Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
A SUB-PLAN OF THE MITCHELL SHIRE MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners The Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, those of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri People. We pay our respects to their rich cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Acknowledgements The Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee acknowledges the contributions of its member organisations, in particular the CFA, DELWP / Parks Victoria, Mitchell Shire Council Shire and Victoria Police including all current and past members.
The 2020 MFMP was compiled by Terramatrix Pty Ltd in collaboration with Mitchell Shire Council staff and the member organisations of the Mitchell Shire MFMPC.
It also acknowledges the important work of the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Committee and the Victorian Fire Risk Register team.
Disclaimer:
No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without appreciating that it may be the subject of amendment or revocation from time to time without notice.
The Councillors of Mitchell Shire Council expressly disclaim all and any liability (including liability in negligence) to any person or body in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person or body in reliance, whether total or partial, upon the whole or any part of this publication.
Date: 9 September 2020 i V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
PREFACE
The Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan Committee (MFMPC) is responsible for providing a strategic and integrated approach to fire management in Mitchell Shire. The MFMPC undertakes their responsibilities as part of a broader state and regional framework established under the Emergency Management Act 1986 and is supported by the State Fire Management Planning Committee and the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Planning Committee (HRSFMPC).
A key responsibility of the MFMPC is the development of a Municipal Fire Management Plan (MFMP) to be considered for endorsement by the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) and adopted by Mitchell Shire Council. This plan describes how local authorities, local government, fire agencies and other relevant organisations, work together to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from bushfire and other fire events affecting Mitchell Shire. This plan also aligns with the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan 2011-2021.
Whilst the management of all types of fires is important, this plan has focused on bushfire in the first instance. The life of this MFMP is for three years and it is envisaged that future updates of the MFMP will include planning for other types for fire i.e. structure fires.
It is important to note that the MFMP recognises, but does not duplicate, the extensive work already being undertaken in fire management across the municipality. This document is essentially a plan for improving integration of this existing work and developing improved methods for working together.
On behalf of the members of the Mitchell Shire MFMPC, we are confident in commending this document to you. We see the development and implementation of the MFMP as an important step in securing a safer, more resilient community, a healthier environment and a prosperous economy for this municipality.
Cr Annie Goble Chair Mitchell Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee
Date: 9 September 2020 ii V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Version Control Table
Version Date of Authorisation Brief description of change number issue FINAL 16/11/2012 MFMPC Various Version 2
REVIEW General updates to factual 9/12/2015 MFMPC Version 2.1 information
Revised Attachment 12 and incl new Update 23/11/2016 MFMPC Attachment 13
V3.0 31/05/2020 MFMPC Draft sent to MFMPC
V5.1 19/08/2020 MFMPC Final presented to MFMPC
V5.0 19/8/2020 MFMPC Endorsed by MFMPC
Presented to MEMPC and adopted V5.0 9/9/2020 MEMPC as a sub-plan to the MEMP
Date: 9 September 2020 iii V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Authorisation
This MFMP was adopted as the second iteration of the Mitchell Shire MFMP. This Plan was endorsed through a formal motion by the Mitchell Shire MFMPC at their meeting on 19 August 2020, for which the Chair of the committee will sign for and on behalf of all members of the Mitchell Shire MFMPC.
Signed: Date: 19 August 2020 Cr Annie Goble Chair Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee
This MFMP was endorsed as a sub plan to the Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Plan through a formal motion by the Mitchell Shire MEMPC at their meeting on 9 September 2020, for which the chairperson of the committee will sign for and on behalf of the members of the Mitchell Shire MEMPC.
Signed: Date: 9 September 2020 Cr Bill Chisholm Chair Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee
This MFMP was adopted through a formal motion by Mitchell Shire Council as the MFMP for Mitchell Shire, at their meeting on 9 September 2020, for which the Chief Executive Officer will sign for and on behalf of Mitchell Shire Council.
Signed: Date: 9 September 2020 Brett Luxford Chief Executive Officer Mitchell Shire Council
Date: 9 September 2020 iv V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
The responsibilities and accountabilities attributed to the organisations represented at the Mitchell Shire MFMPC are endorsed by:
Country Fire Authority
Signed: Date: 19 August 2020 Justin Dally Commander District 12
Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
Signed: Date: 19 August 2020 Ben Giovanetti Senior Emergency Preparedness Officer
Victoria Police
Signed: Date: 19 August 2020 Clayton Munro Senior Sergeant & Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator
Regional Roads Victoria
Signed: Date: 19 August 2020 Jeff Blackie Team Leader Assets Delivery
Date: 9 September 2020 v V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table of Contents
Part 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Authority for the plan and planning process ...... 3 1.2 Period of the plan ...... 3 1.3 Planning process ...... 3 Part 2 Engagement and Communications...... 5 2.1 Stakeholder Analysis ...... 5 2.2 Community Engagement ...... 7 Part 3 Summary of Environmental Scan ...... 11 3.1 Municipal Profile ...... 11 3.2 Natural Environment...... 12 Climate and Fire Weather ...... 13 Bushfire History ...... 15 3.3 Structure Fire and Hazard Materials ...... 16 3.4 Bushfire Risk Landscape ...... 16 Part 4 Municipal Fire Management Objectives ...... 18 4.1 Municipal Objectives ...... 18 4.2 Strategic Direction ...... 18 4.3 Alignment of Regional and Municipal Objectives ...... 19 Part 5 Bushfire Management Risk Strategies ...... 21 5.2 Risk Identification ...... 22 5.3 Risk Assessment ...... 22 5.4 Risk Management Strategies ...... 23 Municipal Wide Treatments ...... 23 Asset Specific Treatments ...... 24 5.5 Agency Specific Risk Mitigation Programming...... 25 Mitchell Shire Council ...... 25 Country Fire Authority ...... 29 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – Forest Fire Management .....32 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – Land use planning ...... 35 Parks Victoria ...... 37 VicRoads ...... 37 Rail Operators - V/Line, VicTrack and ARTC ...... 37 Victoria Police (VicPol) ...... 38 Electricity distribution and supply ...... 39 Catchment management, town water supply and sewage ...... 40
Date: 9 September 2020 vi V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Communications network ...... 40 Other Utilities ...... 41 Department of Defence ...... 41 5.6 Community (individuals, commercial, community groups etc) ...... 41 Midway Limited ...... 42 Part 6 Improvement and Plan Reporting and Review Processes ...... 43 6.1 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 43 6.2 Review ...... 43 6.3 Reporting ...... 43 6.4 Continuous Improvement ...... 43 6.5 Audit ...... 44 Part 7 Appendices ...... 45 Appendix A Mitchell Shire Fire Risk Management Registers ...... 46 A.1 Victorian Fire Risk Register - Bushfire ...... 46 A.2 Structure Fire Risk Register ...... 60 A.3 Hazardous Materials Risk Management Register ...... 60 Appendix B VFRR-B State-wide treatment list ...... 61 Appendix C Hazard trees and powerline clearance ...... 63 Appendix D Terminology and Acronyms used in this Plan ...... 67 Appendix E References ...... 70
List of Maps
Map 1: Public land within Mitchell Shire...... 11 Map 2: Bioregions in Mitchell Shire...... 12 Map 3: Mitchell Shire fire history...... 15 Map 4: Location of Neighbourhood Safer Places – Places of Last Resort and CFA Fire Stations within Mitchell Shire...... 30 Map 5: DELWP Fire Management Zones...... 34 Map 6: History of planned burns (1975 - 2019)...... 34 Map 7: Designated Bushfire Prone Area and Bushfire Management Overlay...... 36 Map 8: Victorian Fire Risk Register - Human Settlement Assets...... 51 Map 9: Victorian Fire Risk Register - Economic Assets...... 57 Map 10: Victorian Fire Risk Register - Cultural Heritage Assets...... 59
Date: 9 September 2020 vii V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
List of Figures
Figure 1: Overview of Victoria's emergency management planning committee structure (EMV, 2011)...... 1 Figure 2: Emergency management planning process (EMV, 2011) ...... 4 Figure 3: Bushfire simulations comparing impact between the maximum fuel hazard scenario and the fuel hazard in 2013...... 17 Figure 4: AS/NZS ISO 31 000-2009 risk management process. Source (CFA, 2019)...... 21 Figure 5: Asset classes and subclasses. Source (CFA, 2019)...... 22 Figure 6: Distribution Boundary AusNet Services and Powercor...... 39
List of Tables Table 1: Key plans and documents in the Victorian State Bushfire Plan (note: original table cited DEPI, now DELWP)...... 2 Table 2: Fire management roles (IFMP, 2010) ...... 6 Table 3: Stakeholder Type and Engagement Level (IFMP, 2010) ...... 7 Table 4: IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum (IAP2, 2014)...... 7 Table 5: Stakeholder analysis ...... 9 Table 6: Communication and Engagement Plan...... 10 Table 7: Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) in Mitchell Shire with a conservation status of Endangered or Critically Endangered...... 13 Table 8: Fire Danger Ratings (AFAC, 2012; CFA, 2016) ...... 14 Table 9: Alignment of MFMP & RSFMP Objectives ...... 19 Table 10: VFRR-B Risk and Priority Ratings. Source (CFA, 2019)...... 23 Table 11: Asset specific treatments applied in Mitchell Shire (from Mitchell VFRR-B, see Appendix A)...... 24 Table 12: Fire management road classes and descriptions ...... 27 Table 13: Neighbourhood Safer Places – Bushfire Places of Last Resort (NSP-BPLR) in Mitchell Shire...... 28
Date: 9 September 2020 viii V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 1 Introduction
Fire management planning in the State of Victoria is undertaken to ensure adequate management of all aspects of fires from prevention through to response and recovery. It brings together a range of agencies and organisations to discuss, plan and manage fire with the community. It aims to provide quality outcomes for communities at risk.
The State Bushfire Plan (EMV, 2014) provides a summary of bushfire management arrangements in Victoria. The Plan ‘reflects an integrated approach and shared responsibility for bushfire management between government, agencies, business and the community’. Municipal level planning plays a key role in coordinating and implementing actions for bushfire safety. An overview of the State’s emergency management planning structure is provided in Figure 1 and the key plans and documents is shown in Table 1, with the MFMP sitting under the regional plan.
The Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Committee (MFMPC) is responsible for providing a strategic and integrated approach to fire management within the Mitchell Shire municipality. This task forms part of a broader state and regional framework established under the Emergency Management Act 1986 and is supported by the State Fire Management Planning Committee and the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Planning Committee (Hume RSFMPC). MFMPCs are a sub-committee of their respective Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee. Part 6A: Guidelines for Municipal Fire Management Planning, of the Emergency Management Manual of Victoria, outlines the terms of reference for these committees, identifies their minimum core membership and requires the development of a Municipal Fire Management Plan (MFMP).
Figure 1: Overview of Victoria's emergency management planning committee structure (EMV, 2011).
Date: 9 September 2020 1 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table 1: Key plans and documents in the Victorian State Bushfire Plan (note: original table cited DEPI, now DELWP).
Community Victorian Fire management Agencies internal resilience emergency plans operational management arrangements arrangements (EMMV) National National Strategy Agreements for for Disaster resource sharing Resilience State Bushfire Safety EMMV Part 3 – State Fire Join agency SOPs Policy Framework State Emergency Management Individual agency Response Plan Strategy SOPs EMMV Part 4 – State Relief and recovery Plan EMMV Part 5 – State and Regional Emergency Management Planning EMMV Part 6A Guidelines for Municipal Fire Management Planning EMMV Part 7 – Emergency Management Agency Roles Regional Regional Regional Strategic CFA/DELWP Local Emergency Fire Management Mutual Aid Plans Management Plans Plans CFA Regional Regional Operational Plans Emergency Relief DELWP Regional and Recovery Readiness and Plans Response Plans DELWP Fire Management Plans Municipal Municipal Municipal Fire DELWP Fire Emergency Management Plans Operations Plans Management Plans (for DELWP Fire Districts) Local Community Pre-incident emergency Response Plans management plans Household Household plans
Date: 9 September 2020 2 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
The MFMPC provides a municipal level forum for building and sustaining organisational partnerships with regards to fire management; and to ensure that plans of individual agencies are linked effectively so as to complement each other. This is facilitated by the MFMPC having a membership consisting of representatives from key stakeholder organisations with respect to fire management within the municipality. Members of the MFMPC are:
• Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) • Country Fire Authority (CFA) • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) • Victoria Police • Regional Roads Victoria
This MFMP describes how regional authorities, local government, fire agencies and other relevant organisations can work together to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from bushfire events affecting Mitchell Shire. The plan reflects the shared responsibilities of government, fire agencies and communities and demonstrates a collaborative approach between responsible agencies and covers both public and private lands.
