2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 DRAFT

DPI / DSE Complex FIRE OPERATIONS PLAN Cnr Koorlong Ave & Eleventh St, Irymple, 3498 PO Box 905 Mildura, 3502 Phone No. (03) 5051 4500 DISTRICT Fax No. (03) 5051 4341 NORTH WEST AREA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The location and boundaries of proposed planned burn/worksites shown on the attached maps are only LAND AND FIRE AREA MANAGER’S FOREWORD 1 approximate and indicative. The precise boundary of any planned burn will be identified on site by DSE before operations begin. 1 MALLEE DISTRICT FIRE OPERATIONS PLAN

SUMMARY OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES - 2009/10 2

2 WILDFIRES – 2009/10 PLANNED BURNING ACHIEVEMENTS – 2009/10 2

PREPARATION OF A FIRE OPERATIONS PLAN 3

SCHEDULE 1: PLANNED BURNS 4

89 SCHEDULE 2: LANDSCAPE MOSAIC BURNS

SCHEDULE 3: STRATEGIC FUELBREAKS 94 Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment , July 2010. SCHEDULE 4: NON-BURNING FUEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 95 © The State of Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 . SCHEDULE 5: FIRE ACCESS ROAD WORKS 98

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 99 ISBN 978 1 74242 714 0 (print) SCHEDULE 6: FIRE INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT ISBN 978 1 74242 715 7 (online) 100 For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186. SCHEDULE 7: OTHER FIRE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES

Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. www.dse.vic.gov.au

Land and Fire Area Manager’s Foreword Mallee Fire Operations Plan During an average summer, around six hundred bushfires occur on public land across This document contains the fire prevention and preparedness works to be delivered Victoria. As seen over the past decade, intense bushfires across the landscape can for the period 2010/11 to 2012/13 within the Mallee District. have huge impacts on the environment (plants and animals) and be devastating to This Plan covers all Public land including all national parks, State parks and regional communities across Victoria. parks and all State forests. Numerous other small reserves and Crown land are also To better manage the risk of bushfire, the Department of Sustainability and included. Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria undertake fire prevention activities, such as The area covered by the Mallee District is shown in Figure 1. planned burning, to help reduce the occurrence and impact of devastating fires such as those experienced in recent summers. The Plan is prepared, and will be implemented, in accordance with the Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land, the Fire Operations Planning Manual DSE and Parks Victoria also use planned fire for ecological purposes. Many of 2.1 and other relevant DSE Instructions, Manuals and Guidelines. Victoria’s plants and animals have evolved to survive fire events, and are reliant on bushfire to regenerate and maintain their health. In particular, biodiversity is It delivers the strategy outlined in the Mildura District Fire Protection Plan 2008. dependent on appropriate fire regimes (fire intensity, frequency, season, extent and type). It should be noted that burns associated with logging regeneration and small heap burn offs are not included in the Fire Operation Planning process. The locations of Each year, the DSE prepares Fire Operations Plans for Public land in Victoria. These strategic fuelbreaks are also included for information only. These activities are Plans outline proposed fuel management and ecological burns, and other fire approved via other DSE and Parks Victoria processes. protection and preparedness works for public land managed by DSE and Parks Figure 1: Mallee District map Victoria.

The three-year rolling Plans contain: • A list and map(s) of proposed planned burns; • Details of fire preparedness works, such as the construction and maintenance of strategic fuel and fire breaks, mechanical fuel management works planned for the immediate twelve-month period; and • A summary of other fire preparedness and prevention-related works such as maintenance of fire towers or helipads, training and education and enforcement activities. A Fire Operations Plan is prepared for each District in the North West Area in consultation with communities, local councils, Parks Victoria, CFA and technical specialists within DSE. I encourage your input into this Fire Operations Plan. Rob Price, North West Land and Fire Area

