2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 DRAFT FIRE OPERATIONS PLAN

Benalla DSE 89 Sydney Road Benalla VIC 3672

Phone No. 03 5761 1611 UPPER MURRAY DISTRICT Fax No. 03 5761 1628 NORTH EAST AREA

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Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

The location and boundaries of proposed planned burn/worksites shown on the attached maps are only TABLE OF CONTENTS approximate and indicative. The precise boundary of any planned burn will be identified on site by DSE before operations begin. LAND AND FIRE AREA MANAGER’S FOREWORD 2

2 UPPER MURRAYFIRE OPERATIONS PLAN

SUMMARY OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES - 2009/10 3

3 BUSHFIRES – 2009/10 PLANNED BURNING ACHIEVEMENTS – 2009/10 3

PREPARATION OF A FIRE OPERATIONS PLAN 4

SCHEDULE 1: PLANNED BURNS 5

13 SCHEDULE 2: LANDSCAPE MOSAIC BURNS

SCHEDULE 3: STRATEGIC FUELBREAKS 14 Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment , 28 th July 2010 SCHEDULE 4: NON-BURNING FUEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 14 © The State of Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 . SCHEDULE 5: FIRE ACCESS ROAD WORKS 15

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 16 ISBN 978-1-74242-729-4 (online) SCHEDULE 6: FIRE INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186. 16 SCHEDULE 7: OTHER FIRE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES

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

1 Upper Murray District/North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

Land and Fire Area Manager’s Foreword Upper Murray Fire Operations Plan During an average summer, around six hundred bushfires occur on public land across This document contains the fire prevention and preparedness works to be delivered Victoria. As seen over the past decade, intense bushfires across the landscape can for the period 2010/11 to 2012/13 within the Murrindindi District. have huge impacts on the environment (plants and animals) and be devastating to This Plan covers all Public land including all national parks, State parks and regional communities across Victoria. parks and all State forests. Numerous other small reserves and Crown land are also To better manage the risk of bushfire, the Department of Sustainability and included. The area covered by the Upper Murray District is shown in Figure 1. Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria undertake fire prevention activities, such as The Plan is prepared, and will be implemented, in accordance with the Code of planned burning, to help reduce the occurrence and impact of devastating fires such Practice for Fire Management on Public Land, the Fire Operations Planning Manual as those experienced in recent summers. 2.1 and other relevant DSE Instructions, Manuals and Guidelines.

DSE and Parks Victoria also use planned fire for ecological purposes. Many of It delivers the strategy outlined in the Ovens, Upper Murray & Goulburn Fire Victoria’s plants and animals have evolved to survive fire events, and are reliant on Protection Plan 2003 bushfire to regenerate and maintain their health. In particular, biodiversity is dependent on appropriate fire regimes (fire intensity, frequency, season, extent and It should be noted that burns associated with logging regeneration and small heap type). burn offs are not included in the Fire Operation Planning process. The locations of

strategic fuelbreaks are also included for information only. These activities are Each year, the DSE prepares Fire Operations Plans for Public land in Victoria. These approved via other DSE and Parks Victoria processes. Plans outline proposed fuel management and ecological burns, and other fire protection and preparedness works for public land managed by DSE and Parks Figure 1: Upper Murray District map Victoria. The three-year rolling Plans contain: • A list and map(s) of proposed planned burns; • Details of fire preparedness works, such as the construction and maintenance of strategic fuel and fire breaks, mechanical fuel management works planned for the immediate twelve-month period; and • A summary of other fire preparedness and prevention-related works such as maintenance of fire towers or helipads, training and education and enforcement activities. A Fire Operations Plan is prepared for each District in the North East Area in consultation with communities, local councils, Parks Victoria, CFA and technical specialists within DSE. I encourage your input into this Fire Operations Plan. Peter Farrell, North East Land and Fire Area

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Upper Murray District/North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

