Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment GIPPSLAND REGION

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment

GIPPSLAND REGION

April 2012

INTEGRATED PLANNING AND BUILDING FRAMEWORK A response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 3

2.0 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL OVERVIEW...... 5

3.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – BASS COAST SHIRE...... 7

4.0 OVERVIEW – FRENCH ISLAND...... 10

5.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – BAW BAW SHIRE...... 12

6.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE...... 18

7.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – LATROBE CITY...... 28

8.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE...... 33

9.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – WELLINGTON SHIRE...... 38

RECOMMENDATION 38 of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission states... “The State implement a regional settlement policy that: • takes account of the management of bushfire risk, including that associated with small, undeveloped rural lots • includes a process for responding to bushfire risk at the planning stage ... ”

2 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 1.0 INTRODUCTION

The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC) 1.2 What information is contained in the RBPA? 1.3 How is the RBPA different to the BMO? emphasised the importance of considering bushfire matters at all stages of the planning process, including through regional The RBPA provides information on matters which may be relevant The BMO is applied to areas where there is potential for settlement planning and in the Local Planning Policy Framework. to strategic and settlement planning and focuses on the factors bushfire behaviour such as a crown fire, extreme ember attack The State Planning Policy for Bushfire also identifies that considered particularly important by the VBRC, including: and radiant heat. The application of the overlay is based on a strategic and settlement planning should assist to strengthen technical evaluation of the bushfire hazard validated with relevant community resilience to bushfire. • areas where smaller sized lots (less than 0.4ha) which may fire authorities and councils. The key purpose of the BMO is to be used for residential purposes are in or close to a bushfire identify areas where a planning permit is specifically required to The Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment (RBPA) supports hazard consider the bushfire matters prior to development occurring. this approach and is part of the Government’s response to Recommendation 38 of the VBRC relating to the development of • areas where medium sized lots (between 0.4-4ha) which may The RBPA informs a broader consideration of bushfire issues regional settlement policy in Victoria. be used for residential purposes are in or close to a bushfire by recognising that, in specific locations, the bushfire hazard hazard increases the potential bushfire risk to life and property in 1.1 What is the RBPA? very specific ways, for example, due to access constraints. • areas where there is a settlement or urban interface with the Addressing these factors is an important way that strategic The RBPA provides extra information about areas (referred to in bushfire hazard and settlement planning can respond to bushfire issues before this document as ‘identified areas’) where a range of land use specific development proposals are considered. This provides an • locations which may have limited access and egress, indicated planning matters intersect with a bushfire hazard to influence the opportunity to resolve issues and implement mitigation measures by a single access road to and from a settlement in addition to level of risk to life and property from bushfire. This information early in the planning process and at a strategic level. roads which connect a number of settlements in areas with a should be addressed as part of strategic land use and settlement bushfire hazard planning at the regional, municipal and local levels. 1.4 How is an RBPA prepared? • areas where future strategic directions contained in planning The RBPA will inform the Regional Growth Plans currently The information in the RBPA has been identified through a two- schemes may conflict with the bushfire hazard being prepared by the Department of Planning and Community step process: Development in conjunction with councils. It provides a basis • areas where the broader landscape is particularly affected by to initiate further detailed analysis as part of other planning Step 1 – Base data on planning zones and overlays, vegetation a bushfire hazard processes such as settlement planning and preparing planning quality, lot location, sizes and patterns and single roads into scheme amendments. • areas identified from local information provided by either settlements was collected and correlated against the latest the relevant fire authority or the council that may need to be information on the bushfire hazard. For the RBPA a bushfire The RBPA is not a statutory planning provision and does considered in planning decision making hazard was generally considered to be a significant extent of not directly translate into planning schemes. However, it vegetation and the area of reference for identified areas was land complements planning scheme provisions such as the Bushfire • areas where multiple issues occur in a single area. in or in close proximity (200 metres) to the vegetation. Step 1 Management Overlay (BMO) by providing spatial and qualitative provided the initial identified areas. information from a variety of sources which together can inform This information is shown spatially on maps at a strategic scale. considerations about where bushfire should be assessed early in It is supported by a table that gives a brief explanation for each Step 2 – A qualitative review of the initial identified areas was the strategic planning process. identified area. undertaken with councils, the relevant fire authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment and any further information based on local knowledge was included as identified areas.