Fire risks such as structure fire – industrial, commercial, health care, public accommodation and, public assembly and special risks, are not formally addressed in the Municipal Emergency Management Plan, future updates of this plan will include planning for other types for fires.
1.1 Authority for the plan and planning process
The Mitchell Shire MFMP has been produced pursuant to Section 20 of the Emergency Management Act 1986 and will be deemed to fulfil Section 55A of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958.
1.2 Period of the plan
This plan has been endorsed by the Mitchell MFMPC for a period of three years commencing as of the date of adoption by Mitchell Shire Council.
Implementation of the Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Act 2018 at municipal level on 1 December 2020, repeals the Part IV and Section 110(1)(zb) of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958. The effect of repealing these sections is not clear and will be monitored by the MFMPC.
1.3 Planning process
This MFMP has been developed in accordance with Part 6A of the Emergency Management Manual of Victoria.
The municipal fire management planning process is currently under review by EMV. It is anticipated the review will include substantial changes to the MFMP reporting requirements. In anticipation of these changes, a full revision of the MFMP was not completed for this version. Instead, this MFMP was updated from the previous (2012) MFMP to reflect the current fire risk in the municipality; the risk assessment process employed by the MFMPC (VFRR-B); and an update of the fire management activities undertaken in the Shire. A total revision of the MFMP is likely to occur once review process by EMV has be finalised.
Date: 9 September 2020 3 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
The MFMP planning process, illustrated in Figure 2, involves a series of steps that result in the development, maintenance and continual refinement of plan. Each of the stages guide the planning process that Mitchell Shire follows and will continue to do so into the future.
The Mitchell Shire MFMP is not designed to be a duplication of existing plans, rather it aims to consolidate the significant range of fire related plans that relate to fire.
Figure 2: Emergency management planning process (EMV, 2011)
Date: 9 September 2020 4 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 2 Engagement and Communications
Stakeholder engagement and participation is an essential element of fire management planning. Stakeholders are required to participate for a range of reasons, including (but not limited to):
• Legislative responsibilities in relation to fire management. • Leadership • Provision of hazard expertise and technical advice • Subject to hazard impact – directly and/or indirectly • Land tenure and management arrangements • Expressed expectation • Influenced and/or support mitigation.
Stakeholder engagement is required during all seven stages in the EMV planning cycle, the aim being for them to participate together in the collaborative development, delivery and monitoring of the MFMP.
Engaging with stakeholders in the development and implementation of the MFMP is an essential tool for drawing on existing knowledge and experience and to build support for and involvement in this plan.
Key stakeholders for fire management in Mitchell Shire are:
• Mitchell Shire Council • Country Fire Authority • Victoria Police • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning • Parks Victoria • Taungurung and Wurundjeri Clans • Vic Roads and its Contractors • Rail operators – V/Line, VicTrack and ARTC • Electricity distributors – AusNet Services and PowerCor • Catchment managers - Goulburn Murray Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Melbourne Water • Town water and sewerage – Goulburn Valley Water, Coliban Water, Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water • Department of Defence – Puckapunyal Base and Military Range • Communications – Telstra and Optus
2.1 Stakeholder Analysis
In accordance with the EMMV Part 6A MFMP requirements, the Mitchell MFMPC undertook a stakeholder analysis and used this as a basis for the development of a Communication and Engagement Plan concerning the MFMP.
Date: 9 September 2020 5 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
The stakeholder analysis consisted of a two-part process; first identifying the key stakeholders who needed to be engaged in the MFMP’s development and secondly determining the nature and level of their interest in fire management planning.
This second step involved considering each stakeholder in relation to eight different fire management roles (see Table 2) and four different stakeholder types (see Table 3).
Once a stakeholder had been categorised, the appropriate level of participation in the process and the different types of engagement activities required were determined. The results of this stakeholder analyses is shown in Table 5 and the Communication and Engagement Plan in Table 6.
The IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum shown in Table 4 (IAP2, 2014) provides a framework for planning effective stakeholder engagement about any issue or plan. It is used as the basis for communication and engagement planning during the development and subsequent implementation phases.
Table 2: Fire management roles (IFMP, 2010)
Role Description Bringing together of fire management agencies and elements to ensure effective response to an incident or emergency. CFA has legislated responsibility under the CFA Act 1958 for the prevention and suppression of fires and for the protection of Fire Coordination life and property in the Country Area of Victoria. In accordance with provisions in the CFA Act 1958 and the Forest Act 1958, DELWP has fire management and fire suppression responsibilities for state forests and national, state and regional parks. Landholder/managers are heavily involved in fire prevention and fire suppression on land under their control. They have legislated responsibilities to extinguish a Land fire burning on their land and to prevent fires from starting from the use of Owner/Manager equipment and vehicles (CFA Act 1958, Crimes Act 1958). They are also required Responsibilities to comply with relevant local government laws, relevant planning or building permit conditions and conditions associated with permits to burn. Actions taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after a fire incident to Response minimise the impact of the fire. A coordinated process of supporting emergency affected communities in the Recovery reconstruction of physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing. Community Community education is learning and social development, working with individuals Education and groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods Community care is about identifying and catering for groups or individuals with Community Care specific needs, before during and after fire. Asset protection involves protecting key community infrastructure such as power, water supplies, roads, gas pipes and protecting community assets such as parks Asset Protection and the environment. Asset protection can also involve the protection of private assets such as housing, plantations, crops and fences. The issuing of permits for lighting fires. The development of and compliance with planning controls and permits for developments and building that take into account Regulatory fire risk/management. The regulation and issuing of permits involving vegetation removal or fuel reduction activities for fire management purposes.
Date: 9 September 2020 6 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table 3: Stakeholder Type and Engagement Level (IFMP, 2010)
Stakeholder Participation Description Type Level Formal responsibilities for fire management planning process Collaborate and Internal and outcomes Empower MFMPC membership, responsibility for development of the plan, Collaborate and Primary communication and engagement across and within Empower organisations rest with these organisations RSFMPC membership or fire management role within municipality, may be requested to provide specific inputs, Involve and Secondary dependent upon outputs, or requested to be involved in specific Consult tasks, Strong interest in outcomes and may have valuable Inform and Tertiary information/viewpoints to share Consult
Table 4: IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum (IAP2, 2014).
Inform Consult Involve Collaborate Empower Provide balanced and objective information to Work directly with Place final stakeholders to stakeholders to Partner with Obtain feedback decision making assist them in ensure issues stakeholders in on analysis and in the hands of understanding the and aspirations each aspect of decisions primary problems, are understood decision making stakeholders alternatives, and considered opportunities and/or solutions
2.2 Community Engagement
During the development phase of the MFMP the Mitchell MFMPC’s communication and engagement efforts were focused primarily upon the key stakeholders, however private land holders, community groups and individual are identified as Tertiary stakeholders and engaging with them and the broader community is seen as a critical component to the long- term success of MFMP.
This community engagement process is very much seen as an ongoing responsibility of the Mitchell MFMPC and it is expected to gain prominence going forward once the plan is endorsed and especially during review periods. Consequently, the Communication and Engagement Plan should be viewed as a live and evolving document that will be shaped according to the MFMPC’s needs over time. In this manner it will be able to guide the process of broader community engagement with additional activities and details being incorporated as required.
It is also anticipated that in addition to the activities attributed to the MFMPC, individual key stakeholders will be utilising their existing processes and undertaking their own community engagement activities in support of integrated fire management planning and the MFMP.
Date: 9 September 2020 7 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Traditional Owners Engagement
Mitchell Shire Council sits on both Wurundjeri and Taungurung Countries. The Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC) recognises that Traditional Owners have been caring for Country for more than 40,000 years. The MFMPC is committed to working with our Registered Aboriginal Parties (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Water Council) on best practice for land and water management to ensure environmental and cultural heritage preservation on their lands.
Date: 9 September 2020 8 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table 5: Stakeholder analysis
Mitchell Shire MFMPC Stakeholder Analysis Fire management role within Hume region
Type
Stakeholder
manager
Internal Primary Secondary Tertiary coordination Fire Land Response Recovery Community information care Community protect Asset Regulate Mitchell Shire Council X X X X X X X X X Country Fire Authority X X X X X X X Victoria Police X X Department of Environment, Land, Water X X X X X X X X and Planning Parks Victoria X X X X X Vic Roads and its Contractors X X X Taungurung and Wurundjeri Clans X X X Department of Defence – Puckapunyal X X X X X Base and Military Range Rail operators – V/Line, VicTrack and X X X ARTC Electricity distributors – AusNet Services X X X and PowerCor Catchment managers, town water and sewerage – Goulburn Valley Water, X X X X Coliban Water, Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water Communications – Telstra and Optus X X X Private land managers X X X X Individuals X X X
Date: 9 September 2020 9 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table 6: Communication and Engagement Plan.
Mitchell Shire MFMPC Communication and Engagement Plan Engagement Activity Meeting Mitchell Stakeholder Engagement minutes, 1:1 Shire Email Draft 3 year Individual org Media articles Level reports & consultation Council updates consultation review networks agendas website Internal Stakeholders Hume RSFMPC Collaborate and MEMPC X X X X X X empower MFMPC Primary – answerable for activity/decision Mitchell Shire Council Country Fire Authority Victoria Police Collaborate and X X X X X X X DELWP empower Parks Victoria Vic Roads/Regional Roads Victoria Secondary – Contributory responsibility Taungurung and Wurundjeri Clans Puckapunyal Army Base DHHS VicSES Involve and X X X X X X X AusNet Services consult VLine/ARTC/VicTrack Relevant water authority Telstra/Optus Tertiary – Interested DET Ambulance Vic Inform and Media X X X consult Local community/industry groups X X General public X X X X
Date: 9 September 2020 10 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 3 Summary of Environmental Scan
3.1 Municipal Profile
The Mitchell Shire is located 100km north of the Melbourne CBD in Central Victoria and covers approximately 2,864km2. Mitchell Shire shares boundaries with the municipalities of Greater Bendigo and Strathbogie to the north, Murrindindi to the east, Hume and Whittlesea to the south, and Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander to the west.
In 2019, the population of Mitchell Shire was estimated to be 46,082 (id Consulting, 2020). By 2036, Mitchell Shires population is projected to grow by more than 50,000 people (id Consulting, 2020). It is anticipated that most of this growth will occur in and around the urban footprint of Mitchell Shire’s town (MSC, 2017).
The majority of Mitchell Shire is freehold land (73.6%). The remainder is crown land (11.5%), Council land (0.4%) and Department of Defence (14.5%) (MSC, 2014) (see Map 1). The shire is located within three water catchments, the Goulburn Broken catchment, Port Phillip and Westernport catchment and the North Central catchment.
Map 1: Public land within Mitchell Shire.
A summary of relevant population demographic and environmental factors is provided in the Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMPC, 2018). For a detailed and up to date information on the Shire, including demographics, population projections, the economy, employment etc, refer to the Mitchell Shire website www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au and the Mitchell Shire Council Health Profile 2017-2021.
Date: 9 September 2020 11 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
3.2 Natural Environment
Mitchell Shire is located within three water catchments, the Goulburn-Broken Catchment covers most of the shire, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment in the south, and the North Central Catchment in the north-west.
The municipality contains four basic landforms: • Forested mountain areas in the Mt. Disappointment and Tallarook State Forests with top elevation of 805m at Mt Hickey and 794m at Mt Disappointment. • Foot hill areas typified by gently undulating landscapes. • Alluvial plains characterised by river flats, flood plains and gentle hills. Generally located in the central to north western areas of the Shire these areas are low lying with elevations in some localities less than 100m. • Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains located south of the Great Dividing Range, this landform is distinguished by flat to undulating basaltic plains.
There are six Bioregions in the Mitchell Shire (see Map 2). Bioregions are a landscape-scale approach to classifying the environment using a range of attributes such as climate, geomorphology, geology, soils and vegetation.
Map 2: Bioregions in Mitchell Shire.
There are six endangered ecological communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (see Table 7).
Date: 9 September 2020 12 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table 7: Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) in Mitchell Shire with a conservation status of Endangered or Critically Endangered.
EVC name Conservation status Buloke Woodlands of the Riverina and Murray- Darling Endangered Depression Bioregions
Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain Critically endangered
Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Endangered Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia
Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain Critically endangered
Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands (Freshwater) of the Temperate Critically endangered Lowland Plains
White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Critically endangered Derived Native Grassland
Mitchell Shire is also home to 18 threatened flora species and 45 threatened fauna species, protected by local, state and federal legislation. A detailed description of the Mitchell Shire’s environmental features - including topography, geology, soil types, vegetation and hydrology - is provided in the Mitchell Shire Environment Strategy 2014-2024 (MSC, 2014).