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

Summary of District Activities - 2009/10 Viewing the Fire Operations Plan Bushfires – 2009/10 Office locations for viewing the Plan: The Mallee District had 38 bushfires 5% less fires than the 30 year average of 40 fires The Plan can be viewed during normal business hours at the following locations: and burnt 1,731ha 95% less than the 30 year average of 30,729ha Location Address Department of Primary Industries Cnr Koorlong Ave & Eleventh St, IRYMPLE Statewide the 2009/10 fire season ended in June 2010, with 609 fires or 9% less fires Department of Primary Industries 324 Campbell Street, SWAN HILL than the 30 year average (667). The area burnt was 37,322 hectares or 80% less than Department of Primary Industries 17 Pickering Street, OUYEN Parks Victoria Information Centre, HATTAH the 30 year average. Parks Victoria Carter Street, SPEED 85% of all fires this year were brought under control before they reached a size of Parks Victoria Higgins Road, ROBINVALE five hectares, which is a good measure of the success of first attack efforts under Gateway Beet 75 Lascelles Street, HOPETOUN very trying conditions. Hindmarsh Shire Municipal Office 92 Nelson Street, NHILL Post Office 27 Federal Street, RAINBOW Planned burning achievements – 2009/10 Post Office 31-47 Cotter Street, UNDERBOOL Post Office Millewa Road, WERRIMULL The Mallee District completed 11,647ha in Spring and 18,101 in Autumn of planned Newsagency Cnr Reed St & Gray Streets, MURRAYVILLE fuel reduction and ecological burns for a total of 29,748ha for the season Viewing the Plan online: Planned burns You can also view proposed planned burns in the Plan online through: • April is the critical month for our burning program and normally accounts for almost An online interactive map. Go to DSE’s website at www.dse.vic.gov.au , 50% of the area treated in the program. Two weeks of close to ideal burning select Interactive Maps then select Fireplan . conditions saw around 100 planned burns conducted, and the total treated area • Downloadable maps and planned burn lists at www.dse.vic.gov.au/burns , passed 100,000 hectares during the period leading up to Anzac Day (25 April). select Fire Operations Plans then select View Proposed Plans .

The period following Anzac Day saw a further 40,000 hectares of land being treated District Contact Details through planned burning, bringing the total of ecological fuel reduction burns for All comments and suggestions about the Plan should be sent in writing, using the autumn to 262 burns over 140,280 hectares. FOP Feedback form, to: Milton Smith PO Box 905 Mildura, 3502

Comments may also be sent by email to [email protected] .

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

Preparation of a Fire Operations Plan This means that a second or third year burn may be ‘Planned’ have been approved on the previous years The development of a District Fire Operations Plan brought forward to the current year to replace a burn Fire Operations Plan. Previously approved burns may involves the nomination of planned burns and other planned for the first year . be burnt prior to the approval of the 2010/11 Plan. works by DSE, Parks Victoria and other interested Burn Type – indicates the purpose of the burn stakeholders. How to read this document including fuel reduction burn (FRB), ecological burn (ECO) or forest regeneration (REG). Development of the Plan considers: The Fire Operation Plan consists of a number of Distance – the maximum length of the work site schedules and maps. measured in kilometres (km), including areas • relevant legislation and Departmental policies specifically excluded from disturbance. relating to environmental and cultural heritage Schedule 1 lists planned fuel reduction, ecological and Firebreak – any natural or constructed discontinuity in protection, and emergency management; other planned burns. fuel that may be used to segregate, stop or control • various Departmental fire instructions and Schedule 2 lists landscape mosaic burns the spread of a bushfire, or to provide a fire control guidelines, particularly the Fire Operations line from which to suppress a fire. Planning Manual 2.1; Schedule 3 provides an overview of strategic Fuel Management Zone (FMZ) – an area of land upon • relevant Fire Protection/Fire Management Plans; fuelbreaks to be constructed or maintained during • 2010/11 and includes details of future fuelbreak which fire is managed for specific asset, fuel and the Code of Practice for Timber Production; . • locations. ecological objectives relevant Forest Management and Park Fuelbreak - a strip of land where vegetation has been

