King Island Wildfire Management Plan · 2007 fire for example, much was being expressed within the...

King Island Wildfire Management Plan

February 2009

King Island Wildfire Management Plan–- February 2009 ii

King Island Wildfire Management Plan–- February 2009 iii

Forward The 2007 Sea Elephant fires on King Island saw the destruction of the majority of the Lavinia State Reserve and considerable damage to private property. The King Island community along with the agencies involved in the fire suppression and community recovery phases of the incident saw the need for the development of a Wildfire Management Plan for King Island. The Plan has been developed on King Island with the community to ensure a degree of ownership in the planning of any future fire fighting events. The much appreciated co-operation of the Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Tasmania, the Tasmanian Fire Service, King Island Council, King Island NRM Group Inc, SES, local service organizations and the King Island community has enabled the formulation of this plan. The Committee acknowledges the administrative support provided by the King Island Council in the development of this Plan. Without everyone working together co-operatively it would have been impossible to have a plan that is of value and functional for King Island. The development of working relationships is a significant outcome that has been achieved through completing The Plan. The King Island Wildfire Management Plan has had two main aims. Firstly to provide a fire management plan which gives direction to local and ‘imported’ fire control agencies and secondly to draw up an agenda of proposed fire control/access trails Island wide. It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the King Island Fire Management Area Committee to present the way forward for the future of wildfire management for King Island in this plan. Rod McGarvie Chairman: King Island Fire Management Area Committee

King Island Wildfire Management Plan–- February 2009 iv

King Island Fire Management Area Committee Name Position Organisation Rod McGarvie (chairperson)

Group Officer Tasmania Fire Service – King Island Brigades

David Robertson (resigned November 2007)

Brigade Chief Tasmania Fire Service – North King Island Brigade

Boyd Hoare (commenced November 2007)

Brigade Chief Tasmania Fire Service – North King Island Brigade

Greg Duckett Brigade Chief Tasmania Fire Service – Grassy Brigade

Jan Van Ruiswyk Brigade Chief Tasmania Fire Service – Naracoopa Brigade

Victor Cook Brigade Chief Tasmania Fire Service – Currie Brigade

Chris Irvine Fire Management Officer Parks and Wildlife Service

Rob Deverell District Officer Tasmania Fire Service

Scott White Safety and Environment Officer Forestry Tasmania

Andrew Wardlaw General Manager King Island Council

Debbi Delaney King Island Fire Recovery Project Officer

King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc.

Clr Vernon Philbey Representative King Island Council

Clr John Brewster Representative King Island Council

King Island Wildfire Management Plan–- February 2009 v

Table of Contents Risk Evaluation Criteria ............................................................................................................ 1

Terms used in this Document .................................................................................................... 2

1. Context of the King Island Wildfire Management Plan ........................................................ 3 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Treatment Strategies and Implementation Timeframes ......................................................... 9 Register of Treatment Strategies and Implementation Timeframes ...................................... 9 Summary of King Island Firetrails and Identified Water Points ......................................... 28 Island Wide Treatment Options ........................................................................................... 29 Trigger Points ...................................................................................................................... 33

3. Appendices .......................................................................................................................... 34

3a. Risk Identification and Analysis ........................................................................................ 34 Risk Statements ................................................................................................................... 34 Qualitative Measures Of Consequence ................................................................................ 36 Qualitative Measures Of Likelihood ................................................................................... 37 Qualitative Risk Analysis Matrix – Level Of Risk .............................................................. 37 Risk Analysis and Existing Controls ................................................................................... 38

3b. Identification and Evaluation of Treatment Options ......................................................... 48 Criteria For Evaluating Risk Treatment Options ................................................................. 48 Identification and Evaluation of Treatment Options ........................................................... 49

References ............................................................................................................................... 63

King Island Wildfire Management Plan–- February 2009 1

Risk Evaluation Criteria All risks identified associated with Wildfires on King Island have been evaluated against the following criteria: Criteria No. 1 Any loss of life resulting from fire or associated activities is unacceptable

Criteria No. 2 Any serious or preventable injuries resulting from fire or associated activities is unacceptable Criteria No. 3 Any fire that will affect people’s health and well-being is unacceptable. Criteria No. 4 Any damage caused by fire that could reasonably be prevented by adopting appropriate fire safety measures is unacceptable. Criteria No. 5 Any damage to the natural and cultural environment caused by fire or associated activities that could reasonably be prevented is unacceptable. Criteria No. 6 Any development or activity that fails to manage its fire risk is unacceptable.