Climate and Fire Weather
Mitchell Shire is characterised by a temperate climate with cool winters. Average daily winter maximums range throughout the shire from 13.40C at Seymour to 9.80C Wallan, with average winter minimums ranging between 3.20C (Seymour) and 4.30C (Wallan). Summer is milder in Wallan with an average daily maximum of 23.50C whereas Seymour has an average daily maximum of 28.80C.
Rainfall is variable throughout Mitchell Shire but averages 596mm at Seymour and 680mm at Wallan. Wallan has consistently higher summer and autumn rainfalls than Seymour. Both sites have similar rainfall throughout winter and spring.
In South-eastern Australia, the McArthur (Mark 5) Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) and the CSIRO Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) are typically used to represent both the level of bushfire threat and difficulty of suppression on a given day, based on a set of fuel and weather conditions. They are critical inputs in determining key fire behaviour parameters such as forward rate of spread, fireline intensity, flame length and spotting distance. The bushfire season is generally considered to have begun when High or Very High Fire Danger Ratings are forecast on consecutive days and extends through the summer months (Long, 2005).
The FFDI and GFDI are also important inputs in treatment planning, and the conditions under which fire management controls are expected to be effective. The choice of weather conditions determines both the potential severity of a bushfire event and the return interval (likelihood) of those weather conditions occurring. Although higher FFDI/GFDI are less likely
Date: 9 September 2020 13 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan to occur, when they do occur, the bushfire behaviour, and subsequent loses, are generally worse than under milder conditions.
The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) is forecast for four days in advance for each Victorian Fire District. Mitchell Shire is within the North Central District. The FDRs range from Low- Moderate to Code Red, and are based on the forecast maximum FFDI or GFDI for that general geographic area. A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared for a district when fires are likely to spread rapidly and be out of control (generally at an FDR of Severe or above). Refer to Table 8 for an explanation of the FDRs and the corresponding index ranges and fire behaviour.
Table 8: Fire Danger Ratings (AFAC, 2012; CFA, 2016)
FFDI GFDI Total Fire FDR Potential Fire Behaviour Range Range Ban
These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. Homes are not constructed to 100+ 150+ Code Red Yes withstand fires in these conditions. The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas. Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions. If a fire starts and takes hold it will be 75-99 100-149 Extreme Yes uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Spot fires will start, move quickly and come from many directions. Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions. 50-74 50-99 Severe Yes If a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable. May be declared a TFB 25-49 25-49 Very High If a fire starts, it can most likely be at discretion of controlled in these conditions and CFA homes can provide safety. 12-24 12-24 High No Controlled burning may occur in these conditions if safe. 0-11 0-11 Low – Moderate No
The appropriate weather inputs for treatment planning may vary depending on the scenario for which the treatment is to apply. For example, the width of a firebreak may be determined using a lower FFDI than the location and extent of fuel management, due to the it being unlikely a firebreak is effective in extreme fire weather conditions.
Climate change projections for region shows an increase in average annual temperatures and a reduction in rainfall. Conditions will become drier, with increased potential evaporation and reduced relative humidity. Climate predictions are that by 2030 the average annual temperature will be 1.40C above the climate of 1986-2005 (under a high emissions scenario)
Date: 9 September 2020 14 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
(DELWP, CSIRO, 2019). By mid-century, the projected range of warming is 1.80 to 2.40C, depending on the emissions scenario. The temperature reached on hot days is likely to substantially increase, as are the number of hots days (greater than 350C) and hot spells anticipated to last longer.
The average annual rainfall is projected to decrease by 23% overall, occurring in more heavy rainfalls and increased variability. The greatest drying is projected to occur in Spring, with a 35% decrease (DELWP, CSIRO, 2019).
In southern Australia, fire weather has been becoming increasingly dangerous in the mid- Century. This increase is likely to continue, including an increase in the number of fire days and the fire season becoming longer and beginning earlier.
Bushfire History
The fire history for the Mitchell Shire (1927 to 2020) is shown on Map 3. An interactive map can be viewed online at app.pozi.com.
Major fires that impacted the Mitchell Shire include: • Puckapunyal Army Base (February 1983) • Glenaroua (March 2002) • Black Saturday (February 2009) • Mickleham-Kilmore (February 2014)
Map 3: Mitchell Shire fire history.
Date: 9 September 2020 15 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
3.3 Structure Fire and Hazard Materials
Mitchell Shire has a varied structural environment – and associated risks – including large residential neighbourhoods, commercial and light industrial precincts, hospitals, nursing homes and supported residential care facilities.
Structural Fire
Mitchell Shire has a growing urban and peri urban areas and like all such areas there is a risk of fire occurring in people’s homes. In general, any fire that occurs in or on a structure is considered a structure fire, even if the fire was limited to contents and the building itself was not damaged.
Structural fire risk will be addressed in a subsequent iteration of this Plan with the development of an Urban Risk Profiling Tool.
Hazardous Materials
With industry and transport, there is always the potential for a hazardous materials incident. Fire appliances are strategically located, fire-fighters are trained and procedures are in place to combat hazardous materials incidents should they occur within Mitchell Shire.
3.4 Bushfire Risk Landscape
Mitchell Shire is within the DELWP East Central Risk Landscape (DELWP, 2015). The landscape covers 2,344,000ha and carries the most bushfire risk of all seven Victorian risk landscapes due to the high population density living near forests, particularly in the south- east of the risk landscape.
Bushfires can start any time of the year, but most occur between October and April. The largest and most damaging bushfires generally occur from December through February, with about 60% occurring in the summer months. In the 20 bushfire seasons to 2013–14, DELWP responded to an average of 104 bushfires a year in our landscape (DELWP, 2015).
In 2004 to 2014, the 34% of fire ignitions responded to by DELWP were accidental fire starts by people, including machinery, trains and escapes from campfires and burn offs. Deliberate action by people accounted for 17% of bushfires, lightning 27% and the remainder (22%) had other or unknown causes (DELWP, 2015).
Using PHOENIX Rapidfire bushfire simulations, DELWP assesses where bushfires would start and burn that would cause the maximum property damage. Using this analysis, DELWP uses the idea of ‘residual risk’ to determine whether activities such as fuel management are reducing bushfire risk. “Residual risk is the risk, on average and across the whole landscape, that bushfires will impact on properties or other assets. It is the percentage of risk remaining after bushfire history and fuel management (mainly planned burning) activities are taken into account” (DELWP, 2015). Figure 3 illustrates the difference in predicted impact under a maximum fuel hazard (no fuel reduction1 in the landscape) and
1 Fuel reduction includes both bushfires and fuel management, such as planned burns. Date: 9 September 2020 16 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan the fuel hazard as it was in 2013. Although Mitchell Shire does not contain the highest property loss areas, it is the location from which the most destructive fires may start in the East Central bushfire catchments.
Figure 3: Bushfire simulations comparing impact between the maximum fuel hazard scenario and the fuel hazard in 2013.
Date: 9 September 2020 17 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 4 Municipal Fire Management Objectives
4.1 Municipal Objectives
The fire management objective of Mitchell MFMPC is;
“The community of Mitchell Shire working together to plan and prepare for, respond to and recover from fire - to reduce the risk and consequence of fire to the community, environment and the economy.”
4.2 Strategic Direction
In developing strategic directions for this plan, the MFMPC was mindful of the planning context within which they were undertaking this task. As illustrated in Table 1, the MFMP forms a critical component in the State of Victoria’s Fire Management Planning hierarchy and therefore must not be developed in isolation from State and Regional level fire management plans.
The State Fire Management Strategy 2014 states that the objective of all bushfire management activities in Victoria is to reduce the impact and consequences of bushfire on human life, communities, essential and community infrastructure, the economy and the environment. The State Strategy identifies the following principles to guide bushfire management activities:
• Leadership • Protection of human life • Responsibility for building resilience • Community involvement • A seamless approach • Risk driven • Learning and knowledge
Date: 9 September 2020 18 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
4.3 Alignment of Regional and Municipal Objectives
The Mitchell Shire municipal fire management objective aligns closely with the Hume RSFMP Hume Regional Fire Management objectives and vision for fire management. The Vision: development and implementation of this plan will The Hume Region working together therefore contribute significantly to the realisation to effectively anticipate, respond to of the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management and recover from major bushfire – to Plans vision. The MFMP contribution to the secure a safer region, more resilient RSFMP is summarised in Table 9. community, healthier environment, and a prosperous economy.
Table 9: Alignment of MFMP & RSFMP Objectives
Regional fire management objective MFMP Contribution
Develop state, regional, municipal The MFMP provides the third tier in and local fire management plans the State’s fire management Planning Together and planning with a clear purpose planning process and utilises the and a consistent assessment of same risk base approach as used risk. with State and Regional plans
The MFMPC consists of Develop and implement fire multiagency representation and has Collaborative management programs and incorporated community Implementation activities in a collaborative engagement strongly into the manner. development of the MFMP.
The aspirations of the MFMPC converge with the regions in Build and share knowledge in the seeking to build both its members Building Knowledge fire management sector and and the communities’ knowledge across the community. and understanding of fire management. Improve the capability of To ensure there is a coordinated communities, the fire Building capacity and locally tailored consultation to management sector and the avoid gaps and duplication. government to deal with fires.
To ensure fire is used appropriately Using fire to support the health of in the municipality to support the Using fire environmental, social and health of environmental, social and economic environments. economic values.
The development of this MFMP Support the implementation of the Implementation clearly demonstrates support for IFMP framework in the Hume Support multi-agency fire management region planning at a municipal level.
Date: 9 September 2020 19 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan
The Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan has been developed by the Hume regional committee to provide a plan for how regional authorities, local governments, fire agencies and other relevant organisations can work together to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from, major bushfire events.
While the management of all types of fires is important, the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan is focused on bushfire. The life of the plan is ten years 2011 – 2021.
The purpose of this planning process is to establish a shared understanding of risk across the sector, based upon the most-up-to-date science available and the extensive knowledge that exists within our agencies. This work brought together existing plans, strategies and understanding of risk, including Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan, DELWP and Parks Victoria’s public land Strategic Bushfire Management Plans, the Victorian Fire Risk Register-Bushfire (VFRR-B), and other agency-specific documents.
It is important to note that this plan recognises, but does not duplicate, the extensive work already being undertaken in fire management across this region. Essentially it is a plan for improving the integration of existing work and developing new ways of working together.
Implementation of the Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Act 2018 is introducing a significant change to the way regional planning will be undertaken. There will be a process to review and update the current Plan which will influence the Mitchell Shire MFMP.
The endorsed bushfire management strategies are expected to be released State-wide in September 2020.
East Central Bushfire Risk Landscape (BRL)
Mitchell Shire is located within the East Central Bushfire Risk Landscape Plan which contains a third of Victoria’s total bushfire risk. Of all Victoria’s BRLs, this landscape has the most risk, reflecting its high population density close to forests.
A BRL is a DELWP jurisdictional area to manage planning, risk assessment and mitigation, fuel management and community engagement. The plans developed and managed by the East Central BRL integrate with other BRL’s and the Hume Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan.
It is expected the East Central RBL Plan will be updated later in 2020 by the Hume Regional Bushfire Management Committee. The RBL is a subplan to the Regional Strategic Fire Management Plan
Date: 9 September 2020 20 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 5 Bushfire Management Risk Strategies
This section focuses on bushfire risk management strategies. Structural fire risk will be addressed in a subsequent iteration of this Plan with the development of an Urban Risk Profiling Tool.
The Mitchell MFMP uses the Victorian Fire Risk Register – Bushfire (VFRR-B) assessment process to identify, analyse and evaluate bushfire risk in the municipality. The VFRR-B assessment process is facilitated by the CFA throughout Victoria, with members of the MFMPC providing the local information to undertake the assessment. The aim of the VFRR- B is “to collect, assess and validate risk data and local knowledge in a consistent way to support and inform bushfire planning and priorities” (CFA, 2019).
The VFRR-B process is a systematic process that identifies assets at risk from bushfire, assesses the level of bushfire risk to those assets and records the risk mitigation treatments currently in place. The VFRR-B framework is based on the risk management process in the AS/NZS ISO 31000-2009, shown in Figure 4, below.
Figure 4: AS/NZS ISO 31 000-2009 risk management process. Source (CFA, 2019).
Criteria for risk assessment
The VFRR-B assumes that: • The source of risk is an ignition that has the potential to result in a developed bushfire. • A developed bushfire may have 20 + appliances, an IMT set up, >100m fire front, cause poor visibility, radiant heat and spot fires. • Conditions are similar to 100 Fire Danger Index (Code Red). • Vegetation is in its natural state. • Assets would have direct flame impact or significant ember attack. • Response and suppression activities are not taken into consideration.