Management Plans; Schedule 4 lists the non-burning fuel management removed or modified to reduce the risk of fires • biodiversity, soil, water, economic and cultural program such as slashing, pruning or mulching. starting and/or to reduce the rate of spread and values within the District; and intensity of any fire that may occur in or enter the • Schedule5 lists fire access road works. environmental, cultural or economic strategies treated area. which could be impacted by the Plan’s Schedule 6 lists fire infrastructure works. Land Manager – the organisation responsible for day- implementation. Schedule 7 sets out fire preparedness works that will to-day management of the work site. Where necessary, prescriptions for particular values be undertaken in the District to ensure that both Local Government Area (LGA) – the municipality in may be specified for each burn, which are personnel and equipment are ready for the 2010/11 which the majority of the work site is located. incorporated into individual Burn Plans. These fire season. Location – a bearing and distance of the work site prescriptions are reviewed annually, to take into from the nearest major township/locality . account experience from burning operations in the Information provided on schedules Operation Type – the type of works planned at the site. previous season. Area – the maximum area of the work site measured Season – indicates the preferred season in which the in hectares (ha), including areas specifically excluded Important note: burn will be completed. from disturbance. The ability to carry out burns is dependent on seasonal Strategy – the fuel management strategy for a Burn Number and Name / Road Name / Address – an and local weather conditions. To allow for this, particular area planned burns from the second and third years of the identifier for each burn or planned work site. Burn Status – a status of ‘Proposed’ indicates that a Plan are considered as contingencies for the first year. burn is new on this Plan. Burns with a status of

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

SCHEDULE 1: PLANNED BURNS Planned burning is one of DSEs most important fire prevention activities. It involves the controlled setting of fires during periods of lower fire risk, to achieve one of three main purposes: fuel reduction, ecological management, and forest regeneration. It is important to understand that planned burning operations, particularly fuel reduction burns, do not stop or eliminate the risk of wildfires. However, Victorian research, and similar information from other parts of Australia and overseas, clearly shows that fire-fighters have a much better chance of controlling wildfires in areas where fuel reduction burns have been carried out. Approved burns in this years Plan will require ground works. Ground works will be assessed through on-site inspections which will look at surrounding assets and planned burn objectives. Works may include pest plant controls, brushing up of existing boundaries, internal tracks and other control lines with dozers or graders. Important note: A status of ‘Proposed’ indicates that a burn is new on this Plan. Burns with a status of ‘Planned’ have been approved on the previous years Fire Operations Plan. Previously approved burns may be burnt prior to the approval of the 2010/11 Plan. Proposed Planned Burns 2010/11 Fuel Planned Burn Burn Land Burn Burn Land Management Grid LGA Name Location Management Burn Status Number Manager Season Type Objective Reference Zone Area BD – NGARKAT FIRE 48 / 20KM SW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 207 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF035800 1085Ha THOMAS ROAD MURRAYVILLE MODERATION ZONE ANNUELLO – BROKEN STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 212 25KM NE OF OUYEN PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 XG403325 885Ha GLASS TRACK MODERATION ZONE BD – BIG DESERT FIRE 47 / 49KM SE OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED HINDMARSH 219 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF490610 1878Ha CHINAMANS WELL TRACK MURRAYVILLE MODERATION ZONE BD - MAJORLOCK SOAK 15 KM SW OF FORESTS STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 225 SPRING FRB 2 Wf497937 3271Ha TK/BIG DESERT FIRE 47 COWANGIE PARKS VIC MODERATION ZONE BD – CHINAMANS WELL STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED HINDMARSH 228 41 KM NNW OF YANAC PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF490386 1442Ha FIRE SCAR MODERATION ZONE BD – WAGON FLAT FIRE STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED HINDMARSH 229 36 KM NE OF YANAC PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF533360 1400Ha SCAR MODERATION ZONE ANNUELLO NORTH EAST STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED SHRCC 237 38KM NE OF OUYEN PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 XG480440 450Ha BOUNDARY MODERATION ZONE ANNUELLO SOUTH EAST STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 238 37 KM NE OF OUYEN PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 XG533345 475Ha BOUNDARY MODERATION ZONE MSNP – SUNSET TRACK 30KM N OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 240 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG169273 787Ha SOUTH MURRAYVILLE MODERATION ZONE MSNP – GALPUNGA 40KM SSE OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 241 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WG730588 1575Ha BLOCK SOUTH EAST WERRIMULL MODERATION ZONE MSNP – BAMBILL SOUTH 27KM SSW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 242 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG424711 222Ha TRACK WEST WERRIMULL MODERATION ZONE MSNP – PHEENYS BLOCK 46KM SSW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 243 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG418509 1257Ha WEST WERRIMULL MODERATION ZONE MSNP – PHEENYS TRK 40KM SW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 254 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WG289585 2052Ha SOUTH WERRIMULL MODERATION ZONE 49KM NNW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 310 MSNP – BORDER TRACK PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG015457 1330Ha MURRAYVILLE MANAGEMENT ZONE 30KM NE OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 312 MSNP – MT CROZIER PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG595340 1006Ha UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