Terms used in this Document “Bushfire Plan” or “Individual Bushfire Plan” is a written plan prepared and implemented by individual households, which sets out preparation and response strategies to wildfire for the household.

“Fire Service Regulations” is a set of rules for the management of wildfires and personnel undertaking fire suppression activities.

“A Firebreak” is not designed to stop the spread of a fire but is designed to be used as a fire control line during fire suppression operations by providing fire-fighters with an area of low fuels that reduces a fire's intensity to a level that enables direct attack on the fire by crews or enables an indirect attack by back burning. A Firebreak is usually constructed in conjunction with a Firetrail that provides access but a Firetrail may not always be constructed in conjunction with a Firebreak.

“Firetrail” can be considered to be a track created primarily to provide access for fire fighting vehicles and equipment for fire management and suppression operations. A Firetrail may not necessarily be used as a control line.

“Incident Controller” is the responsible officer for managing an emergency incident (fire).

“King Island Fire Response Guidelines” is a set of guidelines for incident management on King Island yet to be developed and integrated into fire management protocols for Incident Controllers and their staff.

“King Island Community Recovery Team” is a group that provides recovery co-ordination assistance upon the request of the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator or SES Regional Manager.

“King Island Emergency Management Committee” is the group responsible for planning, organisation, coordination and implementation of the King Island Emergency Management Plan.

“King Island Emergency Management Plan.” is a plan prepared for the King Island municipal area to detail emergency management measures within the municipality.

“TFS Structural Survival Assessment” is an appraisal of a properties’ wildfire preparedness undertaken by the TFS. The aim of the assessment is to work with property owners to improve awareness of fire readiness and how this can be achieved.

“Sector Commander” is the responsible officer for managing fire control activities within a particular sector or zone of a wildfire.

“Tactical Response Guide” are guides yet to be developed for high to extreme risk locations / scenarios, which include priorities for protection and recommended response strategies.

“The Plan” is the King Island Wildfire Management Plan

DPIW: Department of Primary Industry and Water

GIS: Geographic Information System

KIC: King Island Council

KIFMAC: King Island Fire Management Area Committee

TFS: Tasmania Fire Service

PWS: Parks and Wildlife Service – Tasmania

IMT: Incident Management Team

TFGA: Tasmania Farmers and Graziers Association


1. Context of the King Island Wildfire Management Plan King Island lies at the western entrance to Bass Strait, midway between Victoria and mainland Tasmania at 144° longitude and 40° latitude. This places the Island in the path of the “Roaring Forties”, a strong prevailing westerly wind that reaches over 100km per hour. Historically the climate has been a mild maritime one with average daily temperatures ranging from 12.9° in July to 20.6° in February. Traditionally average rainfall ranges from 34.9 mm in January to 124.9mm in July. The Island is generally quite flat, with the high point being 168m above sea level at Gentle Annie in the South East of the Island. As per much of the world, climate variability and drought are becoming much more common occurrences. Since 1981, King Island has experienced all but five years below the long-term mean annual rainfall (DPIW 2007). Prior to fires in February 2007, King Island has had a ‘serious’ rainfall deficiency for the previous 12, 24 and 36 months, while the annual rainfall for 2006 was one of the lowest on record (DPIW 2007). A lightning strike in 2001 saw approximately 6,000 ha of the Lavinia State Reserve burnt. This was an unusual occurrence in that since European settlement, the vast majority of fires have been man-made; naturally occurring fires have been all but non-existent. On 18 February 2007 a fire was ignited on King Island, which subsequently burnt approximately 12,500 ha from the Sea Elephant estuary, through to Pennys Lagoon in the north of the Island. It is estimated that up to 70% of the island’s native vegetation was burnt during the fire, including small areas of internationally recognised RAMSAR wetlands and orange bellied parrot feeding grounds within Lavinia State Reserve and significant tracts of remnant vegetation and pasture on private property. When fire occurs within a small community, such as King Island, its impacts are felt across the entire width and breadth in various ways. Many people are involved or affected by the fire both directly and indirectly. It is fair to say that King Islanders’ feel a great deal of ownership of not only fire management on the Island, but also of public assets that have been burnt such as Pennys Lagoon and the Lavinia State Reserve. Both during and following the 2007 fire for example, much was being expressed within the community,

- disappointment that “Pennys” was burnt, - concerns for people who’s land was burnt, - varying perceptions of the actual management of the fire and, - the need for a Whole of Island Fire Plan, regardless of ownership of the land.