Date: 9 September 2020 21 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
5.2 Risk Identification
VFRR-B requires assets within the municipality to be identified. Assets are categorised into three asset classes – Human Settlement, Economic and Cultural Heritage – and then into subclasses (see Figure 5). Each asset is mapped and given a unique asset number.
Figure 5: Asset classes and subclasses. Source (CFA, 2019).
Asset class Human settlement Economic Cultural heritage Residential Other Agriculture Non indigenous Special Fire Commercial Other Protection Infrastructure, e.g. schools, hospitals, Tourist & aged care facilities, Recreational camping grounds Asset subclass Mines Commercial Forests
Drinking Water Catchments
Potential Death, injury or Financial loss Cultural impacts consequences community impacts
The assets identified by the Mitchell MFMPC in 2019 are listed in Appendix A.
The potential type of bushfire attack to impact each asset is identified as either: • Direct flame • Direct flame (grassland) • Ember attack • Smoke impact
The likely direction of bushfire attack is also recorded.
5.3 Risk Assessment
Once the assets are identified a risk rating for each is determined based on a level of consequence and likelihood.
VFRR-B assessment process provides a method for assessing the consequence rating for each asset class. These are: • Human settlement: the consequence is determined based on a threat rating and level of susceptibility. The threat rating takes into consideration the potential fire behaviour due to vegetation type, slope and separation distance. The level of susceptibility is determined based on the asset subclass. o For Residential and Other, susceptibility takes into account the access and egress for emergency vehicles, water supply, level of property preparedness and whether the property will be defended by the owner. o For Special Fire Protection the level of susceptibility is determined whether there is an Emergency Management Plan in place. Date: 9 September 2020 22 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
• Economic: the consequence is determined at a local, regional or state level and takes into account the scale of loss, the impact to the community, and the cost and timeframe for recovery. • Cultural Heritage: the consequence is determined based on a level of impact and the capacity to recover based on cost and timeframe. The threat rating takes into consideration the potential fire behaviour due to vegetation type, slope and separation distance. The level of susceptibility takes into account the type of asset, its composition and structure.
The level of likelihood for each asset class and subclass is calculated based on the frequency of fire occurrence and whether it is expected that a fire would spread and reach the asset. The level of likelihood of can be either Unlikely, Possibly, Likely or Almost Certain.
The consequence and likelihood ratings were used to determine the level of risk. A Risk Rating and Priority Rating is calculated for each asset. The Priority Ratings are used when there are multiple High, Very High or Extreme risks, and a priority order has to be assigned to inform treatment planning. The Risk and Priority Ratings are shown in Table 10.
Table 10: VFRR-B Risk and Priority Ratings. Source (CFA, 2019).
Risk Rating Priority Rating Colour Code
Extreme 1A, 1B, 1C Red Very High 2A, 2B, 2C Orange High 3A,3B,3C,3D Yellow Medium 4 Blue Low N/A Green
5.4 Risk Management Strategies
Having developed a register of risks for the Shire, the MFMPC allocates the current treatments of responsible agencies against relevant risk areas and thus develop a Risk Management Strategy.
The treatments currently being conducted are identified and assigned to the appropriate asset. The treatments identified do not reduce the overall risk rating, instead the treatment planning process is used to identify gaps and opportunities to improve mitigation, particularly in high risk areas or where no mitigation is currently occurring.
Treatments applied to specific assets are listed in the VFRR-B in Appendix A.
Municipal Wide Treatments
Municipal wide treatments are applied across all or part of the municipal area (rather than targeted at a specific asset) to reduce the risk of ignitions and/ or contribute to an overall reduction in risk.
Date: 9 September 2020 23 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Municipal wide treatments include2:
• Daily Readiness (Emergency Agencies) • Emergency Management Plan (Emergency Agency) • Local Mutual Aid Program (DELWP/CFA/Dept Defence) • Municipal Emergency Management Plan (Mitchell Shire) • Municipal Fire Readiness Plan • Municipal permits to burn off (Mitchell Shire) • Permits to burn (CFA) • Permits to work (private) • Total Fire Ban (CFA)
Asset Specific Treatments
There are six broad strategy groups available to treat the bushfire risk of assets identified in the VFRR-B. The state-wide bushfire ‘treatment list’ is provided in A.2.
Table 11: Asset specific treatments applied in Mitchell Shire (from Mitchell VFRR-B, see Appendix A).
Strategy Treatments used in the Mitchell Shire Responsible Treatment Treatment name Agency number Community education/ Community education CFA 100 engagement (100 series) Fire Ready Victoria CFA 107 CFA 202 Planned burn program DELWP/PV 203 Other 205 Fuel hazard management Utility 206 Routine maintenance of rail line Utility 209 Hazard reduction (200 series) Other 212 Routine asset site maintenance Utility 214 CFA 235 Asset protection zones DELWP 227 Roadside vegetation MSC 222 management VicRoads/RRV 223 HVP Operations restrictions 300 Ignition management Plantations (300 series) Patrol/ inspection DELWP 305 Fire plug and hydrant installation Mitchell Shire 404 and maintenance Preparedness Emergency management plan Utility 406 (400 series) (site) Other 409 Community activities/planning CFA 433 Property planning Bushfire Management Overlay Mitchell Shire 500 (500 series) To be identified Treatments to be identified Various 800 (800 series)
2 List of municipal wide treatments based on the VFRR-B Bushfire Assessment Guide (CFA, 2019). Date: 9 September 2020 24 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
5.5 Agency Specific Risk Mitigation Programming
Mitchell Shire Council
Mitchell Shire Council is responsible for the management of all council owned property, as well as ensuring that private land holders appropriately manage their land. Council Municipal Fire Prevention Officers inspect properties (between October 1st and December 31st) within the municipality to assess the potential risk of a bushfire and where necessary may issue a fire prevention notice. Mitchell Shire Council also undertake annual fire prevention works on roadsides and reserves identified using the VFRR leading up to and during the fire season
Link to Mitchell Shire Website ‘Heat and Fire’: https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Mitchell Fire Consultative Forum
The Mitchell Fire Consultative Forum (MFCF) provides advice on fire prevention and planning to the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC) and Mitchell Shire Council. The MFCF plays an important role in strengthening relationships between Council and the local Country Fire Authority Brigades.
The MFCF’s focus is on the broader Mitchell Shire geographical area as a whole.
The MFCF is not a statutory group and has no power under either the Emergency Management Act 1986 s21 or the Country Fire Authority Act 1958. It is a forum where local knowledge and experience informs the MFMPC and Council on fire related matters.
Membership of the MFCF is made up of delegates from each CFA Brigade in Mitchell Shire, Mitchell Group Officers, CFA Operations Officer and Council officers.
Annual Summer Fire Readiness Plan
The Annual Summer Fire Readiness Plan (ASFRP) is a combination of long-term planning and short term (fire season) objectives, and outlines to the community, the level of preparedness and prevention that has been developed for each fire season. A variety of approaches including fuel reduction on Council controlled and privately managed lands, infrastructure works, public education and enforcement of statutory obligations are employed.
Bushfire Hazard Complaints
Bushfire hazards on privately owned property or on any other land can be reported to the Mitchell Shire Council’s MFPO. Complaints are investigated and, where applicable, may result in the commencement of the Fire Prevention Notice process as detailed in the ASFRP.
Annual Fire Hazard Inspections – Fire Prevention Inspection Program
Every year the MFPO or assistant will inspect properties throughout the municipality for fire hazards.
Date: 9 September 2020 25 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, the MFPO has the authority to issue Fire Prevention Notices on private properties. Notices are issued where the MFPO deems that it is necessary in order to protect life or property. Typically, a notice will be served on a property for the removal or abatement of a fuel hazard that is likely to affect defence from fire on surrounding properties.
Permits to Burn Off
Mitchell Shire Council regulates burning off on properties within the municipality outside of the CFA declared Fire Danger Period and in accordance with Local Laws: Burning Off Permits
The purpose of these permits is to regulate activities ensuring burn offs do not impact on the safety of the public, create a nuisance or unduly affect the amenity of the area.
Roadside Fire Management
Mitchell Shire Council conducts an annual programme to manage fuels along approximately 1,500km of local roads and roadsides. Work is planned in consultation with the MFMPC and the MFCF, with expert input from CFA, local brigades, DELWP and others.
The annual roadside spraying and slashing program can be viewed at https://mitchell.pozi.com/ .
In 2019 the roads within Mitchell Shire were classified for the purpose of fire management, detailed in the Roadside Fire Management Review (Terramatrix, 2019). The project was tenure blind and includes all public roads with the Shire.
The classification scheme identifies six types of roads, described in Table 12. The objectives for management of the road network within the Mitchell Shire aligns with those in the Road Bushfire Risk Assessment Guideline and Risk Mapping Methodology (CFA, 2005). The objectives are: • Manage safety of road users • Prevent fires on roadsides • Provide control lines • Recovery from roadside fires
Date: 9 September 2020 26 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Table 12: Fire management road classes and descriptions
Road class Description Major link roads that provide a direct route between significant population centres; support a large volume of traffic at times; Community Access – Link provide access to residential, industrial, or commercial nodes; or Roads are part of the arterial road network; provide for works to prevent and contain roadside fires Roads that provide the only way into or out of a township or population centre. The vegetation management on the road Leave Early Roads reserve should aim to reduce the likelihood of a fire prohibiting the function of the road. Emergency Vehicle Access A road maintained for use by emergency vehicles to and from an Roads incident/fire. A minor road or track used by emergency service vehicles. These Fire Access Tracks tracks may have locked gates and be for the exclusive use of emergency and management vehicles. These roads are strategically placed across the landscape to Strategic Fire Management impede the progress of a fire and provide opportunity for Road – Landscape firefighting activities. They can be either active lines* or passive lines**.
These roads are located on the edge of townships or population centres to limit the spread of fire into the area or assist firefighters undertake asset protection. The location of these roads will Strategic Fire Management ideally be adjacent to a low fuel area, such as vineyard, Road - Townships cropped/grazed paddock, or water body. In higher risk locations, it may be desirable to identify two or more roads running parallel to each other, as multiple lines of defence.
*Active lines that have vegetation modified to offer safety to fire crews and allow firefighting activity to progress. **Passive lines are roads identified for the creation of graded or ploughed breaks during a fire event. These areas may have pre-planned works done to aid the access of machinery, for example the removal of impediments such as logs and rocks; fencing that is sacrificial or with gates. These areas may be on the road reserve and/or private property. A defined set of treatment options can then be applied to manage the roads for the specified purpose.
The project to coordinate and implement fire management works on roadsides is ongoing, with the 2019 project detailing a set of actions to move the project forward.
Electrical Line Clearance
The Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) (ES Act) establishes councils as responsible for keeping the whole or any part of a tree clear of an electric line (not private electric lines) on public land within their municipalities, for which they are the land manager
This information is provided in Appendix C.
Date: 9 September 2020 27 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Neighbourhood Safer Places - Bushfire Places of Last Resort
Mitchell Shire Council maintain a number of Neighbourhood Safer Places - Bushfire Places of Last Resort (NSP-BPLR), listed below in Table 13 and shown on Map 4.
Table 13: Neighbourhood Safer Places – Bushfire Places of Last Resort (NSP-BPLR) in Mitchell Shire.
Township Location Address Harley Hammond Reserve Oval and car Hamilton, Gavan and Powlett streets, Broadford park area. Broadford Enter via Gavan Street Kilmore Racing Club East Street, Kilmore Bitumen car park and overflow Kilmore (grassland) carpark. J Kelly Pavilion Pyalong Recreation Reserve Hall Northern Highway (near corner of West Pyalong Road), Pyalong Seymour Chittick Park Oval Pollard Street, Seymour CWA Park Corner Main Street (Upper Goulbourn Tallarook Road) and Railway Place, Tallarook Tooborac Recreation Reserve Public Northern Highway, between Seymour- Tooborac Hall Tooborac Road and Middle Springs Road, Tooborac Hadfield Park (outdoors area) Northern Highway, Wallan-Whittlesea Wallan Road, Windham Street and Queen Street, Wallan
The process for identifying, designating, establishing, maintaining and decommissioning NSP-BPLR is detailed in the Neighbourhood Safer Places – Bushfire Places of Last Resort Plan 2018 (MSC, 2018).