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION cont..

The development of the RBPA was supported by a reference 1.6 Important things to note group of representatives from the Department of Planning and Community Development, Municipal Association of Victoria, The RBPA complements other information that can also inform councils, the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire and planning decisions. This includes the Victorian Fire Risk Register, Emergency Services Board, and the Growth Areas Authority. Integrated Fire Management Planning and its associated plans and strategies and the operations and workings of fire 1.5 How should an identified area be treated? authorities, councils and communities. Investigation of an identified area should be informed by these and other activities The bushfire risk in identified areas should be assessed as part that together support community resilience to bushfire. of strategic and settlement planning and where land use issues are a factor in strengthening community resilience to bushfire The RBPA therefore does not include all information captured by (for example, where development and growth is occurring or other processes. planned). The RBPA is not a bushfire risk assessment of any of the Minister’s Direction No. 11 - Strategic assessment of identified areas. Identified areas are based on where the bushfire amendments requires a planning authority to evaluate and hazard correlates with land use planning considerations that may discuss how an amendment addresses bushfire risk. The RBPA influence the bushfire risk. The RBPA has not sought to replicate will assist planning authorities in determining when bushfire risk bushfire risk assessments undertaken through other processes, should be addressed. particularly the Victorian Fire Risk Register.

Not every identified area shown in the RBPA requires a specific planning response because:

• there are limited land-use planning responses that can be implemented where an area is not experiencing any change or development pressure

• the anticipated nature and extent of development in specific areas, including areas already zoned for particular uses, can be appropriately managed through the planning permit process where the BMO applies

• planning schemes cannot prevent the continuation of a lawful existing use where Clause 63 of planning schemes protects existing use rights

• bushfire issues may be best managed through non-planning responses such as Integrated Fire Management Planning.

4 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 2.0 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL OVERVIEW

The Gippsland Region comprises highly diverse landscapes, The Gippsland Region contains considerable areas of state forest ranging from the heavily forested Great Dividing Range which and national parks, with approximately 60 per cent of the region runs across the northern half of the region, to the highly fertile consisting of public land. Major public land areas include the agricultural areas of the Gippsland Plain and south Gippsland, Wilsons Promontory National Park at the southern most extent of the coal resources of the Latrobe Valley and the coastal areas, the region and coastal parks such as the Croajingolong National which include the Gippsland Lakes and Wilsons Promontory Park in far eastern Gippsland and the Gippsland Lakes National Park. The most recent major fires to affect the Gippsland Region The region is divided into six municipalities, excluding French are those that occurred during early 2009 (Black Saturday) Island and Baw Baw Alpine Resort which are administered by the which affected the Delburn area in the Strzelecki Ranges, the Victorian Government, and vary considerably in size, population Bunyip area, Churchill (Callignee fire) and Wilsons Promontory and landscape. Baw Baw and Bass Coast are located in the peri- National Park. Previous major fire events include the fires of urban region of Melbourne and are experiencing considerable December 2006 to February 2007 which affected East Gippsland, development pressure from people moving into the area. Latrobe, Wellington and Baw Baw, the April 2005 fire in Wilsons Promontory National Park, and the January–March 2003 Major towns include Bairnsdale, Morwell, Moe, Sale, Traralgon Gippsland fire. and Wonthaggi. The larger settlements are located outside areas of bushfire hazard, however in some cases they are located in One of the key findings of the RBPA is the identification of a close proximity to high bushfire hazard. strong link between rural-residential areas and their exposure to bushfire hazard, with many rural-residential areas having The highly diverse landscapes of the Gippsland Region, and the considerable subdivision and development potential. high rainfall experienced in the southern half of the region result in considerable variation in landscape typologies and associated fire hazard. Bass Coast and South Gippsland contain considerably less bushfire hazard areas than municipalities such as East Gippsland and Wellington which include extensive tracts of forested areas in the Great Dividing Range.