Summary of District Activities - 2009/10 Viewing the Fire Operations Plan

Bushfires – 2009/10 Office locations for viewing the Plan: The 2009/10 fire season had some early potential following a dry and warm October/ The Plan can be viewed during normal business hours at the following locations: November period leading to Fire Restrictions being declared on the 30 November Location Address 2009. The drought index peaked in early February, but then dropped significantly 6-8 Jardine Street with rain events through February to early March. Fire Restrictions were lifted on 15 Mitta Mitta 5 Hedley lane, Omeo Hwy March 2010. 34 Towong St The Upper Murray District attended 21 fires (Compared with the 10 year average of

27). Of these, 14 (66%) were caused by lightning which is in line with the 40 year Viewing the Plan online: average. You can also view proposed planned burns in the Plan online through: Only 6 fires occurred on Public Land burning an area of 6 ha (compared with the • 10year average of 28650ha). DSE supported the CFA at 12 fires that burned 54 ha. By An online interactive map. Go to DSE’s website at www.dse.vic.gov.au , far the most significant fires attended by DSE were in NSW. A 10,420ha fire at Ournie select Interactive Maps then select Fireplan . • threatened Victoria on an extreme fire danger day on 17 December 2009. Significant Downloadable maps and planned burn lists at www.dse.vic.gov.au/burns , CFA and DSE resources assisted NSW Rural Fire Service at this fire. Assistance was select Fire Operations Plans then select View Proposed Plans . also provided to NSW Parks and Wildlife Service to suppress a 200ha fire in the Dora Dora Range north west of Walwa. District Contact Details All comments and suggestions about the Plan should be sent in writing, using the Planned burning achievements – 2009/10 FOP Feedback form, to: No significant burning occurred in Spring due to the early onset of the fire season. Caitlin Cruikshank Critical areas for township protection around Mitta Mitta and Dartmouth were treated using a mulcher. Fire Planning Coordinator The rainfall in February and early March enabled planned burning to commence 89 Sydney Road early. The burning season was disrupted throughout Autumn by rain events and as a Benalla VIC 3672 result many burns were only partially completed. However the District undertook 23 burns (compared with the 10year average of 24) and treated 15,600 ha (compared Comments may also be sent by email to [email protected] . with the 10year average of 11,000 ha).

The area and number of Asset Protection burns was well down on average due to Upper Murray District resources supporting State-wide priority burning in East Gippsland and South West Areas. 3 Asset Protection burns treated 260 ha, compared to 10 year average of 5 burns treating 740 ha.

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Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

Preparation of a Fire Operations Plan How to read this document Distance – the maximum length of the work site The development of a District Fire Operations Plan measured in kilometres (km), including areas The Fire Operation Plan consists of a number of involves the nomination of planned burns and other specifically excluded from disturbance. schedules and maps. works by DSE, Parks Victoria and other interested Firebreak – any natural or constructed discontinuity in stakeholders. Schedule 1 lists planned fuel reduction, ecological and fuel that may be used to segregate, stop or control other planned burns. the spread of a bushfire, or to provide a fire control Development of the Plan considers: line from which to suppress a fire. Schedule 2 lists landscape mosaic burns Fuel Management Zone (FMZ) – an area of land upon • relevant legislation and Departmental policies which fire is managed for specific asset, fuel and relating to environmental and cultural heritage Schedule 3 provides an overview of strategic ecological objectives . protection, and emergency management; fuelbreaks to be constructed or maintained during Fuelbreak - a strip of land where vegetation has been • various Departmental fire instructions and 2010/11 and includes details of future fuelbreak removed or modified to reduce the risk of fires guidelines, particularly the Fire Operations locations. starting and/or to reduce the rate of spread and Planning Manual 2.1; Schedule 4 lists the non-burning fuel management intensity of any fire that may occur in or enter the • relevant Fire Protection/Fire Management Plans; program such as slashing, pruning or mulching. treated area. • the Code of Practice for Timber Production; Land Manager – the organisation responsible for day- • Schedule5 lists fire access road works. relevant Forest Management and Park to-day management of the work site. Management Plans; Schedule 6 lists fire infrastructure works. Local Government Area (LGA) – the municipality in • biodiversity, soil, water, economic and cultural Schedule 7 sets out fire preparedness works that will which the majority of the work site is located. values within the District; and be undertaken in the District to ensure that both Location – a bearing and distance of the work site • environmental, cultural or economic strategies personnel and equipment are ready for the 2010/11 from the nearest major township/locality . which could be impacted by the Plan’s fire season. Operation Type – the type of works planned at the implementation. site. Where necessary, prescriptions for particular values Information provided on schedules Season – indicates the preferred season in which the burn will be completed. maybe specified for each burn, which are Area – the maximum area of the work site measured Strategy – the fuel management strategy for a incorporated into individual Burn Plans. These in hectares (ha), including areas specifically excluded particular area prescriptions are reviewed annually, to take into from disturbance. account experience from burning operations in the Burn Number and Name / Road Name / Address – an previous season. identifier for each burn or planned work site. Important note: Burn Status – a status of ‘Proposed’ indicates that a The ability to carry out burns is dependent on seasonal burn is new on this Plan. Burns with a status of and local weather conditions. To allow for this, ‘Planned’ have been approved on the previous years planned burns from the second and third years of the Fire Operations Plan. Previously approved burns may Plan are considered as contingencies for the first year. be burnt prior to the approval of the 2010/11 Plan. Burn Type – indicates the purpose of the burn This means that a second or third year burn may be including fuel reduction burn (FRB), ecological burn brought forward to the current year to replace a burn (ECO) or forest regeneration (REG). planned for the first year .