Bushland Reserve Management
Mitchell Shire Council manage several significant environmental and bushland reserves. A number of bushland reserves are considered to have a higher bushfire risk profile and as such have a specific fuel management plan identifying fuel management (particularly adjacent to built assets) and other actions to reduce the impact of a fire. Reserves with a fuel management plan include: • Beveridge Recreation Reserve, Beveridge • Catherine Court Reserve, Broadford • Collin Officer Flora Reserve, Broadford • Green’s Pinch Reserve and Hamilton Creek, Kilmore
Date: 9 September 2020 28 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Country Fire Authority s20 General Duty of Authority (CFA Act 1958) The duty of taking superintending and enforcing all necessary steps for the prevention and suppression of fires and for the protection of life and property in case of fire and the general control of all stations and of all brigades and of all groups of brigades shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, so far as relates to the country area of Victoria be vested in the Authority.
Region: North East District: 12
CFA Fire Stations: • Broadford Fire Station • Clonbinane Fire Station • Glenaroua Fire Station • Hilldene Fire Station • Kal Kallo Satellite Fire Station (Beveridge) • Kilmore Fire Station • Nulla Vale Fire Station • Pyalong Fire Station • Seymour Fire Station • Springfield Satellite Fire Station (Willowmavin) • Strath Creek-Reedy Creek Satellite Fire Station (Reedy Creek) • Tallarook Fire Station • Tooborac Fire Station • Trawool Fire Station • Wallan Fire Station • Wandong Fire Station • Whiteheads Creek-Tarcombe Fire Station • Whiteheads Creek-Tarcombe Satellite Fire Station (Tarcombe)
CFA’s Regional Readiness & Response Arrangements
The District 12 Readiness and Response Arrangements define the emergency management arrangements pertaining to CFA District 12. These arrangements are part of a modular system that integrates other plans, policies, procedures and supporting documents, including Readiness Actions • District Operating Procedures • Communications Plans • Human Resource Plans • Pre-planned & Rostered Strike Teams • Incident Escalation • Transfer of Control Considerations
Date: 9 September 2020 29 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Map 4: Location of Neighbourhood Safer Places – Places of Last Resort and CFA Fire Stations within Mitchell Shire.
Fuel/Vegetation Management
Under the CFA Act 1958, CFA has responsibility for the prevention and suppression of fires in Country Area of Victoria.
Fuel reduction and management works to minimise impacts and aid suppression is a key component of mitigation of bushfire risk. CFA is not a land management agency. CFA as the fire authority for the country area of Victoria can only conduct fuel reduction activities on behalf and at the request of the land manager or landowner.
CFA fuel management activities are conducted by CFA brigades, with a membership of volunteer firefighters. The tactical planning authorisation of fuel management operations is supported by the District Vegetation Management team who are technical specialists.
Strategic planning for the delivery of fuel reduction activities is coordinated at the municipal and regional levels.
CFA brigades are involved in strategic fuel reduction and the use of a risk-based approach for targeting fuel reduction. In conjunction with DELWP and PV, the CFA develop the Joint Fuel Management Plan, which establishes a three-year program for scheduling of fuel management activities on all land tenures.
Date: 9 September 2020 30 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Targeted Properties
Properties identified with the highest exposure to bushfire risk are prioritised for the delivery of prevention and preparedness programs. The concept of Targeted Properties is based on research which indicates that 87% of all fatal exposures from bushfires occur within 150 metres of forested areas.
Targeted Properties mapping identifies the properties rated at Extreme and Very High Risk through the Victorian Fire Risk Register – Bushfire (VFRR-B) that are within 150 metres of forested areas and deemed as ‘Residential Zones’ through the Planning Scheme Zones of Victoria (excluding Public Land).
Targeted Properties outputs are currently intended for the use of: • Property Advice Visit Service (PAVS) • Prioritising community preparedness and prevention activity • Distribution of direct mail campaigns, and • On-going communication through My CFA, an email subscription service that provides residents with information regarding local risks and engagement programs.
Community Engagement
CFA’s community engagement and education programs are designed to prompt behaviour change within the Victorian community though knowledge transfer and information exchange.
• Community Bushfire Exercises A facilitated and interactive 3-hour community workshop based on a localised fire scenario, fire behaviour and information and warnings. It includes localised mapping and Phoenix fire modelling that is used to give community members a good understanding of their specific risk and how fire could impact their environment.
• Bushfire Planning Workshop The program describes local risk, fire behaviour, information and warnings and psychological preparedness. It aims to assists community members with developing their bushfire survival plan.
• Community Fire Guard A behaviour-change program, that covers local risk, fire behaviour and higher-level preparation information that assists small community groups to build knowledge, networks and capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from fire.
• Fire Ready Victoria An introductory fire awareness raising program that addresses basic local risk and low-level preparation information. Each session is tailored to the local area, previous fire history and local issues.
• Property Advice Visiting Service A targeted awareness-raising program delivered by “door knocking” homes identified as high-risk by the VFRR and engaging in short discussions with residents. Residents are given publications with planning templates and low-level information about local risk and preparing for fire.
Date: 9 September 2020 31 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
• Fire Safe Kids A presentation delivered in primary schools about basic fire safety and targeted at specific year levels. Lesson Plans are designed to fit in with the Victorian curriculum. A range of curriculum materials, resources and giveaways support delivery of the program.
• Firescape A fuel management program for private landowners that involves working with private land owners to help develop short and long term plans for fuel reduction. It incorporates a range of considerations such as biodiversity, personal values and resourcing capacity and can involve a range of fuel reduction methods such as slashing, mowing, poisoning and burning.
• Home Fire Safe Reduce the Risk program is designed to increase the awareness of home fire hazards and how to prevent and deal with residential fires.
The key safety messages are: • House fires are a major cause of injury, death and property loss • House fires are preventable • Householders need to develop strategies to prevent and deal with house fires.
• Check Your Clock, Check Your Smoke Alarm Campaign Encouraging Victorians to check their smoke alarm when they change their clocks at the end of daylight savings. This campaign is part of the National Smoke Alarm campaign, a coordinated campaign across six states and territories involving eight fire services.
Local Response Plans
Local Response Plans (LRP) are produced by brigades with support from the local group, CFA district, other emergency services and the municipality to enhance initial bushfire or grassfire operational planning, preparedness and response.
The Local Response Plans detail topography, fuel loading, infrastructure and other assets, division points, staging areas and communication for high-risk bushfire areas.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – Forest Fire Management
Department of Land Water and Planning fire management activities are governed by the Code of Practice for Bushfire Management on Public Land, links to the Code: Code of practice for bushfire management on public land (PDF) Code of practice for bushfire management on public land (Word doc)
Date: 9 September 2020 32 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Importantly, the code sets out our two primary objectives for managing fire on public land:
• To minimise the impact of major bushfires on human life, communities, essential and community infrastructure, industries, the economy and the environment. Human life will be afforded priority over all other considerations. • To maintain or improve the resilience of natural ecosystems and their ability to deliver services such as biodiversity, water, carbon storage and forest products.
The code outlines what the department will consider or do on public land to achieve bushfire management outcomes and objectives. It does not prescribe the operational detail for how the department will achieve these goals. That detail will be specified in bushfire management manuals and guidelines, which will be publicly available and consistent with the code.
The code is divided into seven major sections: • risk-based bushfire management and planning • prevention • preparedness • fuel management (including planned burning) • response • recovery, and • monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Joint Fire Management Plans
Each year DELWP produces a Joint Fuel Management Plan in conjunction with Parks Victoria (PV) and CFA. The plan identifies priority areas for planned burning and fire preparedness work on public land (state forest, national and state parks).
The planning is a rolling three (3) year plan which is reviewed and amended each year. The plan includes burning, slashing, mowing and clearing works, construction of roads and bridges for fire access and works to maintain firebreaks. The plan documents burns which contribute to the delivery of the State’s burn objectives on public land and to protect lives and property; and the Regional Bushfire Management objectives.
To assist in decision making on a range of fire management activities, including planned burning each year, DELWP consults with partner agencies including: • fire agencies • local government • community groups • research partners • grape growers • beekeepers • other interested groups and individuals
This consultation is a key process in the production of the Joint Fuel Management Plan.
Date: 9 September 2020 33 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Map 5: DELWP Fire Management Zones.
Map 6: History of planned burns (1975 - 2019).
Date: 9 September 2020 34 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Readiness and Response Plan
DELWP’s Readiness and Response Plan outlines the resources available for deployment to fires. The plan also includes organisational arrangements related to preparedness and the level of readiness of resources to respond to a bushfire at various levels of the FDP.
Resources referred to in the plan include people, a network of fire towers, bulldozers, fire tankers, 4wd vehicles and aircraft.
The Model of Fire Cover
Annually DELWP reviews its current firefighting resources (personnel and expertise) against the requirements determined as necessary to meet the Department’s responsibilities for fire suppression on public land. This includes prompt first attack from designated work centres and ability to resource two (2) concurrent Level 3 ICC’s within the region. This document assists in assessing both training and recruitment needs for DELWP and its partner agencies such as PV and VicForests to achieve this model of cover.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – Land use planning
Bushfire hazard mapping – building and planning
DELWP has created bushfire hazard mapping for use in the planning and building systems based on modelling of potential fire behaviour. The mapping identified three bushfire hazard levels, BHL Low, BHL 1 and BHL 2:
• Bushfire Hazard Level Low (BHL Low)– Areas where the extent, configuration and/or management of vegetation results in low potential for bushfire spread.
• Bushfire Hazard Level One (BHL1)– moderate bushfire hazard can be expected in these areas with head fire intensity modelled between 4,000kW/m and 30,000kW/m. This level of hazard informs areas declared as bushfire prone (BPA Bushfire Prone Area) in the building system. Areas at the upper end of the bushfire intensity range (that is 28,000kW/m and above and referred to as BHL1b) will be considered, where appropriate, for applying the BMO based on the advice of the relevant fire authority.
• Bushfire Hazard Level Two (BHL2)– the most significant bushfire hazard where head fire intensity is modelled to be 30,000kW/m or more. This level of hazard informs where the BMO should apply. It also informs areas declared as bushfire prone in the building system.
The entire Mitchell Shire area is designated BPA, except for built-up township areas and large water bodies. Approximately a third of Mitchell Shire is within the Bushfire Management Overlay (see Map 7).
Date: 9 September 2020 35 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Map 7: Designated Bushfire Prone Area and Bushfire Management Overlay.
Private Bushfire Shelters
The Victorian Government has introduced building regulations for ‘private bushfire shelters’ (bushfire bunkers).
Under the regulations, a building permit must be obtained before a private bushfire shelter (Class 10c building) can be constructed. The permit can only be issued if the shelter is in association with an existing dwelling (Class 1 building). However, the shelter must be physically separate from any other structures.
A shelter must comply with the Performance Standard for Private Bushfire Shelters (2014) published by the Australian Building Codes Board. This standard includes requirements for safe access and egress and a tenable environment within the shelter for the period of occupancy.
Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 for construction of buildings in BPAs is adopted by the Building Code of Australia and only applies to new residential buildings throughout Victoria.
A copy of the Performance Standard for Private Bushfire Shelters can be downloaded from the Australian Building Codes Board web site Private Bushfire Shelters.
Date: 9 September 2020 36 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Parks Victoria
Parks Victoria (PV) supports the DELWP - Forest Fire Management Victoria to prepare for, respond and recover from bushfires on public land.
Prepare - PV works year-round to prepare parks and reserves to reduce the potential impact of fire through planned burning, improving standards and quality of fuel breaks, and other fuel reduction activities.
Respond - Around 70% of PV staff are trained in specific fire-fighting roles. Each summer, many rangers and office staff are deployed to fight fires in parks and forests across the State alongside staff from other agencies.
Recover - PV works to rebuild and reopen bushfire affected areas and support the natural environment in its recovery.
Ecology -Fire is a natural part of the Australian environment. Lightning and indigenous burning practices having shaped our ecosystems over tens of thousands of years. This means many of our plants are reliant on bushfire to regenerate and maintain their health. In line with this, PV partners with Traditional Owners to deliver cultural burns and uses ecological burning to maintain and enhance ecological and cultural values in Victoria’s parks.
Parks Victoria: www.parks.vic.gov.au
VicRoads
VicRoads has Roadside Management Plans and Vegetation Plans for Electric Line Clearance to manage the reduction of the risk from and intensity of bushfires along roadsides. VicRoads’ Diversion Route Planning provides a quick response to emergency events and it works with Victoria Police to designate predetermined Traffic Management Points for road closures.
VicRoads is also responsible for Road Closure Information for all arterial and local roads in a declared emergency. This information is published on the VicRoads website and is freely available.
VicRoads: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Rail Operators - V/Line, VicTrack and ARTC
The Melbourne – Sydney Rail line traverses the length of the municipality and a branch line extends from Seymour to the Goulburn Valley. The rail system carries country passenger and commuter trains, as well as significant bulk freight movements.