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 5 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL MAP

6 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 3.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – BASS COAST SHIRE

Bass Coast Shire covers an area of about 860 square kilometres 3.1 The mainland and has a population of approximately 31 000. The municipality comprises inland settlements and farming areas, Phillip Island, The mainland generally consists of cleared farming land in the Churchill Island and coastlines. The majority of the coastal interior of the municipality, and environmentally significant foothills are cleared of vegetation and used for the grazing of vegetation along the coastlines of Western Port and Bass Strait. livestock. There are multiple urban and rural settlements in the mainland area of Bass Coast. The main settlements include Wonthaggi, coastal settlements along Bass Strait and coastal rural-living settlements in the north-east.

The highest concentration of bushfire hazard areas occurs in the coastal rural living settlements in the north-west of the municipality. In this area there are vegetated coastal foothills and a number of settlements that interface with a bushfire hazard area.

The Bass Strait coastal area is heavily vegetated and is a bushfire hazard. Several of the settlements along the coastline have interfaces to these areas. Current planning strategies propose to extend several of these coastal settlements.

3.2 Phillip Island

Phillip Island is known for its tourism assets including beaches and coastline rock formations. The majority of the topography is flat, cleared farming land. Past farming practices have reduced the extent of significant vegetation, although there are some scattered pockets of conservation significant vegetation throughout the island.

Churchill Island is located to the east of the island and contains a historic homestead associated with past agricultural activities.

There are several existing settlements on Phillip Island in the north, north-east and south-east. These existing urban areas have interfaces to bushfire hazard areas. Current planning strategies propose to extend several of these settlements.

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 7 BASS COAST MUNICIPAL MAP

8 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION BASS COAST – IDENTIFIED DESCRIPTION TABLE

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

4-001 South-west Ventnor The northern and southern boundaries of urban development in south-west Ventnor is located in proximity to a patch of coastal vegetation and interfaces with bushfire hazard. Additionally, a cluster of small lots exist in the bushfire hazard generally north-west of McHaffie Street.

4-002 Cowes Planning scheme envisages future growth and the extension of Cowes for infill and residential development in an area adjacent to bushfire hazard.

4-003 South-east Cowes South-eastern boundary of Cowes interfaces with bushfire hazard.

4-004 Rhyll Western boundary of Rhyll interfaces with bushfire hazard.

4-005 East of Surf Beach Small patch of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance in proximity to settlements east of Surf Beach. The settlement abuts an area subject to tidal inundation however it may be subject to the effects of a bushfire event.

4-006 Cape Woolamai Southern boundary of Cape Woolamai interfaces with a bushfire hazard and with Western Port.

4-007 Cape Woolamai North-eastern boundary of Cape Woolamai interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

4-008 Newhaven Southern boundary of Newhaven interfaces with a vegetated bushfire hazard area.

4-009 Wonthaggi / South Dudley South Dudley and the western edge of Wonthaggi interface with an area containing vegetation.

4-010 Harmers Haven Cluster of small residential lots abutting the coastline. The settlement abuts coastal vegetation and is in a bushfire hazard area.

4-011 Cape Paterson An extension of the coastal township of Cape Paterson to the west is located adjacent to coastal vegetation.

4-012 Cape Paterson Southern boundary of Cape Paterson interfaces with coastal bushfire hazard.

4-013 South-west Inverloch Southern boundary of the coastal settlement of Inverloch interfaces with bushfire hazard. Vegetation permeates into the established urban area.

4-014 Inverloch Planning scheme provides for an eastern extension of the coastal township of Inverloch in proximity to a bushfire hazard.

