ecological Modelling, 19-22 April, Cordoba, Spain Bowditch PA: ‘Building at the Urban In Press Interface’, Bushfire 2004 conference, 25-28 May, Adelaide Bell T, Tolhurst K, Wouters M: ‘Effects of fire retardant on Blanchi R, Leonard J, Maughan D: vegetation in eastern Australian ‘Towards New Information Tools for heathlands’, International Journal of Understanding Bushfire Risk at the Wildland Fire, In Press Urban Interface’, Bushfire 2004 conference, Adelaide Andersen AN et al: ‘Fire frequency and biodiversity conservation in Australian tropical savannas: OTHER implications from the Kapalga fire McKaige B and Andersen A: experiment’, Austral Ecology ‘Australian first a burning desire in (in press) the Territory’, Australian Geographic (in press) Keane RE, Cary GJ and Parsons R: ‘Using simulation to map fire regimes: an evaluation of approaches, strategies, and limitations’, International Journal of Wildland Fire, 12, 309-322

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 10

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION

Recognising that effective Four research workshops were To further strengthen interaction communication is critical to held, one linked with a Stakeholder between the CRC's end user successfully engaging end users Council meeting. A series of roving community and researchers, the and the general public, the research forums is planned in inaugural Bushfire CRC Annual Bushfire CRC has adopted a States and Territories and in New Conference will be held in structured approach via three Zealand in the next financial year conjunction with the 2004 major target areas: to enable wider participation by Australasian Fire Authorities Council staff of end user organisations and Conference in Perth in October 2004. // Internal - informing all partners other interested parties. and especially linking The Bushfire CRC's Website researchers and end users Two internal communication tools (www.bushfirecrc.com) provides have been developed: information resources for the // External - informing other fire public and Bushfire CRC partners. researchers, the wider // The CEO newsletter, a brief research community, update every two to three Available material includes governments, the public and weeks providing partners with information on Bushfire CRC the media information on new research projects, personnel and developments within the events. Partner agencies can // Research publications - aimed Bushfire CRC and its research download papers, presentations at national and international programs and reports from research in science and business progress from the members' area communities. // The Bushfire CRC Bulletin, an of the site. on-line update every two The Bushfire CRC is giving high months that highlights top The Bushfire CRC views its website priority to increasing the dialogue stories from Bushfire CRC as potentially a major tool in among researchers, users and the research, news and events. communicating effectively with its community. Over its first year of large number of partner operation the Bushfire CRC has A more substantial, regular organisations, and with the wider developed multiple channels for newsletter is planned for general community. The site will be interchange between end users. publication in 2005. developed significantly during 2004-05.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 59

COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVES 2003-2004

Stakeholder Communications CEO newsletter in production Contact lists built and stakeholder meetings/minutes formalised Concept of state forums developed Ministerial briefings underway

Researcher Communications Network established and contact lists built

Online resources Website launched Research reports and presentations available online in members’ area

Publications & corporate identity Media pack with brochure Poster, stationary, signage and banner

Press/media Extensive media coverage of Bushfire CRC launch CEO involved in media coverage Media coverage archive created Contact list compiled

Forums and workshops Research Workshops, December 2003, March 2004 (2) and April 2004 Plans for State and Territory research forums.

Resources Slide presentation templates prepared Image and graphics library commenced

International International awareness increased via: // Involvement in 3rd International Wildland Fire Conference, Sydney October 2003 // International missions by four researchers and CEO THE BUSHFIRE CRC’STHE BUSHFIRE WEBSITE: WWW.BUSHFIRECRC.COM PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION

The Bushfire CRC's involvement at Minister McGauran again officiated press coverage, and the other the 3rd International Wildland Fire at the formal launch of the recording non-CRC news of conference in Sydney, 3-6 October Bushfire CRC on December 9th interest to our members. The 2003 was especially valuable in 2004 in Melbourne's Fitzroy maintenance of these archives establishing an international Gardens. The occasion was has been further enhanced profile for the CRC. The conference attended by 150 guests and through the occasional use of a was attended by 1,100 delegates attracted considerable media professional media monitoring from more than 60 countries. The attention. service. conference also provided a very suitable venue for the launch of The Bushfire CRC has taken the book "Fire in Tropical several measures to enhance BOOK LAUNCH. L-R: ANDREW JOHNSON, KEVIN media relations and to monitor O'LOUGHLIN, ALAN ANDERSEN, THE HON. PETER Savannas: The Kapalga MCGAURAN, AND IAN MACDOUGAL. Experiment", in Sydney. Federal media coverage. Science Minister, the Hon. Peter With help from its fire agency McGauran, officiated. This book partners, the Bushfire CRC has summarises the 10-year research established valuable links with program featuring the landscape- the media most likely to cover scale Kapalga fire experiment in bushfire research stories. The CRC the Northern Territory. Editors has also created two media include Bushfire CRC researcher archives - one which records CRC Alan Andersen. L-R: IAN MCDOUGAL, PHIL KOPERBERG, SCIENCE MINISTER SCIENCE KOPERBERG, PHIL IAN MCDOUGAL, L-R: AT O'LOUGHLIN AND KEVIN MCGAURAN PETER THE HON. CRC THE BUSHFIRE OF THE LAUNCH