Fire management planning and works is undertaken by the rail operator.
Date: 9 September 2020 37 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Victoria Police (VicPol)
The Victoria Police Manual contains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are set procedures for police responding to emergencies that either threaten or are within Mitchell Shire. Police who may be required to perform duties during bushfires must be aware of these procedures and suitably trained to ensure their duties in protecting life and property are carried out safely and effectively.
Training and emergency management exercises are carried out periodically to ensure these procedures are kept relevant and up to date.
Traffic Management Points
VicPol establish Traffic Management Points (TMPs) during an emergency. TMPs are used to protect the community and emergency services personnel when there is a potential danger nearby.
Evacuation
An evacuation is a planned relocation of people from a dangerous or potentially dangerous area to a safer area. VicPol are responsible for coordinating an evacuation during an emergency. The decision to evacuate rests with the Incident Controller.
Operation Firesetter no longer exists and has been replaced with Operation Safeguard.
Operation SAFEGUARD
Operation Safeguard outlines the Victoria Police strategic response to the threat of fire, considerations about prevention and detection, and recommended preparedness and deployments during periods of heightened risk throughout the summer season.
Its purpose is to guide operational responses to the threat of fire, which include considerations to manage the risks associated with the activities and behaviours of members of the community, who due to misadventure or because of irresponsible, reckless or deliberate actions cause fires to occur.
Prosecution of Arsonists/Offenders
Under the Crimes Act 1958, Summary Offences Act 1966, and the CFA Act 1958, persons may be prosecuted for breaches of legislation (Acts). Breaches may include conditions of any permits issued by Council or CFA, lighting a fire during a declared TFB, or allowing any fire to escape their control.
Victoria Police: www.police.vic.gov.au/
Date: 9 September 2020 38 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Electricity distribution and supply
AusNet Services
AusNet Services manages three Victorian energy networks – electricity transmission, electricity distribution and gas distribution.
AusNet Services plans include Transmission Line Bushfire Mitigation and Powerline Bushfire Mitigation Plans. It also has Safety Guidelines for fire crews under transmission lines.
AusNet Services: www.ausnetservices.com.au
Powercor Australia Ltd
Powercor Australia Ltd manages the distribution network for certain towns on the western edge of Mitchell Shire.
Powercor Australia Ltd: www.powercor.com.au
Figure 6: Distribution Boundary AusNet Services and Powercor.
Date: 9 September 2020 39 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Catchment management, town water supply and sewage
Mitchell Shire is serviced by Yarra Valley Water, Goulburn Murray Water, Goulburn Valley Water, and Coliban Water authorities. Each of these authorities undertake bushfire management planning and implementation within their own properties/
Goulburn Valley Water: www.gvwater.vic.gov.au Coliban Water: www.coliban.com.au Yarra Valley Water: www.yvw.com.au
Goulburn-Murray Water
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) manages more than 67,000km2 of water catchment land in Victoria. GMW have site Fire Plans and Emergency Response Procedures with key strategies drawing on the principal tenets of the CFA and Vic Emergency’s community safety policies.
GMW local managers are required to plan bushfire mitigation and response appropriate for the site-specific context, including topography, vegetation, climate, weather, access and ingress, built assets at risk and the number of people on site.
Fire plans are activated when local fire restrictions are in place or at any time where local managers or the General Manager sees fit to implement them. It is recognised that bushfires can occur at any time, including late spring and early autumn, however the focus is bushfire preparedness for days when the forecast Fire Danger Rating exceeds High. Potential ignition sources, such as electrical storms or planned burns in the area, are also considered.
Goulburn-Murray Water: www.g-mwater.com.au
Communications network
Telstra and Optus own, operate and maintain the mobile and internet infrastructure throughout the shire, including major assets:
• The optic fibre cable between Melbourne and Sydney traverses the municipality. • Mt Hickey – Communications tower, public television and radio • Telstra Communications Towers - Pyalong, Broadford and Clonbinane (trunking and microwave links). • Mobile Telephone and National Broadcast Network (NBN) towers
Telstra: www.telstra.com.au Optus: www.optus.com.au NBN Co: www.nbnco.com.au
Date: 9 September 2020 40 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Other Utilities
Several other distributors and service providers operate within the Shire or have assets that run through the municipality. Each of these undertake works and maintain fire management planning as required.
Department of Defence
Puckapunyal Military Area (PMA) is a 42,700 hectare (ha) site located approximately 10 km west of Seymour. The majority of the PMA sits within the North West boundaries of Mitchell Shire but also has land with Strathbogie and City of Bendigo municipalities.
The Military Area comprises of three sites:
• Puckapunyal Cantonment: a built up area in south eastern corner, comprising 1,365 hectares. It consists of operational working areas, large-scale accommodation area for military, 280 defence families, a shopping complex, a State Government Primary School and day care centres. • Puckapunyal Training Area: a military range comprising of 36,190 hectares including open pastures, woodlands and large stands of Box Ironbark forest. • Proof and Experimental Establishment (P&EE) Graytown: comprising 5,145 hectares. It has a mix of open areas for weapons testing, and unused and largely intact bushland for conservation.
The base is virtually a self-sufficient suburb with a stable population of 2,500 military personnel and the families and a large civilian work force, representing approximately 7% of Mitchell Shire’s total population.
The Department of Defence requires all bases and ranges to have fire management plans and implement a range of controls to reduce the likelihood of a fire ignition and spread from their sites.
Puckapunyal Military Area is governed under a site Bushfire Management Plan. An annual Bushfire Mitigation Works Schedule (BMWS) comprises of numerous works to protect building assets, maintain fire breaks and conduct fuel reduction burns across the landscape. The annual works schedule is communicated to CFA in the lead up to the summer bushfire season. Representatives of the Puckapunyal Army Base and Military Range sit on the MFMPC and their assets are included in the VFRR-B (see Appendix A).
5.6 Community (individuals, commercial, community groups etc)
All land managers, including community organisations, commercial enterprises, and individuals, have a responsibility to maintain their properties and to conduct their activities in a responsible manner with respect to fire management. The effectiveness of municipal-wide bushfire safety relies heavily upon the community understanding and accepting their responsibilities and acting accordingly.
Date: 9 September 2020 41 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
While specific treatments cannot be attributed to private individuals and organisations within the Risk Management Strategy, the MFMPC does have an expectation that members of the community will where appropriate:
• Prepare and plan for fires, both bushfire and structural • Prepare their properties for fire events • Ensure adequate access and water for firefighting appliances • Maintain an awareness of fire danger levels and listen for alerts and warnings.
Advice, training and support to groups, businesses and individuals to assist in planning for bushfires can be obtained from the CFA www.cfa.vic.gov.au
There are also legislative requirements for emergency management planning, including bushfire, depending on the type of private enterprise or activity being undertaken.
Midway Limited
Midway owns about 1500 ha of land in the Wandong-Kilmore area. Their primary business is the purchasing, processing, marketing and exporting of woodfibre. Our operating environment consists of plantation and land ownership, the procurement of timber resources within Australia, processing, materials handling and exporting of woodfibre, and the international woodfibre market.
Midway’s fire control policy starts with the prime objective: to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors whilst maximising the chance of effective fire suppression for Midway-managed land (the “managed-estate”). Midway will cooperate with fire authorities wherever possible taking into account:
• The safety of staff and contractors • Legal requirements as a landowner and a CFA Forest Industry Brigade • The limits of our resources, training and skills.
During the Fire Danger Period Midway will maintain firebreaks, tracks and water points within the managed-estate. As a landowner and a CFA Forest Industry Brigade, Midway will actively participate in the suppression of wildfires on its managed-estate.
Midway Limited: www.midwaylimited.com.au
Date: 9 September 2020 42 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 6 Improvement and Plan Reporting and Review Processes
The outcomes of this plan will be monitored and improved throughout the planning cycle. These evaluations will inform the current and future planning cycles.
6.1 Monitoring and Evaluation
The Mitchell Shire MFMPC is required to monitor progress towards the completion of treatment works listed in this plan.
Each agency will be reporting twice a year on progress towards the completion of the treatments works under their responsibility.
Additional measures for evaluation of this plan such as training, exercises and real event debriefings will be used in the monitoring and evaluation of this plan and contribute to recommendations for the future.
6.2 Review
The Mitchell MFMPC will review this plan annually and as necessary to account for any changes in context or risk. This may be triggered by a range of circumstances, including (but not limited to): • Changes to the Mitchell Shire municipal area, organisation responsibilities and capacity or legislation; • Changes to the bushfire risk in the area; • Following a major fire event; or • Further development of fire management tools including VFRR-B.
6.3 Reporting
The Mitchell MFMPC is required to report every quarterly to the Hume RSFMPC on its progress towards implementing the fire risk management activities identified in the Mitchell Shire MFMP.
Information surrounding what measures have worked and why, and those that have not worked or remain incomplete will be collated, and lessons learned including recommended adaptations to the plan will be recorded in a report. Relevant results of related audits (for example those of VICSES and CFA) will also be included and analysed to determine further improvements that may need to be introduced to the Mitchell Shire MFMP and the planning cycle. This report will be reviewed by the Mitchell Shire MFMPC and made available to the regional committee, stakeholders, agencies and the community.
6.4 Continuous Improvement
This version of the Mitchell Shire MFMP captures the learnings from fire events, reviews, training and exercises conducted since the publication of the 2015 Plan. This Plan will continue to be updated to reflect future continuous improvement opportunities for fire management within the Mitchell Shire municipal area.
Date: 9 September 2020 43 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
6.5 Audit
Mitchell Shire is wholly within the country area of Victoria, the MFMP will be audited under Section 55B of the CFA Act 1958. The MFMP must incorporate the provisions of Section 55A (2) of the CFA Act 1958 relating to fire risks and their treatment, and will be deemed to meet the requirement for a MFMP under Section 55A (1) of the CFA Act 1958.