4 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

SCHEDULE 1: PLANNED BURNS Planned burning is one of DSEs most important fire prevention activities. It involves the controlled setting of fires during periods of lower fire risk, to achieve one of three main purposes: fuel reduction, ecological management, and forest regeneration. It is important to understand that planned burning operations, particularly fuel reduction burns, do not stop or eliminate the risk of wildfires. However, Victorian research, and similar information from other parts of and overseas, clearly shows that fire-fighters have a much better chance of controlling wildfires in areas where fuel reduction burns have been carried out. Approved burns in this years Plan will require ground works. Ground works will be assessed through on-site inspections which will look at surrounding assets and planned burn objectives. Works may include pest plant controls, brushing up of existing boundaries, internal tracks and other control lines with dozers or graders.

Proposed Planned Burns 2010/11

Comment Fuel Planned

Burn Land Burn Mgt Grid Burn LGA Burn Status Number Name Location Manager Season Burn Type Burn Operation Objective Zone Reference Area PROPOSED Towong COR003 Alberts - BNP 5 km NNW Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV680995 180 Cudgewa REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong COR011 11KM ESE OF Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV550970 159 REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (Pine Plantation, Transmission Line) PLANNED Towong TAL010 Bethanga HA Bethanga HA Freehold SPRING WINDROWS / Remove timber heaps (fallen tree 6 EA083025 0.01 Heaps HEAPS and debris).

PROPOSED Towong M99 Browns - BNP 11 km N Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA700050 90 Cudgewa REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PROPOSED Towong MM007 BULLHEAD 11 km NE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop a fuel reduced corridor 3 EV330710 1570 Subject to RANGE Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION from Bullhead, Southeast to Granite further Peak internal consultation PROPOSED Towong TAL002 BURROWYE- 5km NE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA485025 551 KOETONG ROAD Koetong REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (pine plantation) PLANNED COR020 Clarke Lagoon 3 km NW of WINTER WINDROWS / Remove timber heaps (dead 3 EA825130 0.1 Heaps HEAPS willows)

5 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

PROPOSED Towong M88 CLARKES 19KM N Parks Victoria SUMMER FUEL To reduce overall biomass and to 3 EA821130 2 LAGOON CORRYONG REDUCTION encourage assemblage of native grasses PROPOSED Towong P125 Cravensville Road 8 KM South of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV425925 312 Koetong and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (private property & Pine Forest). PROPOSED Towong TAL001 FERNVALE 13 km S DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop a fuel reduced corridor 2 EV188785 655 Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION along Eskdale Spur.