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 61

MEDIA COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS 2003–2004

DATE MEDIA COVERAGE PUBLISHED/ SUBJECT BROADCAST BY

2004

01/06/2004 Print Melbourne Herald Sun Bigger than Elvis - Jim Gould comments on Evergreen 747 tanker 15/05/2004 Print National Age Volunteers and fire fighting - interview with Jim McLennan 18/05/2004 Radio Local 3WM Horsham VIC New fire research and education facility at the Territory Wildlife Park - Dr Andersen 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2QN Deniliquin Territory Wildlife Park 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2GN Goulburn Territory Wildlife Park 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2LF Young Territory Wildlife Park 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2NM Musswellbrook Territory Wildlife Park 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2RG Griffith Territory Wildlife Park 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2VTR Windsor Territory Wildlife Park 18/05/2004 Radio Local 2WEB Bourke, Territory Wildlife Park 2WG Wagga, 3CS Colac, 3NE North Eastern Victoria, 3SH Swan Hill, 3SR Shepparton, 3WM Horsham, 4BU Bundaberg, 4HI Emerald PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION > MEDIA COVERAGE

DATE MEDIA COVERAGE PUBLISHED/ SUBJECT BROADCAST BY

2004 (continued)

17/05/2004 Radio Local 2UE Territory Wildlife Park 14/05/2004 Radio National ABC Darwin News Territory Wildlife Park 14/05/2004 Radio Regional Top FM Darwin, Territory Wildlife Park ABC National Regional Radio News, ABC Country Hour 14/05/2004 Radio National ABC News Radio Rolling News Territory Wildlife Park 14/05/2004 TV National ABC News Darwin Territory Wildlife Park 14/05/2004 TV National Channel 9 Darwin Territory Wildlife Park 14/05/2004 Online National ABC Territory Wildlife Park 14/05/2004 Online National ABC Territory Wildlife Park 12/05/2004 Radio National ABC CEO media comment in connection with hazard reduction burning program in Victoria. 9/01/2004 Radio National ABC's PM Program Interview with Rod Weber, covering timeliness of funding and establishment of the CRC 10/01/2004 Print National The Weekend Australian The Burning Issue - What have we learned Magazine since Canberra 2003? 1/01/2004 Print Local Australian Timberman Researchers Unite to Fight Bushfires - CSIRO plays major role in national research centre. 17/01/2004 Print National The Weekend Australian Relevant letters to the Editor Magazine (ref: article on 10/1/04) 10/12/2003 On-line National The Age CRC launch. 10/12/2003 Radio Various Rural Sky Radio Rural Syndication Bushfire behaviour, construction in fire-prone areas and arson will be the focus for study at a new bushfire research centre. 10/12/2003 On-line National The Age CRC launch. 10/12/2003 Print Local The Canberra Times Bushfires: Learning from history. Education program designed to cut risk. 10/12/2003 Print Local The Australian Greenhouse effects to 'treble' bushfire menace. 10/12/2003 Print National The Australian Research to reduce the fear of wildfire.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 63

DATE MEDIA COVERAGE PUBLISHED/ SUBJECT BROADCAST BY

2003

10/12/2003 Print National The Age Ongoing bushfire battle gets a $100m boost. CRC launch.

10/12/2003 Print Melbourne Herald Sun Bushfires likely to get worse - Safety fire trucks an early priority.

10/12/2003 Print National The Age CRC launch.

10/12/2003 On-line National The Age online CRC launch.

10/12/2003 On-line National The Australian online Greenhouse effects to 'treble' bushfire menace.

9/12/2003 On-line National The Age CRC launch.

9/12/2003 On-line National ABC Online CRC launch.

9/12/2003 On-line National ABC Online Severe bushfires linked to global warming

9/12/2003 Radio Melbourne 3MP CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Radio Melbourne 3AW CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Radio Melbourne Magic 693 CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Radio Melbourne 3AK CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Radio Melbourne 3AW CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Radio National ABC - The Bush Telegraph Brown interviews Matt O'Sullivan, Rural Newsroom. BUSHFIRE CRC.

9/12/2003 Radio Victoria ABC Continuing interview with Kevin O'Loughlin, National Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre.