Date: 9 September 2020 44 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Part 7 Appendices
Appendix A - Mitchell Shire Fire Risk Management Registers Appendix B - VFRR-B State-wide treatment list Appendix C - Hazard trees and powerline clearance Appendix D - Terminology and Acronyms used in this Plan
Date: 9 September 2020 45 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Appendix A Mitchell Shire Fire Risk Management Registers A.1 Victorian Fire Risk Register - Bushfire
Human Settlement assets As at June 2020
Asset Asset Subclass IDAsset Name Asset Rating Risk Priority Rating Land Manager Threat Rating Susceptibility Consequence Rating Likelihood Rating Treatments Identified Almost 50002 Kilmore High 3D Private Medium Low Minor 107,404 certain Almost 50006 Tallarook Extreme 1C Private High Moderate Major 107,404,420,500 certain 50007 Broadford North West Medium 4 Private Medium Low Minor Likely 107,404 50008 Broadford South East Medium 4 Private Medium Low Minor Likely 107,404 Almost 50011 Hidden Valley Ridge Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 107,500 certain
Almost 50013 Wallan Interface and Wallan East High 3D Private Medium Low Minor 107,404 certain Almost 50015 Beveridge High 3D Private Medium Low Minor 107 certain Almost
Residential 50016 Waterford Park Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 107 certain Almost 50031 Seymour High 3D Private Medium Low Minor 107,404,500 certain 50032 Pyalong High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 404 50033 Tooborac High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 107,404 Almost 50034 Wandong Heathcote Junction Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 107,404,500 certain Puckapunyal Almost 50064 High 3D Commonwealth Medium Low Minor 800 certain
Date: 9 September 2020 46 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Almost 5051508 Nazek CRT Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 107 certain 5053044 Kobyboyn Rise High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 107 5053045 Millards Road High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 800 Very Almost 5053118 South Mountain Road Extreme 1A Private High Catastrophic 800 High certain Very 5053677 Golf Club Estate Extreme 1B Private Moderate Catastrophic Likely 107 High 5053678 Newbridge Estate High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 100 5053679 Spring Ridge Medium 4 Private Medium Low Minor Likely 100 50017 Assumption College Medium 4 Private Medium Moderate Moderate Possible 212,406 Almost 50019 Kilmore PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain Almost 50022 Blue Cross Willowmeade Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain 50023 Elms Retirement Village Medium 4 Private Medium Moderate Moderate Possible 212,406 Almost 50025 Upper Plenty PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Almost 50026 Stokes Convention Centre Extreme 1C Private Medium High Major 800 certain Almost 50027 Willowmavin PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain Almost 50028 Trawool Valley Resort Extreme 1C Private Medium High Major 212,406 certain
Very Almost 50029 Tallarook Ranges Camping Ground Extreme 1A DSE High Catastrophic 212,305 High certain Almost 50030 St Patricks PS Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain 50036 Tooborac PS High 3A Other Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 212,406 Almost 50037 Pyalong PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain Almost 50038 Pyalong Preschool Extreme 1C LGA Medium High Major 212
certain Special Fire Protection Special Fire
Date: 9 September 2020 47 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Almost 50045 Seymour East PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain Almost 50046 Tallarook PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain Almost 50047 Broadford SC Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 212,406 certain Mt Piper Kindergarten and Preschool 50049 High 3A LGA Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 212 Broadford Almost 50054 Goulburn Options Incorporated Extreme 1C Private Medium High Major 800 certain 50055 Wallaby Creek Work Centre High 3A Water Authority Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 214 Almost 50061 Commonground Conference Centre Extreme 1C Private Medium High Major 800 certain Almost 50062 Puckapunyal PS Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Puckapunyal Childcare Centre and Almost 50063 Very High 2C Other Medium Moderate Moderate 800 Preschool certain Almost 50065 Puckapunyal Medical Centre Very High 2C Commonwealth Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Very Almost 50067 Mt Disappointment Camping Ground Extreme 1A DSE High Catastrophic 212,305 High certain Almost 5050887 Beveridge PS Very High 2C Public Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Almost 5050888 Beveridge PS Combined OSHC Very High 2C Public Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Almost 5050889 Eclipse Early Education Wallan Very High 2C Public Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain 5050891 Wallan SC Medium 4 Public Medium Moderate Moderate Possible 800 Almost 5050898 Wandong PS Very High 2C Public Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Almost 5050899 Wandong Kindergarten Very High 2C Public Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Pyalong PS Before and After School 5050906 High 3A Public Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 800 Care
Date: 9 September 2020 48 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Almost 5050908 Little Foot Steps Very High 2C Public Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain 5051512 Children's First Foundation Very High 2A Private Medium High Major Likely 800 5052211 1st Broadford High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 800 Almost 5052213 1st Puckapunyal Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Very 5053046 Caladenia Nursing Home High 3C Public Moderate Catastrophic Unlikely 800 High Very 5053047 Kilmore and District Hospital High 3C Public Moderate Catastrophic Unlikely 800 High 5053048 Dianella Village Hostel Medium 4 Public High Moderate Major Unlikely 800 Almost 5053075 Kingsgate Village Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate certain Almost 5053076 The Elms Retirement Estate Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate certain 5053078 Ace Caravan Park High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 5053079 Barrabill House Low NA Public Medium Low Minor Unlikely 5053080 Goulburn River Tourist Caravan Park Very High 2A Private High Moderate Major Likely 5053081 Highlands Caravan Park High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 5053082 Karingal Hostel High 3A Public Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 5053083 Seymour and District Hospital High 3A Public Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 5053084 St Marys College Low NA Private Medium Moderate Moderate Unlikely 5053085 Marie Williams KIN Low NA LGA Medium Moderate Moderate Unlikely 5053680 Our Lady of the Way Primary School Private Likely 800 50005 Kilmore East Medium 4 Private Medium Low Minor Likely 404 50014 Wallan Heights Very High 2A Private High Moderate Major Likely 800 Almost 50050 Greens Pinch Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain Almost 50051 Kelly's LN High 3D Private Medium Low Minor 500 certain
50052 Monument Hill High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 500 Other Date: 9 September 2020 49 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Very Almost 50056 Ennis and Landscape RD Extreme 1A Private High Catastrophic 800 High certain 50058 Upper Plenty High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 800 Almost 50059 Sunday Creek RD Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 800 certain 50060 Highlands RD High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 107 Almost 50066 O'Gradys RD Very High 2C Private Medium Moderate Moderate 107 certain Very 50068 Reedy Creek Extreme 1B Private High Catastrophic Likely 800 High Almost 5051507 Telegraph RD South Extreme 1C Private Medium High Major 800 certain 5051509 Elliot Davis and Lemare RDS Extreme 1B Private High High Catastrophic Likely 800 5051510 Moranding RD High Camp High 3A Private Medium Moderate Moderate Likely 800 5051511 Daisyburn RD Very High 2A Private High Moderate Major Likely 800 Very 5052383 Doctors Creek RD Extreme 1B Private High Catastrophic Likely 800 High Very 5053676 Bushland Park Extreme 1B LGA High Catastrophic Likely 800 High
Date: 9 September 2020 50 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Map 8: Victorian Fire Risk Register - Human Settlement Assets.
Date: 9 September 2020 51 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Economic assets As at June 2020
Asset Subclass Asset IDAsset Name Asset Rating Risk Rating Priority Manager Land Impact Level of Recovery Consequence Rating Likelihood Rating Treatments Identified
National/ Almost 5053681 Australian Equine Behavioural Centre Very High 2C Private Low Moderate 100,212 State certain Almost 5053684 Horse Farm TBA Very High 2C Private Local Moderate Moderate 205,212,420
certain Agricultural Almost 50210 Ralphs Abattoirs High 3D Private Local Low Minor 800,800 certain Almost 50211 Allens Lollies High 3D Private Local Low Minor 212,212,406,406 certain Almost 50276 Nestle Factory High 3D Private Local Low Minor 800 certain
Commercial 5053456 Ultra Thoroughbreds Baree Stud Very High 2A Private Local High Major Likely Service Centre Roadhouses - north 5053685 High 3A Private Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212,409 & south bound Almost 50205 Softwood Plantations Extreme 1C Private Regional High Major 202,203,205,300 certain Almost 50206 Hardwood Plantations Extreme 1C Private Regional Moderate Major 202,203,205,300
certain Forestry
Commercial Commercial 50264 Wallaby Creek Water Catchment High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 214 Almost
50201 Northern HWY Very High 2C VicRoads Regional Low Moderate 223 certain Almost 50202 Hume HWY Very High 2C VicRoads Regional Low Moderate 223 certain Almost 50203 Goulburn Valley HWY Very High 2C VicRoads Regional Low Moderate 223 certain
Infrastructure Almost 50204 ARTC Very High 2C Rail Authority Regional Low Moderate 209 certain
Date: 9 September 2020 52 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
50207 Seymour SPS 7 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50208 Seymour SPS 12 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 National/ Almost 50212 Mt Hickey Communications Towers Extreme 1C Other Moderate Major 202,406 State certain Almost 50214 Meadow Hill Television Transmitter Extreme 1C Private Regional Moderate Major 800 certain Almost 50215 Pretty Sally Communications Tower Very High 2C Other Regional Low Moderate 206,214 certain National/ Almost 50216 Telstra Trunk Exchange Extreme 1C Private Moderate Major 800 State certain 50219 Broadford SPS 2 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50220 Broadford WTP High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 50222 Sunday Creek Transfer Station Very High 2A Water Authority Regional Moderate Major Likely 212 50223 Wandong SPS 3 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50224 Wandong SPS 2 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50225 Wandong SPS 1 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50226 Seymour SPS 5 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50227 Seymour SPS 4 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50228 Seymour SPS 1 Low NA Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Unlikely 212 50229 Seymour SPS 8 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50230 Seymour SPS 19 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50231 Seymour WTP Very High 2A Water Authority Regional Moderate Major Likely 212 50232 Seymour Raw WPS Very High 2A Water Authority Regional Moderate Major Likely 212 50233 Wallace Hill Clear Water Storage High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 Almost 50237 Wallan STP Very High 2C Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate 406 certain Almost 50239 Pretty Sally WPS High 3D Water Authority Local Low Minor 406 certain 50240 Seymour WWTP High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 50241 Seymour SPS 3 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212
Date: 9 September 2020 53 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
50242 Kilmore WWTP High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 50243 Kilmore SPS 1 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50244 Kilmore 16ML WT Low NA Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Unlikely 212 50245 Kilmore WWTP 2 High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 50246 Wandong WT Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50247 Tallarook WT Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50248 Wandong West WT Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50249 Waterford Park WTP and Tower Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50250 Seymour SPS 11 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50251 Seymour SPS 16 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50252 Seymour SPS 9 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50253 Seymour SPS 14 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50254 Seymour SPS 17 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50255 Seymour SPS 15 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50256 Seymour Depot High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 50257 Seymour SPS 18 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50258 Seymour SPS 2 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50259 Broadford WWTP High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 50260 Broadford SPS 1 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50261 Broadford SPS 4 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50262 Pyalong Raw WPS Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50263 Pyalong WTP Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50265 Tooborac WPS 20 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 214 50266 Tooborac WTP High 3A Water Authority Local Moderate Moderate Likely 214 50267 Toobarac WPS 21 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 214 50268 Heathcote-Toob PS Break Tank Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 214 50269 Tooborac Reservoir Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 214
Date: 9 September 2020 54 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
50270 Tooborac Service Basin Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 214 50271 Sunday Creek Reservoir Very High 2A Water Authority Regional Moderate Major Likely 212 50272 Wandong SPS 4 Low NA Water Authority Local Low Minor Unlikely 212 50273 Broadford WPS 2 Medium 4 Water Authority Local Low Minor Likely 212 50274 Hollowback Reservoir High 3A Water Authority Regional Low Moderate Likely 212 50275 Kilmore WTP Very High 2A Water Authority Regional Moderate Major Likely 212 5052544 Broadford SPS 3 Low NA LGA Local Low Minor Unlikely Kilmore Gap Automatic Weather 5052630 High 3A Private Local Moderate Moderate Likely 212 Station 5053060 Beveridge Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 204,206,214 5053061 Wandong Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053062 Clonbinane Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053063 Kilmore Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053064 Walls Crossing Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053065 Broadford Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053066 Tallarook Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053067 Mangalore Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053068 Dysart Siding Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053069 Puckapunyal Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053070 Pyalong Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053071 Tooborac Mobile Site Medium 4 Private Local Low Minor Likely 206,214 5053682 Glenaroua Telephone Exchange Medium 4 Public Local Low Minor Likely 212 Communications Towers (Telstra, Almost 5053683 High 3D Private Local Low Minor 212 NBN) certain National/ 5053686 Telstra Fibre Optic Exchange Very High 2A Public Moderate Major Likely 214 State Almost 5053687 Waste Water Treatment High 3D Public Local Low Minor 205,212,400,409 certain
Date: 9 September 2020 55 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Almost 50213 Seymour Racecourse Very High 2C Private Local Moderate Moderate 212 certain Almost 50217 Reg Hunt Park Very High 2C Private Local Moderate Moderate 800 certain
Tourist & & Tourist Almost 50218 Eastern Lions International Kart Track Very High 2C Private Local Moderate Moderate 800 Recreational certain
Date: 9 September 2020 56 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Map 9: Victorian Fire Risk Register - Economic Assets.
Date: 9 September 2020 57 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Cultural Heritage assets As at June 2020
Asset Asset Subclass ID Asset Name Asset Rating Risk PriorityRating LandManager Rating Threat Susceptibility Consequence Rating LikelihoodRating Treatments Identified 50601 Rail Bridge Over Mollisons Creek Other 800 50602 Rail Bridge Over Hanfords Creek Other 800 50603 Old Goulburn River Bridge Other 800 50604 Seymour Railway Station Other 800 50605 Habbies Howe Other 800 50606 Ready Creek Homestead Other 800 50607 Comet Mill Other 800 50608 John Kelly's Former House Other 800
50609 Exhibition Goods Shed Other 800 Indigenous - 50610 Kilmore Court House Other 800
Non 50611 The Towers Other 800 50612 Banool Other 800 50613 Whitburgh Cottage Other 800 50614 Bindley House Other 800 50615 St Patricks Church Other 800 50616 Kilmore District Hospital Other 800 5053688 Whiteheads Creek Community Hall High 3A Private High Low Moderate Likely 235,433
Date: 9 September 2020 58 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Map 10: Victorian Fire Risk Register - Cultural Heritage Assets.
Date: 9 September 2020 59 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
A.2 Structure Fire Risk Register
To be developed and included in future plan reviews.
A.3 Hazardous Materials Risk Management Register
To be developed and included in future plan reviews.
Date: 9 September 2020 60 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Appendix B VFRR-B State-wide treatment list
Date: 9 September 2020 61 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Date: 9 September 2020 62 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Appendix C Hazard trees and powerline clearance
The Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) (ES Act) provides that a municipal council must specify, within its Municipal Fire Prevention Plan:
(a) procedures and criteria for the identification of trees that are likely to fall onto, or comes into contact with, an electric line (hazard trees); and
(b) procedures for the notification of responsible persons of trees that are hazard trees in relation to electric lines for which they are responsible.
Under the ES Act, the person responsible for maintaining vegetation and clearance space around power lines is referred to as the ‘responsible person’.
The procedures outlined in this section of the MFMP seek to address the requirement detailed above.
Each responsible person should have its own internal procedure regarding the steps that will be taken when it receives notification of a potentially hazardous tree.
What is a hazard tree?