PROPOSED Towong 3UMM006 GRANITE FLAT - 15km S of DSE, Parks SPRING FUEL Burn Willow heaps at Lightning 3 EV386426 1 LIGHTNING Mitta Mitta and Forests REDUCTION Creek Camp Site. CREEK CAMPSITE PROPOSED Towong MM008 GRANITE PEAK 9 KM SSW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop a fuel reduced corridor 3 EV426478 1670 Subject to Dartmouth and Forests REDUCTION from Bullhead, Southeast to Granite further Peak. internal consultation PROPOSED Towong M97 Hewatt 9 km NNE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA840020 300 Corryong REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PLANNED Towong 3UCO005 - Jingellic 1km southeast WINTER WINDROWS / Enhance existing native riparian EA640237 0.1 Reserve Heaps of Jingellic HEAPS vegetation and encourage natural regeneration. PROPOSED Towong P115 Kanes Creek 6 km south of NRE, Forests AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV490905 211 Road Shelley Directorate REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (Pine Forest) PROPOSED Towong TAL004 KANES- 8km SSE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV520885 761 COULSTONS Shelley and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong MM014 KOHNES ROAD 2kms SE of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 2 EV192635 3200 Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION protection to Eskdale Township.

PROPOSED Towong P139 Kurrajong Gap 2 km NW Parks Victoria SPRING FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA075037 10 Bethanga REDUCTION protection to human life and property. PROPOSED Towong MM012 LAKE 19 km SE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV555418 7700 Subject to DARTMOUTH Dartmouth REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will further complement works in adjacent fuel internal management zones. consultation PROPOSED Towong TAL007 LIGHTBOUND 9KM NNE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA185015 92 Tallangatta REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

6 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

PROPOSED Towong COR004 Lightfoot Creek 27km W of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA511006 526 Corryong and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (Pine Plantations)

PROPOSED Towong TAL012 MATTHEWS CK 30 km SE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV420770 1020 Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PROPOSED Indigo TAL010 MCGRATHS TK 14 km SSW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV135785 720 Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PROPOSED Towong TAL017 MITCHELLS 12 km NE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA560060 280 FIRELINE Shelley REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets of the Shelley Plantation PROPOSED Towong MM020 Mitta Mitta Hedley Lane, DSE, Parks SPRING FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 2 EV336560 2 Mitta Mitta and Forests REDUCTION protection to the township of Mitta Mitta.

PLANNED Towong 3UMM001 MITTA NORTH 6km east of Unknown SPRING WINDROWS / Burn windrows of willow timber. 4 EV281653 2 ALEXANDERS Eskdale HEAPS CUTTING PROPOSED East MM016 MOUNT WILLS 30KM SE Mt AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas to EV422193 1600 Gippsland Beauty REDUCTION reduce the spread of wildfire. To provide a high level of strategic protection to Glen Valley. PROPOSED Towong TAL005 MOUNTAIN 34KM E Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV505980 182 CREEK TALLANGATT REDUCTION protection to human life, property A and highly valued assets (Pine Plantation) PROPOSED Alpine TAL009 MURPHYS TK 22 km SSE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas of 2 EV100660 1220 Tangambalang and Forests REDUCTION sufficient width and continuity to a reduce the spread of wildfire

PROPOSED Towong M58 Nariel Junction 10 km south Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV765865 372 west of REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will Corryong complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PROPOSED Towong COR005 NARIEL WEST 29km SSW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop a fuel reduced corridor 2 EV720690 2215 Corryong and Forests REDUCTION west of the Nariel township and north east of Alpine Ash zone 5 (exclusion)areas PROPOSED Towong MM011 SHEEVERS 10km SE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV524500 4100 SPUR Dartmouth REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

7 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

PROPOSED Towong P141 Shelley Grassland 3 km NE Parks Victoria WINTER ECOLOGICAL To create a mosaic burn coverage 4 EV510965 30 Shelley appropriate to meet requirements of native grasses and disadvantage exotics. PROPOSED Towong P131 STEVO`S 10Km SSW of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV415890 240 Koetong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong MM004 STOCKYARD 5 km ESE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV273626 0 Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PLANNED Towong 3UTA101 Tallangatta - 12km east of WINTER WINDROWS / Enhance existing native riparian EA283945 0.1 9 Tallangatta Creek Tallangatta HEAPS vegetation and encourage natural SSR Heaps revegetation. PLANNED Towong 3UCO003 Towong - 4km north of Unknown WINTER WINDROWS / Enhance existing native riparian 4 EA884055 0.1 Corryong Creek Towong HEAPS vegetation and promote natural SSR Heaps regeneration.