This is just to name a few concerns. To capture these concerns and identify key lessons for the future, informal one-on-one interviews were conducted with:

• Landholders affected by the fire. • Earthmoving contractors that were involved in the fire fighting effort. • Businesses on the Island that provided services such as catering during the fire.

Each person was asked:

• What happened? What was their involvement in the fire? • What frustrated them or did not work so well? • What did work well? • Thoughts on key lessons to be taken away from the fire. • What should be done differently in the event of another fire? • Did they have any general comments or ideas on how to manage fires into the

future on King Island?


Key themes clearly emerged from the interviews, which were then documented and presented to the KIFMAC for review. Considered to have worked well during the 2007 fire included: • Provision of food and water to crews, with some exceptions. • The level of resourcing that came to the Island, both in terms of people and equipment

such as the helicopter and tankers etc. • Exposure to fire / emergency management process, such as the use of an IMT and Sector

Commanders. • Locals turning up to help properties in the line of the fire. • Provision of a mechanic for earthmoving contractors. A number of recommendations were developed to address identified issues raised from the interviews as outlined in Table 1 below. Table 1: Recommendations to Address Community Concerns Issues Raised Explanation KIFMAC Recommendations Not working nights

Crews were not rostered to work nights until late in the fire. This was a frustration in managing back burns and hot spots.

1. Where feasible within the limited resources split shift(s) as appropriate across the day so that hot spots are attended early in the morning and late evening.

IMT Shift changes

Everyone within the IMT changed at once, this lost time, experience and knowledge.

2. Staggering of shift changes for IMT, so that the entire IMT is not changing at once.

Local knowledge Whilst locals were used to support fire management and as crew members, it was felt that local knowledge was not utilised as well as it could have been.

3. Up-skilling of volunteers on King Island to fulfil some of the IMT and sector commander roles.

4. Recommendation to TFS and PWS supervisors that community consultation and involvement be paramount to any IMT or crews on King Island.

5. Guidelines for incident management on King Island to be developed and integrated into fire management protocols for Incident Controllers and their staff.

6. The inclusion of a public relations person to put accurate information out into the community. This includes facilitating public meetings, briefings to landholders in the affected area and generally communicating why certain decisions are being made.


Issues Raised Explanation KIFMAC Recommendations Communication There were opportunities

for improved communication in some instances.

7. The community recovery team, where practicable should be located within the same building as the IMT, to ensure consistency across teams and facilitate involvement of the local community.

8. Depending on fire size, two people travel around on a regular basis to farms in the immediate vicinity of the fire. One person would be from fire management to provide accurate information on the fire and review what assistance crews may provide. The other person would be from the community recovery team to provide support for welfare related issues.

9. Encourage property owners within the fire path to provide IMT with up to date farm plans, incorporating useable water holes and on farm assets.

10. Ensure earth-moving contractors have one point of contact.

11. Ensure one point of contact for caterers, so that caterers not called multiple times for the one order.

Resources not brought in early enough

Off-Island support could have been brought in earlier to prevent the fire reaching the size and intensity that it achieved.

12. The establishment of trigger points for supporting fires with resources external to the Island. (See Section 4 for a copy of Trigger Points).

Fire breaks and back burning

Minimal fire trails to work off.

13. Fire trails to be reviewed by KIFMAC and the King Island community in the development of treatment options for priority risks, within The Plan.

Recognition of local assets / community values

Perception that locally important values were not highly prioritised.

14. Identify King Island Community Values and map for inclusion in The Plan as priority assets for protection. (See Figure 1)

To implement Recommendation 14, community meetings were held at Reekara, Grassy, Naracoopa and Currie. At these meetings, those present identified community values for King Island and undertook some preliminary identification and analysis of fire risks. Figure 1 illustrates each of the King Island Community Values. Each of the four Tasmania Fire Service Brigades were also involved in identifying existing controls and treatment options for each risk statement. The repeated damage to the Island’s natural assets has disheartened and frustrated many within the local community. This has translated to a strong desire to ensure that bushfires on King Island in the future are either prevented or contained to a minimum in order to protect both the natural and productive environments of the Island. Following debriefs from the 2007 fire, there was a strong appeal from the King Island community to see the development of a “Whole of Island Fire Plan”, that addresses fire risk across the extent of the Island regardless of land tenure.