4-015 Holden Proving Ground Holden proving ground and golf course located in a bushfire hazard area, surrounded by vegetation. Specific local knowledge is applied to this area given the expanse of and Golf Course vegetation and presence of some scattered dwellings in and around existing bush.

4-016 Queensferry to The Multiple bushfire planning matters including: Gurdies • cluster of small lots in proximity to bushfire hazard in Adams Estate, Grantville, Pioneer Bay and The Gurdies • settlements of The Gurdies, Grantville and Adams Estate directly interface with bushfire hazard • semi-rural environment containing medium sized lots in proximity to bushfire hazard generally dispersed in the area east of the Bass Highway • single access roads service dwellings particularly around Adams Estate, Grantville and The Gurdies • vegetation in the area consists of high and very high conservation significance.

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 9 4.0 OVERVIEW – FRENCH ISLAND

The majority of French Island contains environments ranging from mangrove salt marsh areas to open woodlands, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The island is relatively flat and comprises open farming areas used for grazing and large stands of native vegetation.

Access to the island is by a foot-passenger ferry service from Stony Point and by a vehicle-punt to Corinella. Settlement in French Island is sparse and the opportunity for growth of densely populated settlements is highly restrained.

FRENCH ISLAND – IDENTIFIED DESCRIPTION TABLE

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

79-001 French Island Cluster of small lots located in proximity to bushfire hazard. The area contains limited existing development and includes multiple individual lots of less than 0.4 hectares.

10 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION FRENCH ISLAND MAP

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 11 5.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – BAW BAW SHIRE

Baw Baw Shire is about 4000 square kilometres and has 5.1 Inland region a population of approximately 43 950. The municipality is characterised by rolling green hills, towns, mountains and The most populated areas of the municipality are generally agricultural land. The Shire includes the major towns of located outside of heavily vegetated areas. However, there are Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar and Yarragon. It also includes Mt several existing settlements in proximity to bushfire hazard areas Baw Baw Alpine Resort. The western part of the municipality is and several of these have current planning strategies to expand located in the peri-urban region of Melbourne. The municipality towards bushfire hazard areas. has had a history of fire, including in 2009. Woodland vegetation such as snow gum and eucalyptus pauciflora, dominates the 5.2 Great Dividing Range region. Vast areas in this part of the municipality do not have settlements Vast areas of the municipality do not have settlements due to due to the topography and environmental conditions. Given this, the coverage of forested public land and steep topography in there are only a few isolated settlements that have an interface to the northern half of the municipality. Areas in the south are a bushfire hazard area. productive agricultural land with limited vegetation. The assessment identified a number of small clusters of undeveloped rural-residential lots located in the narrow valleys that intersect the Great Dividing Range in the northern half of the municipality. These lots have interfaces to bushfire hazard areas and are generally constrained due to lack of access and development potential.

5.3 Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort

The Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is geographically located in the Baw Baw Shire, although administered by the Victorian Government. It is identified as a settlement that interfaces with highly significant vegetation.

Other small rural settlements with a bushfire hazard area are located in the vicinity of the Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, particularly to the east along the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Trail and in proximity to Neerim Junction.

12 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION BAW BAW MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 1

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 13 BAW BAW MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 2

14 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION BAW BAW MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 3

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 15 BAW BAW – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

5-001 Yarragon South Southern extent of Yarragon contains a dispersed development pattern in a vegetated bushfire hazard area. Area accommodates varying lot sizes with rural lots generally in excess of four hectares in the Rural and Farming Zones.

5-002 South Trafalgar Southern boundary of the Trafalgar township interfaces with a bushfire hazard. Area includes vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

5-003 East of Trafalgar Cluster of predominantly medium size lots located in a rural landscape containing scattered vegetation and used for low density residential purposes. Cluster is serviced by a single constructed road. It is noted that a cluster of small lots are also located in the north-west corner of this area of interest (Mountain Glen Drive & Hazelwood Street). The small lots are in the Township Zone.