MSNP – MERINGUR 27KM W OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 318 PARKS VIC SPRING ECO 3 WH251073 90Ha NORTH CULLULLERAINE MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 322 BRONZEWING WEST 16KM SSW OF OUYEN PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XF145970 258Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 327 YELTA 1KM S OF YELTA PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WH917220 20Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED SHRCC 328 LAKE BOGA LAKE BOGA PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 YF400758 2Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE MSNP – PINK LAKES 17KM NW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 331 PARKS VIC SPRING ECO 3 WG628209 15Ha REGEN GRUB TRACK UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – PINE PLAINS 25KM WNW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 332 PARKS VIC SPRING ECO 3 WF834885 67Ha REGEN NORTH PATCHEWOLLOCK MANAGEMENT ZONE MSNP – MT CROZIER FIRE 29KM NNW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 337 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG672352 463Ha NORTH UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – BD FIRE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED HINDMARSH 344 39KM NW OF YAAPEET PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF685710 816Ha UNDERBOOL TRACK LINK MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – OUTLET CREEK 24KM SW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED YARRIAMBIACK 345 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 WF905681 1149Ha NORTH WEST PATCHEWOLLOCK MANAGEMENT ZONE 22KM N OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 347 MSNP – MT JESS TRACK PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 WG730297 474Ha UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE MSNP – PINK LAKES LAKE 15KM NW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 348 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 WG668219 17Ha KENYAN WEST UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE MSNP – PINK LAKES LAKE 15KM NW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 349 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 WG687227 21Ha KENYAN NORTH UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE HATTAH – RED OCHRE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 350 14KM NNE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 XG198653 220Ha TRACK MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED HINDMARSH 375 WNP – FIRE #23 LINE 29KM N OF RAINBOW PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF848518 256Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 383 KOORLONG LAKE 12KM SW OF MILDURA FORESTS WINTER ECO 3 WH988073 16Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 384 CARDROSS LAKES 13KM SW OF MILDURA FORESTS WINTER ECO 3 XH025035 105Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

Proposed Planned Burns 2011/12 Fuel Planned Burn Burn Land Burn Burn Land Management Grid LGA Name Location Management Burn Status Number Manager Season Type Objective Reference Zone Area WEST BD – BIG DESERT FIRE 47/RED STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED 208 50KM NW OF YANAC PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF060380 1425Ha WIMMERA BLUFF TRACK MODERATION ZONE BD – CENTRAL BIG DESERT 20KM SSW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 224 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WF041734 2853Ha WILDERNESS MURRAYVILLE MODERATION ZONE MSNP – ROCKET LAKE STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 244 30KMSE OF WERRIMULL PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG717719 1084Ha MIDNIGHT TANK TRACKS MODERATION ZONE MSNP – PHEENYS TRACK STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 245 38KM S OF WERRIMULL PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG502565 587Ha EAST MODERATION ZONE MSNP – SUNSET TRACK 39KM N OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 246 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG171378 1275Ha NORTH MURRAYVILLE MODERATION ZONE MSNP – PHEENYS TRACK 55KM SW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 247 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG170525 630Ha BERROOK FIRE LINK WERRIMULL MODERATION ZONE MSNP – CROZIER BLOCK STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 248 34KM N OF UNDERBOOL PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG719410 2131Ha EAST MODERATION ZONE MSNP – PINK LAKES BLOCK 41KM NW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 249 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG415329 1863Ha EAST UNDERBOOL MODERATION ZONE MSNP–SETTLEMENT ROAD 47KM SW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 250 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WG171667 945Ha REFERENCE AREA SOUTH WERRIMULL MODERATION ZONE MSNP – PHEENYS TRK- 45KM NW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 255 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WG557527 350Ha UNDERBOOL TRK UNDERBOOL MODERATION ZONE ANNUELLO – THE HUB ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 354 30 KM SE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 XG436409 922Ha NORTH EAST MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 355 ANNUELLO – GOAT TRACK 28KM SE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 XG388359 736Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 360 MSNP – CROZIER NORTH 35KM N OF UNDERBOOL PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG788459 790Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 363 HATTAH – DEPOT WEST 4KM E OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG213526 33Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 364 HATTAH – DEPOT SOUTH 5KM E OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG220525 56Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE HATTAH – MOURNPALL ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 366 15KM NE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG259667 74Ha NORTH MANAGEMENT ZONE HATTAH – MOURNPALL ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 367 5KM NE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG212579 126Ha SOUTH MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 368 HATTAH – OLD CALDER HWY 5KM NE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG198573 114Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE HATTAH – OLD CALDER HWY ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 369 4.5KM ENE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG211541 70Ha SOUTH MANAGEMENT ZONE HATTAH – NOWINGI TRK ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 370 5KM ESE OF NOWINGI PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG162683 122Ha NORTH WEST MANAGEMENT ZONE HATTAH – NOWINGI TRK ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 371 10KM NNE OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG164635 84Ha WEST MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED HINDMARSH 377 WNP – BOOLIGAL NORTH 25KM NW OF RAINBOW PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF715441 151Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE 24KM W OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 380 WNP – GUNNERS TRK WEST PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF839834 10Ha PATCHEWOLLOCK MANAGEMENT ZONE