In response to this the KIC has provided support to the KIFMAC to lead the development of The Plan in collaboration with the King Island community. The KIFMAC has statutory obligations under Section 20 (1) (a) of the Fire Services Act 1975. In addition members of the KIFMAC also have statutory requirements under the;

• Crown Lands Act 1976 • National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002 • Tasmanian Reserves Management Code of Practice (2003)

The Plan has been developed in accordance with the Australian Standard for Risk Management AS/NZ 4360:2004 and Emergency Management Australia’s Emergency Risk Management Application Guide. Scope The Plan applies to all lands on the Island, regardless of tenure. It is a collaborative approach to wildfire and land management between the broader King Island Community, private landowners, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Tasmania, KIC and the Tasmania Fire Service. Additional stakeholders consulted in The Plans development include:

• State Emergency Service • Tasmania Police • TFGA – King Island Branch • Department of Health and Human Services • King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc. • Island businesses • Hydro Tasmania • Telecommunication companies

Bushfires cannot be eliminated and they will continue to have negative impacts on economic, environmental and social values. Community preparedness, including involvement in decision-making and community capacity building is a critical aspect of minimising losses. The objective of this plan is to:

• Reduce the risks posed by and the impacts of wildfires on King Island by providing the King Island Community and stakeholders with actions to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfire events.

The guiding principles included within this objective are that: • Protection of life and property are fundamental. • Fire management for lands should consider community values, biodiversity /

environmental assets and economic objectives. • All fires should be managed for suppression or containment. • All lands, regardless of land tenure, should have appropriate fire management coverage

and plans. • Capacity building, including data and information provision, should be seen as assisting

landowners and managers to play positive and constructive roles if or when a bushfire occurs in their local area.

• King Island community members with appropriate skills, knowledge and competencies should be utilised to undertake IMT and fireground roles during wildfire suppression operations.

• The level of integration between agencies and service providers should be optimised.


This plan identifies and analyses risks posed by wildfire hazards on King Island and specifies treatment options for identified significant risks. Treatment options focus on addressing underlying causes and providing long-term, sustainable solutions that incorporate the following four essential elements; Prevention – focusing resources on the underlying causes of fires. Preparedness – ensures that when fires occur agencies, resources, the community and individual landholders are ready to fight fires in ways that are effective and soundly based. Response – ensuring effective, appropriate fire fighting for inevitable bushfires. Recovery – helping re-establish, communities, infrastructure, buildings, biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. The KIFMAC will meet at a minimum of twice yearly to review timelines and actions and oversee the implementation of The Plan. This will also incorporate pre-season and post-season reviews and updating of information such as contact and resource lists. In addition every 5 years The Plan will be reviewed and updated as required. Section 2 outlines for each risk, treatment options and timeframes for implementation. For more detail on the risk assessment process used, including existing controls for each risk please refer to the Appendices.


2. Treatment Strategies and Implementation Timeframes Register of Treatment Strategies and Implementation Timeframes

ID Risk Statement Identified Treatment Options Responsibility for Treatment

Implementation Timelines

001 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Township. EXTREME RISK

Prevention: 1. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in consultation with

the TFS. Preparedness: 2. Fire trail 1 around the Grassy Township for defence purposes as per Figures 2 and 3. 3. Widen track 2 along the powerlines to Grassy catchment to protect the power supply for the

provision of water to Grassy as per Figures 2 and 3. 4. Identification and mapping of fire hydrants on reticulated water supply. Grassy Brigade to

check annually and faults to be reported to KIC for appropriate maintenance. 5. Progressive upgrading of Grassy town water system to 4-6 inch mains. 6. Identify priority houses (including Ballarat and Claredon College Campus) to undertake

annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment. Provide ongoing support and encouragement to property owners in these priority locations for the development and maintenance of individual bushfire plans.

7. Develop Grassy Tactical Response Guide. Response: 8. Utilise fire trail 1as a control line where appropriate. 9. Early notification of need for recovery to the King Island Community Recovery Team. 10. Minimum two brigade response to vegetation and structural fires. 11. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Grassy Tactical Response Guide. Recovery: 12. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. KI Council 2. Landowners /

managers (KI Council, KI Ports Authority)

3. KI Council and Aurora

4. KI Council and Grassy TFS brigade

5. KI Council 6. Grassy TFS

Brigade 7. Grassy TFS

Brigades/TFS

1. Prior to 08/09 fire season

2. Prior to 08/09 fire season, then annually)

3. Prior to 08/09 fire season, then annual maintenance

4. Prior to 08/09 fire season, then annual check

5. Ongoing upgrading 6. Prior to 08/09

season 7. Prior to 08/09

season then annual as applicable

002 Wildfire posses a risk to rural dwellings, tourist sites and native vegetation, from Attrill’s Road to Seal Rocks through the Red Hut Area to the Grassy Township. This includes the following: a. The significant stands

of Melaleuca ericifolia

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. PWS and adjoining landholder(s) enter into agreement for maintenance of the joint

boundaries. 2. Widening and maintenance of Red Hut Road to be used as fire trail 3 as per Figure 2 and 3. 3. Creation of fire trail 4 from Red Hut Road to Sand blow beach as per Figures 2 and 3.