5-004 Coalville Combination of small and medium size rural-residential lots in Coalville, located in a bushfire hazard area. Predominant lot size and development pattern is consistent with a rural setting. Scattered vegetation is located in the residential cluster.

5-005 Moondarra Cluster of residential development on rural farming lots generally greater than four hectares in a bushfire hazard area surrounded by the Moondarra State Park. Area contains vegetation of high and very high conservation value.

5-006 Erica Cluster of small lots surrounded by state park in a bushfire hazard area. Access is available via the Moe-Walhalla Road and through Rawson via Knotts Siding Road.

5-007 Erica Bushfire hazard interface surrounding the township of Erica, which contains small residential lots in a bushfire hazard area.

5-008 Rawson Cluster of small rural lots surrounded by state park in a bushfire hazard area. Access is available via Knotts Siding Road and through Erica via Moe-Walhalla Road.

5-009 Rawson Interface surrounding the township of Rawson, which contains small residential lots in a bushfire hazard area.

5-010 Walhalla Cluster of small residential lots in a vegetated gully between state parks in close proximity to a bushfire hazard area. Area is recognised for its unique historic, cultural and environmental characteristics.

5-011 Coopers Creek Cluster of primarily undeveloped small lots in a bushfire hazard area. The cluster is surrounded by state and national park.

5-012 Rokeby Eastern boundary of Rokeby interfacing with a bushfire hazard area.

5-013 Neerim South Western boundary of Neerim South interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

5-014 Neerim South Planning scheme provides for the western expansion of Neerim South into an area of land abutting a bushfire hazard area. Western extent of Neerim is zoned for Residential and Low Density Residential purposes.

5-015 West of Jindivick Single constructed road servicing a cluster of dwellings on rural-residential lots in a bushfire hazard area.

5-016 West of Jindivick Cluster of rural-residential lots in a bushfire hazard area. State parks surround the northern and western boundaries of the rural-residential lots.

5-017 Neerim (South of Wilson Western boundary of settlement interfaces with a bushfire hazard. Road)

5-018 West of Nayook Cluster of medium sized rural-residential lots in a bushfire hazard area, to the west of Nayook. State park interfaces to the west of the settlement.

16 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION BAW BAW – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE cont...

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

5-019 West of Piedmont Cluster of medium sized rural-residential lots and associated farming lots in a bushfire hazard area. Development potential may exist in this bushfire hazard area. State park interfaces the cluster to the west and north.

5-020 Noojee Clusters of small residential lots in the township of Noojee. The township interfaces with state and national parks.

5-021 Noojee Township of Noojee interfaces with a bushfire hazard and is surrounded by state and national parks.

5-022 Tanjil Bren Cluster of small lots located in close proximity to a bushfire hazard. Settlement is surrounded by state park and is heavily vegetated.

5-023 Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Cluster of accommodation in the Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort. The small lots in the resort are surrounded by vegetation of high to very high conservation significance in state and national parks.

5-024 Aberfeldy Cluster of medium sized and undeveloped rural lots in Aberfeldy, surrounded by state park.

5-025 Walhalla Walhalla contains a primary single access road servicing the settlement (Walhalla Road).

5-026 Tanjil Bren / Mt Baw Baw Single access road extending through bushland area servicing lots in and around Tanjil Bren. Alpine Resort

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 17 6.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE

East Gippsland Shire is about 21 000 square kilometres, and 6.1 Coastal areas has a population of approximately 44 300. The vast majority of the land in East Gippsland is public land, comprising state and The coastal areas of the municipality include a number of large national parks. Although East Gippsland covers a vast land mass towns such as Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Mallacoota and Marlo of Victoria, settlement in the municipality is constrained by the which are popular holiday destinations. The municipality also typography and the dominance of state and national parks. includes the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, which is a popular tourist destination located in a bushfire hazard area. East Gippsland Shire contains large areas of heavily forested land in the mountainous region of the Great Dividing Range located Several settlements along the coastline have interfaces to in the north and east of the municipality. The mountainous bushfire hazard areas. Current planning strategies propose to landscapes are intersected by sparsely populated valleys, which extend several of the major coastal settlements into bushfire have been largely cleared of vegetation and are used for grazing. hazard areas. Some coastal towns have an undeveloped supply of rural living zoned land that interfaces with bushland. The vast majority of East Gippsland’s residents have settled in the south west of the municipality, particularly around Bairnsdale 6.2 Inland areas and Lakes Entrance. In this area there are a number of small isolated communities that are separated by vast areas of forest The inland area of East Gippsland contains extensive and in some instances contain single access roads. The large mountainous and heavily treed forests, mixed with farming lots stands of forests along the Great Dividing Range, and heavily and consolidated settlements. The assessment identified that the vegetated coastal foreshore and foothill areas result in bushfire vast majority of East Gippsland is affected by a fire hazard due to hazard being spread across much of the municipality. It is also the large amounts of vegetation and mountainous terrain with recognised that a number of seasonal settlements such as limited access. camping spots are located in the East Gippsland Shire, which vary in size throughout the year. A large number of towns are dispersed across the municipality and are comparatively isolated when compared with other Vast areas of the municipality do not contain settlements due to regions. the topography associated with the Great Dividing Range. There are also many existing clusters of rural living settlements that have interfaces with bushfire hazard areas. Many of these settlements have undeveloped land which may have development potential.

18 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION EAST GIPPSLAND MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 1

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 19 EAST GIPPSLAND MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 2

20 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION EAST GIPPSLAND MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 3

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 21 EAST GIPPSLAND MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 4

22 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION EAST GIPPSLAND MUNICIPAL MAP – MAP 5

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 23 EAST GIPPSLAND – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

19-001 Fernbank Cluster of small residential lots interfacing with a bushfire hazard. The settlement is located in scattered and dense vegetation.

19-002 West of Newlands Arm Cluster of medium of size lots in a low density residential zone adjacent to bushfire hazard.

19-003 Banksia Peninsula Single constructed road servicing a cluster of rural-residential lots on the Banksia Peninsula.

19-004 Banksia Peninsula Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots on the Banksia Peninsula. The settlement interfaces coastal vegetation and is surrounded by vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-005 Ocean Grange Cluster of undeveloped medium size and larger rural lots in a rural conservation zone. Access to the lots appears limited. Area is surrounded by vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-006 Raymond Island Urban development located in Raymond Island is concentrated in the south-west peninsula. Lots interface with both coastal and inland vegetation, with access to the island limited to a pontoon.

19-007 North east of Metung / Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots interfacing with a bushfire hazard. Settlement interfaces with coastal vegetation and contains vegetation throughout. Nungurner

19-008 Boole Poole Small cluster of rural-residential lots on the coastline of Boole Poole. Settlement is located in vegetation of high to very high conservation significance and has limited access and egress options due to its location.

19-009 Coastal Island, south of Cluster of small lots located on the coastal foreshore to the south of Rigby Island. The settlement is located in vegetation of high to very high conservation significance and has Rigby Island limited access and egress.

19-010 Kalimna Western boundary of Kalimna interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

19-011 Lake Tyers Single access road to the settlement of Lake Tyers.

19-012 Lake Tyers Eastern boundary of Lake Tyers interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

19-013 North of Lakes Entrance Multiple bushfire planning considerations including: (between Kalimna West • cluster of medium size rural-residential lots interfacing with a bushfire hazard. The settlement interfaces with an inland river and state park to the north. and Lake Tyers) • settlements east of Palmers Road interface with a bushfire hazard • northern boundary of Toorloo Arm interfaces with a bushfire hazard • single access to settlements north of Lake Tyers in a bushfire hazard • planning scheme provides for expansion of the Toorloo Arm into the interface of a bushfire hazard.

19-014 Lake Tyers Lake Tyers Aboriginal Reserve, settlement in proximity to a bushfire hazard.