PROPOSED Indigo MM005 UPPER SANDY 10 KM NW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop a fuel reduced corridor 2 EV151723 1640 CREEK Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION along Eskdale Spur.

PROPOSED Towong P104 Vincents Reserve 18 km north of Parks Victoria AUTUMN ECOLOGICAL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA195097 2 Eco Tallangatta areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PLANNED Towong 3UCO004 Walwa - Walwa 4km east of Parks Victoria WINTER WINDROWS / Enhance existing native riparian 4 EA703193 0.1 Reserve Heaps Walwa HEAPS vegetation and encourage natural regeneration. PROPOSED Towong P133 Walwa Shelley 4 Km NE of Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 3 EV515985 159 Road Shelley REDUCTION protection to highly valued assets (Pine Forest) PROPOSED Towong TAL006 WOODS 16KM NE Parks Victoria AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA240070 605 Tallangatta REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

Proposed Planned Burns 2011/12 Fuel Planned Comment Burn Land Burn Mgt Grid Burn Burn Status LGA Number Name Location Manager Season Burn Type Burn Operation Objective Zone Reference Area PROPOSED Towong COR016 BARKERS 10 KM N Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic EV100489 22 TRACK Tawonga Victoria REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (Orchard) PROPOSED Towong COR013 BUNROY 5 KM E DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV114684 1204 Gundowring and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

8 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA006 BURROWYE 19km SW of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV755757 2020 NAPOLEAN Corryong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will GULLY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong 3UTA005 BURROWYE 20km SE of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV922775 2667 SMITHS PINES Corryong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will TK complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong 3UTA004 CRAVENSVILLE 4 KM SSE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA491092 175 FORBIDDEN Burrowye and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property and VALLEY highly valued assets (Pine Plantations).

PROPOSED Towong 3UCO001 CUDGEWA 10 KM NNE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA521059 192 NORTH Shelley and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property and WERMATONG highly valued assets (Pine TK Plantations)

PROPOSED Towong TAL014 DARBYSHIRE 16 KM SE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV481736 1627 SOUTH Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will Valley complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong COR015 DRUMMONDS 5 KM N AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas of EA721097 288 Cudgewa North REDUCTION sufficient width and continuity to reduce the spread of wildfire

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA002 KOETONG 6 km W DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV380990 300 EDGARS ROAD Koetong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

PROPOSED Alpine 3UTA007 MONGANS 9km SW of Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA633124 569 BRIDGE Walwa Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will REDBANK- complement works in adjacent fuel MONGANS management zones ROAD PROPOSED Towong M57 Mt Mittamatite 4 KM SW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV421971 207 Koetong and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, prope rty and highly valued assets (Pine Plantations). PROPOSED Towong TAL011 NOORONGONG 5 Km North of NRE, AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV785975 330 Corryong Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will Directorate complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PROPOSED Towong COR006 REEDY CREEK 17 km SSE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV220740 1410 Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

9 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA003 SHELLEY STEVO 7km S Lucyvale DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 2 EV570775 1822 ROAD and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong 3UTA008 SHELLEY 10 KM S DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV438895 553 WALKER TRACK Koetong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong 3UTA001 TALLANGATTA 3 KM NE Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV514976 125 LOOKOUT Shelley Victoria REDUCTION protection to human life, property and TRACK highly valued assets (Pine Plantations). PROPOSED Towong COR012 THOWGLA 1 KM S DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV167877 369 UPPER Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones PROPOSED Towong TAL013 TOZIERS TK 15km South of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV838782 3046 Corryong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

PROPOSED Indigo 3UTA011 UPPER SANDY 8 km SSW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV410920 610 CREEK EGANS Koetong and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets Shelley Plantation PROPOSED Towong TAL015 WEBBS TK 4 km S Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA280000 315 Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. PROPOSED Towong TAL016 WOODS TK 11 NNE Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA190030 145 Tallangatta Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