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

Proposed Planned Burns 2012/13 Fuel Planned Burn Burn Land Burn Burn Land Management Grid LGA Name Location Management Burn Status Number Manager Season Type Objective Reference Zone Area 29KM WSW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 256 MSNP – LAST HOPE SOUTH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WG888455 337Ha HATTAH MODERATION ZONE WNP – NINE MILE SQ TRK 42KM S OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED HINDMARSH 257 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WF738653 502Ha WEST UNDERBOOL MODERATION ZONE WNP – NORTH-SOUTH TRK 16KM SSW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 258 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WF026681 642Ha WEST PATCHEWOLLOCK MODERATION ZONE WNP – WIRRENGREN BURN 33KM S OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 259 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WF763740 522Ha WEST UNDERBOOL MODERATION ZONE WNP – ARCHIBALD TRK 27KM NW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED HINDMARSH 260 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 2 WF762496 680Ha WEST RAINBOW MODERATION ZONE 16Km SE OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 261 WNP - GUNNERS EAST PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF860960 261Ha UNDERBOOL MODERATION ZONE WNP – UNDERBOOL TRACK 14Km SW OF STRATEGIC WILDFIRE PLANNED MRCC 262 PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 2 WF665955 67Ha WEST UNDERBOOL MODERATION ZONE MSNP – BERROOK SOUTH- 35KM NNW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 359 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG093365 907Ha WEST MURRAYVILLE MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 361 MSNP – RAAK WEST SOUTH 25KM W OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG896573 246Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 362 MSNP – RAAK WEST NORTH 31KM NW OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WG857627 385Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 365 HATTAH – DEPOT EAST 5KM E OF HATTAH PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 XG220528 22Ha MANAGEMENT ZONE BRONZEWING ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 372 19KM SW OF OUYEN PARKS VIC SPRING FRB 3 XG187989 86Ha TRANSMISSION LINE MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – O`SULLIVANS 26KM S OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 373 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF776816 558Ha LOOKOUT SOUTH UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – O`SULLIVANS 19KM S OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 374 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF783892 378Ha LOOKOUT NORTH UNDERBOOL MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – ARCHIBALD-PURRA 23KM NNW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED HINDMARSH 376 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF819481 316Ha TRK RAINBOW MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – GINAP TRK NORTH 15KM S OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 378 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF099688 474Ha EAST PATCHEWOLLOCK MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – GINAP TRK NORTH 17 KM SSW OF ECOLOGICAL PLANNED MRCC 379 PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF010682 302Ha WEST PATCHEWOLLOCK MANAGEMENT ZONE WNP – WAGGON FLAT LEG ECOLOGICAL PLANNED HINDMARSH 381 25KM NNE OF YANAC PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF501237 1728Ha WEST MANAGEMENT ZONE BD-NHILL MURRAYVILLE ECOLOGICAL PLANNED HINDMARSH 382 30KM N OF YANAC FORESTS AUTUMN FRB 3 WF385313 227Ha TRACK EAST MANAGEMENT ZONE WEST ECOLOGICAL PLANNED 386 WNP – RED BLUFF NORTH 48kms NW OF YANAC PARKS VIC AUTUMN FRB 3 WF005308 419Ha WIMMERA MANAGEMENT ZONE