9/12/2003 Radio Northern ABC Reporter interviews Brent Williams, Bush Fire Territory Council on the “Stay-or-Go” policies of fire fighting.

9/12/2003 Radio Hobart HO-FM Radio News New $100m bushfire research centre in Melbourne.

9/12/2003 Radio Sydney 2GB Morrison interviews Jim Gould about the newly established Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION > MEDIA COVERAGE

DATE MEDIA COVERAGE PUBLISHED/ SUBJECT BROADCAST BY

2003 (continued)

9/12/2003 Radio Geelong BAY FM Radio News A fire tanker protection system designed to save crews in a bushfire will be tested next month. 9/12/2003 Radio National ABC Radio National "PM" CRC launch. 9/12/2003 Television Alice Springs Imparja TV State Television Experts say the new National Bushfire Research News Centre, designed by CSIRO, Met. Bureau and State fire services, will save lives and property. 9/12/2003 Radio National ABC National Radio "PM" CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Television National National Ten Network CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Radio Brisbane ABC 612 CRC launch.

9/12/2003 Television Adelaide National Nine News CRC launch.

9/12/2003 On-line National Herald Sun online Climate change to bring more fires.

9/12/2003 On-line National The Advertiser Climate change to bring more fires.

8/12/2003 Television National ABC CRC launch.

8/12/2003 Television Melbourne ATV 10 CRC launch.

8/12/2003 Television National Channel 9 CRC launch.

8/12/2003 Television National Channel 7 CRC launch.

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 11

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS PERFORMANCE 03–04

Over its first year, the Bushfire CRC Goal over life of centre: to enhance the contribution of Research projects established tackling has primarily focused on the set- long-term scientific and technological research and bushfire issues on a number of levels up of the current research innovation to Australia's sustainable economic and social (refer to research activities) program. The Bushfire CRC’s development. Two State and Territory research forums strategic planning processes have // Develop new technological breakthroughs planned and organised for end users and also been established for both the public research and governance activities. // Seminars, workshops and public forums Publications stream begun // Produce End User focused publications and reports The centre’s utilisation strategy (refer to publications section) has developed through its first // Demonstrated leading edge research and development phase, with further progress to Research workshops held come from the emergence of // Collaboration with overseas groups (December 03, March 04 and April 04) research outputs. // Regular meetings of stakeholders, researchers International linkages established for and technical committee collaboration and possible research projects The communications strategy has now been developed for the first // Regular project reviews held by Project Leaders year. An infrastructure for effective internal and external communications has also been Goal over life of centre: to enhance the transfer of research Education Coordinator in place. Education established. outputs into commercial or other outcomes of economic, Program developed and links with The education and training environmental or social benefit to Australia. universities in place program has accelerated, with // Additional income through contracts and consultancy A number of CRC books and other more than 10 scholarships publications prepared or in press already awarded and a student // Book chapters, two books, 25 refereed journals professional development per annum and 30 refereed conference papers Strategic planning for utilisation and program now underway. per annum commercialisation is underway // Exceed budget plan Consultation and collaboration with End User agencies // Greater than 60% of the know-how and research deliverables adopted by End Users // Intellectual Property reviews to be held once a year

BUSHFIRE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04 67

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS PERFORMANCE 03–04

Goal over life of centre: to enhance the value to Australia of The Education Program has awarded 10 full graduate researchers. and partial research scholarships during the first year // 10 PhDs fully employed by End User groups The Education Coordinator has introduced // At least one student and one post-doctoral fellow induction packages for all new Bushfire CRC per annum on an exchange program students // At least 20 fully funded PhD students graduated Arrangements have been made with our with further training in research management and all fire agency partners for fireground training; employed within three months of graduation this will be provided to CRC students and staff

Goal over life of centre: to enhance collaboration among End User participation is currently at 80% (refer to researchers, between researchers and industry or other utilisation section) users, and to improve efficiency in the use of intellectual Quarterly reports and regular Research Leader and other research resources. meetings established in year one // 60% of projects to involve End User Participants Five issues of a CEO newsletter sent to all members // Research reviews at least twice a year Regular briefings to the Australasian Fire Authorities // At least 50 newsletters to all core and Council (AFAC) associate participants A new monthly Bushfire CRC Bulletin internal update // User participants to have contributed the equivalent designed and prepared for all partners of one person year of “in-kind” from their organisation User participants providing “in-kind” contributions over the life of the CRC as per Commonwealth agreement // At least three formal collaborative associations New linkages with CRCs in progress. These include: with other CRCs // Spatial Data CRC // Desert Knowledge CRC // Tropical Savannas CRC BUSHFIRE CRC Level 5, 340 Albert Street Telephone // +61 3 9412 9600 East Melbourne VIC 3002 Facsimile // +61 3 9416 3717 Australia www.bushfirecrc.com