10 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

Proposed Planned Burns 2012/13 Fuel Planned Comment Burn Land Burn Mgt Grid Burn Burn Status LGA Number Name Location Manager Season Burn Type Burn Operation Objective Zone Reference Area PROPOSED Alpine 3UTA014 UPPER 7 KM SE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas of 2 EV087613 1424 GUNDOWRI Gundowring and Forests REDUCTION sufficient width and continuity to NG reduce the spread of wildfire GUNDOWRI NG FIRELINE PROPOSED Towong P137 Beatties 13 NW of AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA515075 134 Track Koetong REDUCTION protection to human life, property and highly valued assets (Private Property and Pine Forest)

PROPOSED Towong 3UCO002 BERRINGA 10 KM NE Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA634025 933 MA BLACK Berringama Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will MOUNTAIN complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA017 BURROWY 9 KM NNE DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EA525042 87 E YAC Shelley and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property TRACK and highly valued assets (Pine Plantations).

PROPOSED Towong MM015 DARTMOUT 4km NE DSE, Parks AUTUMN ECOLOGICAL To reduce overall biomass of 2 EV383583 42 H ROAD Mitta Mitta and Forests English Broome, post spraying.

PROPOSED Towong 3UMM002 ESKDALE - 11km South DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas of 3 EV207531 4500 MOUNT of Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION sufficient width and continuity to ELMO reduce the spread of wildfire.

PROPOSED Towong 3UMM004 ESKDALE 1 km S of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 3 EV232615 956 WILSONS Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION protection to Eskdale Township. TRACK PROPOSED Towong 3UTA015 GEORGES 8 KM NNE Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV216980 226 CREEK Tallangatta Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will HILLAS TK complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA016 GRANYA 14 KM NE Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EA259017 578 BRIDLE TK Tallangatta Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

11 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA018 KOETONG 4 KM NW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of EA418014 732 BRAGGES Koetong and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA010 KOETONG 5 KM SW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 1 EV411959 507 EMPEROR Koetong and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property TRACK and highly valued assets (Pine Plantations)

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA012 SHELLEY 9 KM SW DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide a high level of strategic 3 EV461874 348 BARKMAN Shelley and Forests REDUCTION protection to human life, property FIRELINE and highly valued assets (Pine Plantations & Powerlines)

PROPOSED Towong 3UTA013 SHELLEY 1 KM N Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV495978 160 HEMPENST Shelley Victoria REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will ALL ROAD complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

PROPOSED Towong 3UMM005 TALLANDO 4.5km N of DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas of 3 EV177723 711 ON Eskdale and Forests REDUCTION[ sufficient width and continuity to LOCKHART reduce the spread of wildfire. S GAP RD PROPOSED Towong 3UMM003 TALLANDO 3.5 Km DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To develop fuel reduced areas of 3 EV218679 622 Subject to ON YABBA North of and Forests REDUCTION sufficient width and continuity to further ROAD Eskdale reduce the spread of wildfire. internal consultation PROPOSED Towong 3UTA009 TALLANGA 7 KM S DSE, Parks AUTUMN FUEL To provide an irregular mosaic of 3 EV170851 401 TTA Tallangatta and Forests REDUCTION areas of fuel reduction which will FERNVALE complement works in adjacent fuel FIRELINE management zones

12 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

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

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

Proposed Landscape Mosaic Burns

District Burn Status Burn Name Location Land Management Objective Planned Comment Number Burn Area

UPPER PROPOSED COR018 BURROWA WEST 22km NW of Corryong To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 3814 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

UPPER PROPOSED MM017 CALLAGHAN CREEK 16km NE Mitta Mitta To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 5400 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. UPPER PROPOSED TAL018 LAWSON EAST 7km W of Burrowye To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 3449 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones and protect Burrowye

UPPER PROPOSED TAL019 LAWSON SOUTH 7km NW of KOETONG To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 2023 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones UPPER PROPOSED MM019 LIGHTNING CREEK 20km S Mitta Mitta To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 3822 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones.