19-015 Lake Tyers Single access to Lake Tyers Aboriginal Reserve.

19-016 Toorloo Arm Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots north of Toorloo Arm, adjacent to state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-017 Nowa Nowa Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots surrounded by state park comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-018 Tostaree to Wairewa Single access road servicing a cluster of dwellings interfacing with a bushfire hazard.

24 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION EAST GIPPSLAND – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE cont...

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

19-019 North of Swan Reach Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots adjacent to state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance

19-020 Nicholson Cluster of medium sized rural-residential lots with dispersed development set in patches of bushfire hazard to the east and west.

19-021 South of Sarsfield Southern boundary of the settlement south of Sarsfield interfacing with a bushfire hazard.

19-022 Sarsfield Northern boundary of Sarsfield interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

19-023 West of Sarsfield Lots of varying sizes located in bushfire hazard and varying levels of vegetation. Specific local conditions apply driving the designation of this area as being susceptible to bushfire.

19-024 Bruthen and Wiseleigh Township boundary of Wiseleigh and Bruthen interfacing with bushfire hazard.

19-025 Bruthen Cluster of lots with varying sizes but generally consisting of semi-rural subdivisions with lots in excess of four hectares. Rural-residential lots in and around the townships of Wiseleigh and Bruthen, interfacing with state park to the north.

19-026 Bullumwaal Cluster of medium residential lots in the township of Bullumwaal, in state forest comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-027 Iguana creek Rural dwellings located on large lots serviced by single access road.

19-028 Waygara Small lots located in proximity to bushfire hazard area. The lots appear to exist in a subdivision which is not serviced and undeveloped.

19-029 Newmerella Southern boundary of Newmerella inclusive of low density residential land interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

19-030 Corringle Single access road through bushfire hazard area servicing scattered dwellings in a coastal environment.

19-031 Orbost Eastern boundary of Orbost interfaces with bushfire hazard.

19-032 Marlo Single access road servicing the township of Marlo.

19-033 Marlo North-eastern boundary of Marlo interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

19-034 Cabbage Tree Creek Cluster of small lots in the township of Cabbage Tree Creek, surrounded by vegetation of high to very high conservation significance in a bushfire hazard area. The wider area includes Farming Zone land containing scattered residential development.

19-035 Manorina Cluster of small lots directly surrounded by state park in a bushfire hazard area.

19-036 Bemm River Planning scheme provides for the extension of Bemm River township to the north.

19-037 Bemm River Cluster of small lots in a bushfire hazard area. The township interfaces with state park and interfaces with coastal vegetation along the Sydenham Inlet.

19-038 Tamboon Cluster of lots used for residential purposes on land interfacing with the Tamboon Inlet and surrounded by state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-039 Tamboon Single access road through state park to the settlement of Tamboon.

19-040 South of Tamboon Cluster of small lots surrounded by state park, located to the south of Tamboon on the southern side of the Tamboon Inlet.

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 25 EAST GIPPSLAND – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE cont...

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

19-041 Mallacoota Multiple bushfire planning matters including: • clusters of small residential lots • clusters of medium size rural-residential lots • settlements interfacing with state park and coastal vegetation in a bushfire hazard area • access issues out of the Mallacoota Township.

19-042 Mallacoota Single access constructed road, which provides the main access to the settlement of Mallacoota.

19-043 Genoa Clustering of medium size rural-residential lots located in and around the Genoa area. Rural lots interface with state park to the south.

19-044 Gypsy Point Planning scheme provides for extension of the Gipsy Point township to the west into an area of bushfire hazard.

19-045 Gypsy Point Cluster of small lots in the township of Gipsy Point, interfacing with inland rivers and surrounded by state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-046 Genoa / Wallagaraugh Dispersed dwellings serviced by single access road to the west of Wallagaraugh in and around densely vegetated riparian environments.

19-047 Wangarabell Single access road servicing dispersed dwellings in the area of Wangarabell.