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

SCHEDULE 2: LANDSCAPE MOSAIC BURNS A landscape mosaic burn is one which aims to produce a mosaic of fire intensities and coverage across a larger area in the broader landscape. These burns may have multiple objectives and/or take more than one year to complete, and/or exceed 5000ha in size.

Recent scientific research has found managing fire to maintain a landscape mosaic of different vegetation types and vegetation growth stages will enhance biodiversity at a landscape scale. Managing a fire mosaic landscape creates variation in fuel types and hazard levels. Research has also shown that a landscape scale, a mosaic of fuel hazard levels will reduce the size and intensity of wildfires. As such, it is considered a program of Landscape Mosaic Burning across the state will enhance biodiversity and decrease wildfire severity. This is consistent with current burning practices in that the majority of planned burns undertaken are not intended to be burnt 100% across the planned area. Most planned burns result in a combination of burnt and un-burnt areas with a variety of intensities.

Proposed Landscape Mosaic Burns Burn Burn Land Burn Scheduled Grid Planned Burn LGA Name Location Land Management Objective Status Number Manager Season Year Reference Area WNP – FIRE GULF 24KM SW OF PLANNED MRCC 315 PARKS VIC 2010/2011 BROAD FUEL REDUCED MOSAIC WF587892 3400Ha LANDSCAPE BURN UNDERBOOL WNP – FIRE GULF 24KM SW OF COMPLETE MRCC 315 – 1 PARKS VIC 2009/2010 2009/2010 LANDSCAPE BURN STAGE 1 UNDERBOOL WNP – FIRE GULF 24KM SW OF PLANNED MRCC 315 – 2 PARKS VIC 2010/2011 2010/2011 LANDSCAPE BURN STAGE 2 UNDERBOOL WNP – FIRE GULF 24KM SW OF PLANNED MRCC 315 – 3 PARKS VIC 2011/2012 2011/2012 LANDSCAPE BURN STAGE 3 UNDERBOOL PLANNED HINDMARSH 340 WNP – MILMED ROCK LMB 30KM NW OF YAAPEET PARKS VIC 2010/2011 BROAD FUEL REDUCED MOSAIC WF703576 6046Ha WNP – MILMED ROCK LMB COMPLETE HINDMARSH 340 – 1 30KM NW OF YAAPEET PARKS VIC 2009/2010 2009/2010 LANDSCAPE BURN STAGE 1 WNP – MILMED ROCK LMB PLANNED HINDMARSH 340 - 2 30KM NW OF YAAPEET PARKS VIC 2010/2011 2010/2011 LANDSCAPE BURN STAGE 2 WNP – MILMED ROCK LMB PLANNED HINDMARSH 340 - 3 30KM NW OF YAAPEET PARKS VIC 2011/2012 2011/2012 LANDSCAPE BURN STAGE 3 WNP – ARNOLD SPRINGS 52KM WNW OF PLANNED HINDMARSH 341 PARKS VIC 2010/2011 BROAD FUEL REDUCED MOSAIC WF466599 6872Ha LMB YAAPEET WNP – ARNOLD SPRINGS 52KM WNW OF COMPLETE HINDMARSH 341 - 1 PARKS VIC 2009/2010 2009/2010 LMB STAGE 1 YAAPEET WNP – ARNOLD SPRINGS 52KM WNW OF PLANNED HINDMARSH 341 - 2 PARKS VIC 2010/2011 2010/2011 LMB STAGE 2 YAAPEET WNP – ARNOLD SPRINGS 52KM WNW OF PLANNED HINDMARSH 341 - 3 PARKS VIC 2011/2012 2011/2012 LMB STAGE 3 YAAPEET MSNP – MILLEWA 49KM NNW OF PLANNED MRCC 385 PARKS VIC 2012/2013 2012/2013 BROAD FUEL REDUCED MOSAIC WG130480 1679Ha BERROOK LMB MURRAYVILLE