UPPER PROPOSED MM018 LORDS CREEK 8km S Mitta Mitta To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 8330 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. UPPER PROPOSED COR014 DARTMOUTH TRACK 45km SW of Corryong To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 8290 MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones

UPPER PROPOSED COR019 10km SE of Walwa To provide an irregular mosaic of areas of fuel reduction which will 2483 Subject to MURRAY complement works in adjacent fuel management zones. further internal consultation

13 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

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

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

Proposed Works 2010/11 Road or Location Name Locality Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Distance (km)

There are no major fuelbreaks are proposed for this district.

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

Proposed Works 2010/11 Location or Road Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Fuel Management Zone / Strategy Land Manager Distance (km) / Area (ha) E.g. firebreak maintenance, discing, chemical application, slashing, chaining, vegetation trimming,

There are no major non-burning fuel management works proposed for this district.

14 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

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

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

Proposed Works 2010/11

Works Identification Road or Location Locality Shire Grid Ref. Operation Type Land Distance (km) Comment Number Name Manager

Between Mt Emu & 55H EV 199 416 to UM03 Eskdale Spur Tk Trappers Gap Alpine Shire 55H EV 245 405 D7 Reconstruction DSE 6 KM Between Trappers Gap / Mountain Creek & The Towong 55H EV 245 405 to UM05 Camp Creek Hollow Shire 55H EV 315 383 D7 Realignment DSE 7.5 KM Between The Hollow & Towong 55H EV 315 383 to UM06 Hollow Way Rd West Branch Tk Shire 55H EV 355 444 D7 Reconstruction DSE 9 KM

Between Hollow Way Rd & Towong 55H EV 355 444 to UM07 West Branch Tk Snowy Ck West Branch Shire 55H EV 338 481 D7 Realignment DSE 6 KM

Shady Creek Between Cattleman’s Ck Towong 55H EV 800 579 to UM08 Lower Tk Tk & Dunstan’s Rd Shire 55H EV 850 578 D7 Realignment DSE 6.5 KM

Between Dunstan’s Rd & Towong 55H EV 795 703 to D7 New UM09 Thougla Creek Gentle Annie Tk Shire 55H EV 837 716 Construction DSE 7.5 KM

Swans Cutting Towong 55H EV 208 764 to D7 New UM10 Track Between Powerline Rd Shire 55H EV 238 734 Construction DSE 6 KM Between Giltraps Rd & Long Point Lake Banimboola on the Towong 55H EV 387 581 to D4 New UM11 South Mitta River Shire 55H EV 411 567 Construction DSE 5 KM Between Giltraps Rd & Long Point Lake Banimboola on the Towong 55H EV 367 589 to D4 New UM12 North Mitta River Shire 55H EV 383 580 Construction DSE 1.5 KM

15 Upper Murray District/ North East Area Draft Fire Operations Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13

SCHEDULE 6: Fire Infrastructure Management

Proposed Works 2010/11 Infrastructure Type Location or Road Name Locality Grid Ref. Operation Type Land Manager e.g. Construction / maintenance

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

There are no major works on fire infrastructure proposed for this district.

SCHEDULE 7: OTHER FIRE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES Preparedness of personnel: Train and maintain accredited personnel for all fire roles, including incident controller, operations, All year, ongoing planning, logistics and specialist aviation roles. Recruit, train & accredit seasonal fire fighters as required by seasonal conditions Ongoing Provide training to all contractors and staff involved in fire operations. Ongoing

Preparedness of equipment: Maintain heavy & light tankers (slip-ons), heavy & light dozers, strategic caravans, pump trailers, Ongoing camping trailers and other fire equipment.

Education and awareness: Attend Municipal Fire Prevention Committees, Integrated Fire Management Committees, Ong0ing participation in meetings throughout district: MFPC Emergency Planning Committees, and CFA liaison committees throughout the year meetings, Fire Ready Victoria meetings, Towong Shire VFRR project meetings, and liaison with NSW fire services. Education opportunities Fire Operations Plan community meetings & open houses events DSE information stand at Man From Snowy River Bush Festival, Corryong and Tallangatta Farm Expo.

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