19-048 Cann River Township boundary of Cann River interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

19-049 Combienbar Single access road to the township, providing access to a cluster of rural dwellings.

19-050 Combienbar Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots, both developed and undeveloped in a state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-051 South of Club Terrace Cluster of small lots located to the south of Club Terrace surrounded by state park. The settlement is surrounded by vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-052 Club Terrace Single access road servicing dwellings located at Club Terrace and lots located further north surrounded by state park. Area contains vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-053 Goongerah Single access road providing access to dwellings located at Goongerah.

19-054 Goongerah Cluster of developed and undeveloped medium lots and large rural lots in the settlement of Goongerah in a bushfire hazard. The settlement interfaces with state park.

19-055 Bete Bolong North Single access road providing access to dispersed development on lots north of Bete Bolong North.

19-056 W Tree Access road servicing a cluster of dwellings in Buchan.

19-057 W Tree Cluster of medium rural-residential lots in a high bushfire hazard area. The settlement surrounded by state park.

19-058 Buchan Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots in Buchan, in a high fire hazard area. The settlement interfaces state park to the west, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-059 Cobungra Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots in Cobungra in a bushfire hazard area. The western interface of the township interfaces with state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-060 Omeo Western boundary of Omeo interfaces with a bushfire hazard.

26 Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION EAST GIPPSLAND – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE cont...

IDENTIFIED LOCATION DESCRIPTION AREA CODE

19-061 Cassilis Cluster of medium rural-residential lots in Cassilis in a bushfire hazard area. To the west the township interfaces with state park, comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-062 Swifts Creek Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots and small rural lots in a bushfire hazard area. Scattered vegetation is located throughout with the settlement interfacing with state park to the south.

19-063 Nunniong Cluster of medium size rural-residential lots in Nunniong in a bushfire hazard area. State forest comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance interfaces to the north and south of the settlement.

19-064 Bonang Cluster of dwellings located on large farming zone lots surrounded by bushfire hazard. Private land appears to have been modified with dense vegetation located in surrounding state forest.

19-065 Bendoc Cluster of small lots in the township of Bendoc interfacing with a bushfire hazard. The Errinundra National Park interfaces with the settlement.

19-066 Delegate River East Cluster of dwellings located in a rural area on large farming zone lots. State park interfaces with the settlement.

19-067 Glen Wills Specific local knowledge has identified the presence of small lots in the state park and in a bushfire hazard area. Vegetation in this area is of high to very high conservation significance. Access to the lots appears to be constrained.

19-068 Glen Valley Cluster of medium size rural lots in proximity to state park and in a bushfire hazard area. Lots contain scattered vegetation throughout. Dwellings are generally dispersed and lot sizes in the area are mixed and also include sites in excess of four hectares.

19-069 Raymond Island Raymond Island access is serviced by a pontoon, providing limited access and egress.

19-070 Bemm River Single access constructed road servicing the township of Bemm River.

19-071 Noorinbee Contains a number of constructed dwellings on large lots in the Farming Zone. Several undeveloped lots exist in the Noorinbee area located adjacent to bushfire hazard. Existing lots are generally devoid of vegetation, however, interface with state forest to the east and west of Monaro Hwy. Vegetation in the area is of high to very high conservation significance.

19-072 Gipsy Point Single access road to the settlement of Gipsy Point.

19-073 Buldah Specific local knowledge has identified the presence of large rural lots containing dwellings in Buldah. The lots are generally devoid of vegetation however surrounded by state park.

19-074 Buldah Single access road servicing lots in Bulda.

19-075 Anglers Rest Cluster of large rural lots containing dwellings in a bushfire hazard area. The settlement of Bundara is surrounded by state park and comprises vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

19-076 Anglers Rest Single access road from the settlement at Bundara to Anglers Rest.

19-077 Bullumwaal Single access road servicing the settlement of Bullumwaal surrounded by state forest comprising vegetation of high to very high conservation significance.

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment | GIPPSLAND REGION 27