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

SCHEDULE 3: STRATEGIC FUELBREAKS The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria are working together to establish and maintain a network of strategic fuelbreaks to expand the protection of communities, forests and parks from the threat of bushfire. A fuelbreak is a strip of land where vegetation has been modified to reduce the amount of fuel available to burn during a bushfire. Strategic fuelbreaks are an important tool for fire management on public land. They provide a fuel-reduced area from which to conduct back burning ahead of an approaching bushfire or during DSE’s planned burning season. Machinery is used to clear vegetation generally within a 15-20 metre wide strip. In some instances this width could be up to 40m. Existing roads and tracks are considered part of the clearing. Where possible, overstorey trees are retained to provide shading and connection between the trees for wildlife and landscape values.

Strategic fuelbreaks are included on this Fire Operations Plan for information only.

Proposed Works 2010/11 Road or Location Name Locality Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Distance (km) Boundary Fuel Breaks Patchewollock State Forest Chaining Strategic Wildfire Moderation 45

Proposed Works 2011/12 Road or Location Name Locality Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Distance (km) Nhill Murrayville Track Big Desert State Forest Chaining Strategic Wildfire Moderation 65

Proposed Works 2012/13 Road or Location Name Locality Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Distance (km) NIL RETURN

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

SCHEDULE 4: Non-burning Fuel Management Program Non-burning methods of fuel management such as slashing, pruning, mulching or other operations (such as ploughing, herbicide application or rolling) may be more appropriate or practical in certain areas. For example, fuel on small areas or blocks located within townships may be treated mechanically, where burning is impractical. These methods may also be more suitable in certain vegetation types.

Proposed Works 2010/11 Distance (km) Location or Road Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Land Manager / Area (ha) Parardise-Yarto- Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park XF154671 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 110 Gate Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park WF880843 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 100 Wyperfeld National Park WF905440 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 25 Mournpall Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG259652 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 10 Settlement Road-Taparoo- Murray-Sunset National Park WH027024 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 58 Sturt Highway-Berribee Border Track Murray-Sunset National Park VG968778 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 54 North South Settlement Road- Murray-Sunset National Park WG181781 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 80 Nunns Road Settlement Road Murray-Sunset National Park WG548775 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 111 North Boundary Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG190750 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 26 Annuello Flora and Fauna Boundary Tracks XG402438 Vegetation clearing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 70 Reserve Mt Jess Track Murray-Sunset National Park WG760270 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 12 Annuello Flora and Fauna Angle Track XG402438 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 14 Reserve Annuello Flora and Fauna Goat and Drew Tracks XG420382 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 19 Reserve Old Calder Highway Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG180574 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 12 Northern Boundary Track Patchewollock State Forest XG010995 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Forests 22 Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park WG854800 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 60 Wathe Flora and Fauna Boundary Tracks XG200020 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 25 Reserve Timberoo Flora and Fauna Various Tracks XG064067 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 20 Reserve Bronzewing Flora and Fauna MVO Tracks XF300699 Vegetation clearing Fuel Management Parks Victoria 21 Reserve