According to the ES Act, a hazard tree is a tree which is likely to fall onto or come into contact with an electric line.
The Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010 (the Regulations) further provide that a responsible person may cut or remove such a tree, provided that the tree has been assessed by a suitably qualified arborist and that assessment confirms the likelihood of contact with an electric line having regard to foreseeable local conditions.
Due to legal requirements which require a clearance space be maintained around an electric line, hazard trees are usually located outside the regulated clearance space. Despite being outside the clearance space, the tree still has the potential to contact the line due to its size or because of a structural fault or weakness which renders part, or all, of the tree likely to contact or fall onto the line.
Who is responsible for a hazard tree?
Under the ES Act, the person responsible for maintaining vegetation and clearance space around power lines is referred to as the “responsible person”. This includes responsibility for keeping the whole or any part of a tree clear of the line.
Under the ES Act, responsibility is allocated between distribution businesses and other owners of electricity infrastructure, land owners and occupiers, public land managers such as municipal councils and VicRoads.
Municipal councils are responsible for trees on public land within their municipalities, for which they are the land manager, where these are also within a Declared Area for the purposes of the ES Act. Primary responsibility for vegetation clearance and management within the municipality, for areas which are not within a Declared Area, will usually fall to the relevant electricity distribution company.
Date: 9 September 2020 63 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Contacts:
To report a potential hazard tree contact:
• AusNet Services Emergency Contacts (24hrs/7days) • General Public emergency contact information: ▪ Electricity Faults Phone 13 17 99 ▪ Email [email protected] or [email protected] (for street light faults)
Note: the towns of Seymour and Tallarook are ‘declared areas’ within Mitchell Shire; therefore the key contact for these areas in relation to hazardous trees: • Mitchell Shire Council Arborist ▪ 03 5734 6200 ▪ 113 High Street BROADFORD VIC 3658
Procedures and Criteria for Identifying Hazard Trees
In the course of everyday duties, potentially hazardous trees may come to the attention of staff or volunteer members of the entities with representation on the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee, (the Committee), staff of the distribution business(es) or other persons, including members of the public.
There are a range of factors which may indicate that a tree is a hazard tree. That is, a tree which is likely to fall onto, or come into contact with, an electric line. Some of these factors will be obvious when looking at the tree but many may only be apparent when the tree is assessed by a person with specific expertise and training such as an arborist. A suitably qualified Arborist means an Arborist who has: a) The qualification of National Certificate Level IV in Horticulture and Arboriculture, including the ‘Access Trees’ module (AHCARB501A) or equivalent qualification; b) At least 3 years of field experience in assessing trees
The following criteria may be used to assist in identifying a hazard tree:
• The size of the tree suggests that it is likely to come into contact with the electric line, for example because it appears to be encroaching or growing into the line clearance space. • There is an excessive lean on the tree, or branches hanging off the tree, and the tree is in proximity to an electric (power) line. • The size or appearance of the tree suggests it could come into contact with the line including under foreseeable local conditions.
If a potentially hazardous tree is identified, the notification procedure outline below should be followed. Where a responsible person becomes aware of a potentially hazardous tree for which they have responsibility, they must follow their own applicable internal procedure and the notification procedure described does not apply.
Date: 9 September 2020 64 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Procedures and Criteria for Notifying Hazard Trees
To ensure that information regarding potentially hazardous trees is captured in an efficient manner and, as appropriate, referred to the responsible person for action, the following procedure for the notification of hazardous trees should be followed:
• The person with responsibility for the highest percentage of lines within the municipality (the primary responsible person) [or alternative person as nominated and agreed by the Committee] is the person to whom potentially hazardous trees should be reported.
• The primary responsible person (or their representative) is referred to in these Procedures as the primary responsible person representative (PRPR).
• Where any person becomes aware of, or receives a report of, a potentially hazardous tree within the municipality, this should be referred to the PRPR. Where the Committee becomes aware of, or receives a report of, a potentially hazardous tree within the municipality, this must be referred to the PRPR.
• Reports of potentially hazardous trees must be provided to the PRPR for action as soon as practicable. Reports must include, at a minimum:
o The name and contact details and any relevant qualifications where known of the person making the report o As much detail as possible about the location of the trees (including, where known, GPS coordinates, details of numerical/name plate on nearest pole, name of nearest road or crossroads, closest landmark, whether tree is on private land or road reserve etc.) o A description of the tree (including, if known, the genus and species of tree) o The primary reasons given for the tree being identified as potentially hazardous (e.g.. Tree is in proximity to an electric line AND there is evidence of structural weakness and/or excessive lean and/or appears to be encroaching into line clearance space etc.) o An indication of whether or not urgent action is required.
• The PRPR must take all necessary steps to advise the person responsible for the tree that it may be hazardous.
Procedures for Notification of Responsible Persons
Where a potentially hazardous tree has been reported to the PRP, the PRPR should follow the procedure outlined below:
Step 1 Report provided to PRPR
PRPR to determine who the responsible person is in relation to the Step 2 reported tree (If necessary, the PRP can seek assistance from ESV for this step.)
Date: 9 September 2020 65 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Yes =>applicable internal procedure for referral Is the responsible and assessment of potentially hazardous tree to Step 3 person the primary be followed responsible person? No=>proceed to Step 4 Yes+> the responsible person should be notified immediately Did the report Step 4 indicate that urgent No=> the PRPR must advise the responsible action is required? person of the existence and location of a potentially hazardous tree in accordance with the timelines below.
Reporting Timelines
The PRPR should provide reports to the relevant responsible person as soon as practicable.
In circumstances where:
• the potentially hazardous tree is located within a high bushfire risk area (as per s.80 of the ES Act) and the potentially hazardous tree is reported during the fire danger period declared under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (Vic); or
• the report indicated that there is an imminent danger that the tree will contact or fall onto lines as a result of minor environmental changes; the potentially hazardous tree must be referred to the relevant responsible person for action immediately.
Each responsible person (other than the primary responsible person) must provide the PRPR with contact details of the person (position title) to whom reports should be provided. It is the responsibility of each responsible person to ensure that the PRPR is provided with up-to-date contact details.
Register
It is recommended that the PRPR maintain a register in which all notifications are recorded together with the date of receipt of the notification and the date the notification was reported to the responsible person.
It is recommended that responsible persons also maintain a register of notifications received of hazardous trees for which they are the responsible person.
PRPR Consultation
The Committee notes that the Primary Responsible Person was consulted in relation to the development of these procedures.
Date: 9 September 2020 66 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Appendix D Terminology and Acronyms used in this Plan Terminology used in this Plan Term Definition Unplanned vegetation fire. A generic term which includes grass fires, Bushfire forest fires and scrub fires both with and without a suppression objective. Bushfire A fuel complex, defined by amount, type condition, arrangement, and hazard location, that determines the degree of hazard. All those activities directed to prevention, detection, damage mitigation, and suppression of bushfires. Includes bushfire legislation, policy, Bushfire administration, law enforcement, community education, training of fire management fighters, planning, communications systems, equipment, research, and the multitude of field operations undertaken by land managers and emergency services personnel relating to bushfire control. 1. The outcome of an event or situation expressed qualitatively or quantitatively, being a loss, injury, disadvantage or gain. 2. The outcome of an event or situation expressed qualitatively or quantitatively. In the Consequence emergency risk management context, consequences are generally described as the effects on persons, society, the environment and the economy. A measure that maintains and/or modifies risk. Controls include, but are Control not limited to, any process, policy, device, practice, or other conditions and/or actions which maintain and/or modify risk. 1. The temporary relocation of persons from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safe areas. 2. The planned relocation of persons from Evacuation dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer areas and eventual return. Fire hazard Any fuel which if ignited, may be difficult to extinguish. The oven dry weight of fuel per unit area. Commonly expressed as Fuel load tonnes per hectare. (Also known as fuel loading). A source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss. * A potential or existing condition that may cause harm to people or damage Hazard to property or the environment. * An intrinsic capacity associated with an agent or process capable of causing harm. The individual responsible for the management of all incident control Incident activities across a whole incident. In the case of bushfire, the control Controller agency can include CFA or DELWP. The probability of a fire igniting and spreading, and how often this may Likelihood occur. Municipal The geographic area covered by the local government. references to ‘the Plan’ are references to this Municipal Fire Management Plan Plan. All activities undertaken in advance of bushfire occurrence to decrease its Preparedness extent and severity and to ensure more effective fire suppression. All activities concerned with minimising the incidence of bushfire Prevention particularly those of human origin.
Date: 9 September 2020 67 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
For the purposes of this plan, public land includes all land managed by Government agencies including Department of Environment, Land, Water Public land and Planning, Parks Victoria, Municipalities, VicRoads and Catchment Management Authorities. The restoring or improving of livelihoods and health, as well as economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets, systems and Recovery activities, of a disaster affected community or society, aligning with the principles of sustainable development and “build back better”, to avoid or reduce future disaster risk. 1. Actions taken in anticipation of, during, and immediately after an emergency to ensure that its effects are minimised, and that people Response affected are given immediate relief and support. 2. Measures taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after an emergency to ensure its effects are minimised. 1. A systematic use of available information to determine how often specified events may occur and the magnitude of their likely Risk analysis consequences. 2. The systematic use of available information to study risk. A qualitative or quantitative approach to determine the nature and extent of disaster risk by analysing potential hazards and evaluating existing Risk conditions of exposure and vulnerability that together could harm people, assessment property, services, livelihoods and the environment on which they depend. The systematic application of management policies, procedures and Risk practices to the tasks of identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating and management monitoring risk. State State Fire Management Planning Committee, which sets the strategic Committee direction for the state. A geospatial risk register that uses a risk assessment for bushfire based Victorian Fire on vegetation type, slope, and distance of an asset from vegetation and Risk Register vulnerability of the community to assign a risk ranking. The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes which increase the susceptibility of an Vulnerability individual, a community, assets or systems to the impacts of hazards. For positive factors which increase the ability of people to cope with hazards, see also the definitions of “Capacity” and “Coping capacity”.
The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience has a Knowledge Hub to share information with the emergency management sector. The Australian Disaster Resilience Glossary can be used to look up term and definitions: Australian Disaster Resilience Glossary.
Date: 9 September 2020 68 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Acronyms used in this Plan
Acronym Descriptor CFA Country Fire Authority DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning DET Department of Education and Training DHHS Department of Health and Human Services EMV Emergency Management Victoria FDR Fire Danger Rating FDP Fire Danger Period FRV Fire Rescue Victoria IFMP Integrated Fire Management Planning LGA Local Government Authority MFMP Municipal Fire Management Plan MFMPC Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee NSP Neighbourhood Safer Place PV Parks Victoria TFB Total Fire Ban VFRR-B Victorian Fire Risk Register-Bushfire VicPol Victoria Police
Date: 9 September 2020 69 V 5.0 Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan
Appendix E References
AFAC (2012) AFAC Bushfire Glossary. East Melbourne, Victoria: Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council. CFA (2005) Roadside Fire Management Guidelines. p. 37. East Burwood, Victoria: Country Fire Authority. CFA (2016) About Fire Danger Ratings, CFA, Country Fire Authority. CFA (2019) VFRR_B Risk Assessment Guide. Burwood East, Victoria: Risk Intelligence, Country Fire Authority. DELWP (2015) Strategic bushfire management plan - East Central. p. 35. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. DELWP, CSIRO (2019) Goulburn Climate Projections 2019. Melbourne, Victoria: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and CSIRO. EMV (2011) Emergency Management Manual Victoria. Emergency Management Victoria. EMV (2014) State Bushfire Plan 2014. Melbourne: Emergency Management Victoria. IAP2 (2014) IAP2_Public_Participation_Spectrum.pdf. Louisville, CO, USA: International Association for Public Participation: International Federation. id Consulting (2020) Mitchell Shire Community Profile. Collingwood, Victoria: id Consulting. IFMP (2010) Integrated Fire Management Planning Guide. p. 40. Melbourne, Victoria: Integrated Fire Management Planning. MEMPC (2018) Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Plan. Broadford, Victoria: Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee. MSC (2014) Environment Strategy 2014-2024. Broadford, Victoria: Mitchell Shire Council. MSC (2017) Mitchell Shire Council Health Profile 2017-2021. Broadford, Victoria: Mitchell Shire Council. MSC (2018) Mitchell Shire Neighbourhood Safer Places - Bushfire Places of Last Resort Plan 2018 v2.2. Broadford, Victoria: Mitchell Shire Council. Terramatrix (2019) Roadside Fire Management Review. Commissioned by the Mitchell Shire Council. Collingwood, Victoria.
Date: 9 September 2020 70 V 5.0
Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Management Plan