Draft 2010/11 – 2012/13 Mallee District Fire Operations Plan

Proposed Works 2011/12 Distance (km) Location or Road Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Land Manager / Area (ha) Parardise-Yarto- Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park XF154671 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 110 Gate Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park WF880843 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 100 Lake Albacutya Wyperfeld National Park WF905440 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 25 Mournpall Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG259652 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 10 Settlement Road-Taparoo- Murray-Sunset National Park WH027024 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 58 Sturt Highway-Berribee Border Track Murray-Sunset National Park VG968778 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 54 North South Settlement Road- Murray-Sunset National Park WG181781 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 80 Nunns Road Settlement Road Murray-Sunset National Park WG548775 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 111 Boolca Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG230698 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Management Parks Victoria 3 Shorts Pipeline Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG365515 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Management Parks Victoria 6 Messengers-Mailbox Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG362530 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Management Parks Victoria 5 Mournpall Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG240560 Discing, chemical application, slashing, mulching Fuel Management Parks Victoria 15 Midnight Tank Track Murray-Sunset National Park WG790727 Discing, chemical application, slashing, trimming Fuel Management Parks Victoria 13 Unnamed Track Murray-Sunset National Park WG814750 Discing, chemical application, slashing, trimming Fuel Management Parks Victoria 4 Unnamed Track Murray-Sunset National Park WG845755 Discing, chemical application, slashing, trimming Fuel Management Parks Victoria 4 Unnamed Track Murray-Sunset National Park WG650480 Discing, chemical application, slashing, trimming Fuel Management Parks Victoria 8 Castle Crossing Road- Murray-Sunset National Park WG997780 Discing, chemical application, slashing, trimming Fuel Management Parks Victoria 8 Boundary Track Double Tank Track Murray-Sunset National Park WG950762 Discing, chemical application, slashing, trimming Fuel Management Parks Victoria 4

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Proposed Works 2012/13 Distance (km) Location or Road Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Land Manager / Area (ha) Parardise-Yarto- Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park XF154761 Discing, chemical application, slashing, Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 110 Gate Pine Plains Wyperfeld National Park WF880843 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 100 Lake Albacutya Wyperfeld National Park WF905440 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 25 Mournpall Track Hattah-Kulkyne National Park XG259652 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 10 Settlement Road-Taparoo- Murray-Sunset National Park WH027024 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 58 Sturt Highway-Berribee Border Track Murray-Sunset National Park VG968778 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 54 North South Settlement Road- Murray-Sunset National Park WG181781 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 80 Nunns Road Settlement Road Murray-Sunset National Park WG548775 Discing, chemical application, slashing Fuel Break Management Parks Victoria 111

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SCHEDULE 5: Fire Access Road works The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria work together to establish and maintain a network of roads which allow quick access to public land for fire suppression activities and for the support of planned burning operations.

Important note: In future years, all road works will be listed on a District Action Plan, which will be available for public viewing.

Proposed Works 2010/11 Road or Location Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Road Land Distance Class Manager (km) Underbool Track Murray Sunset National Park WG 681648 Cap Sandridges 5 Parks 5 Victoria Rocket Lake Track Murray Sunset National Park WG 753587 Widen and Grade 5 Parks 15 Victoria

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SCHEDULE 6: Fire Infrastructure Management

Proposed Works 2010/11 Infrastructure Type Location or Road Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Land Manager Airstrip Burstall Road-Willsmore Road Linga WG 657050 Maintenance Land and Fire

Key: Infrastructure types are Fire Towers, Airstrips, Helipads or Water Points. Other infrastructure types should be specified in the table.

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SCHEDULE 7: OTHER FIRE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES

Preparedness of personnel: Train and maintain accredited personnel for all fire roles, including incident controller, operations, 2 xIC 1, 3xops ,1x aircraft officer, 1x incendiary 0ps supervisor, planning, logistics and specialist aviation roles. 1xairbase manager, 3xinformation officers, 2xsupply officers, 2xresources officers Recruit, train & accredit seasonal fire fighters as required by seasonal conditions 48 Provide training to all contractors and staff involved in fire operations. 20

Preparedness of equipment: Maintain heavy & light tankers (slip-ons), heavy & light dozers, strategic caravans, pump trailers, 2xtankers, 27xslipons, 1xlight dozer, 1xMTL, 1xfire boat, camping trailers and other fire equipment. 1xcommunications caravan, 6xpumps trailers, 10xcamp trailers, 1xMORF trailer, 1xcatering trailer, 2xdiesel trailers, 1xADT trailer

Education and awareness: Attend Municipal Fire Prevention Committees, Integrated Fire Management Committees, Mildura MFPC, Swan Hill MFPC, Yarriambiack MFPC, Hindmarsh MFPC Emergency Planning Committees, and CFA liaison committees throughout the year Mildura MEMPC, Swan Hill MEMPC, CFA Region 18 RFPC, Big Desert- Wyperfeld Fire Conference, Speed Field Day

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