1. Private landowners and PWS

2. KI Council 3. PWS and Private

landowners 4. PWS in

conjunction with private landholder. KIC (South Rd)

1. 2010 2. 2010 - Subject to

negotiation of road ownership issues

3. 2010 - Subject to successful negotiations with landholders, regulatory approvals




swamp forests at Colliers Swamp and within the adjacent unallocated Crown Land

b. The geomorphically significant calcified forest

c. Big Lake d. A number of gorges in

this district e. Eudyptula minor (Little

Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

High Risk

4. Widening and maintenance of South Road from Pearshape to Seal Rocks Road so that it can be used as fire trail 5 as per Figures 2 and 3. Annual maintenance of track 6 from Red Hut Road along Colliers Swamp to Seal River Road as per Figures 2 and 3.

5. Investigate and if feasible establish fire / access trail 7 from Big Lake along fern bank to Millers Road as per Figures 2 and 3.

6. Widening and maintenance of Seal Rocks Road as fire trail 8 as per Figures 2 and 3. 7. Annual maintenance of track 9 from the northwest boundary of Bowling’s to Cataraquai

airstrip as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. 8. Identify dwellings, particularly those that are occupied and mark on map(s) for response

activities. 9. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of properties within priority locations. Ongoing

support and encouragement to property owners in these priority locations for the development and maintenance of individual bushfire plans.

10. Identify potential water points near proposed defence lines. If necessary construct water points.

Response: 11. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Grassy Tactical Response Guide. 12. Control lines:

• Red Hut Road (fire trail 3) • Red Hut Road East to Sandblow beach (fire trail 4) • South Road (fire trail 5) • Track from Red Hut Road along Colliers Swamp to Seal River Road (fire trail 6) • Seal Rocks Road (fire trail 8) • Ports Road

13. Access tracks:

• Proposed track from Big Lake to Millers Road. (Fire trail 7). Subject to successful approvals to develop the Fire trail.

• Seal Rocks Link Firetrail from the northwest boundary of Bowling’s to Cataraquai airstrip. (Fire trail 9). Subject to successful approvals to develop the Fire trail.

Recovery: 14. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

5. PWS in conjunction with private landholder



8. Grassy Fire Brigade

9. TFS in conjunction with Grassy Fire Brigade

10. Grassy Fire Brigade in liaison with KIC.

and finance. 4. 2010 - Subject to

successful negotiations with landholders, regulatory approvals and finance.

5. 2010 - Subject to successful negotiations with landholders, regulatory approvals and finance.

6. 2010 – Subject to regulatory approvals and finance.

7. 2010 8. 2010 9. 2010 10. 2010




003a 003b

Wildfire posses a risk to the native vegetation from Bold Head to the Grassy Township. Moderate Risk Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy River Catchment, including the town water supply for Grassy. High Risk

As per risk 001 As per risk 001 As per risk 001

004 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Port facility, including the bulk fuel storages. EXTREME RISK

Prevention: Preparedness: Response: 1. Existing controls including that King Island Ports to be self-sufficient until Brigade(s) arrive.

Note: Power supply is vital to ports, and Grassy township. Recovery: 2. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

Existing controls Existing controls

005 Wildfire posses a risk to Eucalyptus brookerianna wet forest in Kentford Forest Nature Reserve, E. ovata forest and woodland in Kentford Forest Conservation Area and other vegetation on adjoining rural properties. High Risk

Prevention: Prevention: 1. Maintain access tracks on northern and eastern boundaries of the Nature Reserve. 2. Gate or restrict access into conservation area off Mt Stanley Rd. 3. Investigate constructing additional water holes. 4. PWS and adjoining landholder(s) enter into agreement for maintenance of the joint boundary Response: Recovery: 5. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. Private landowners 2. PWS 3. PWS in

conjunction with Grassy Fire Brigade

4. PWS and landholders

1. Ongoing 2. 2010 3. 2010 4. 2010

006a Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Currie. EXTREME RISK

Prevention: 1. Firebreak around tip. 2. Brigade located within the township.

1. KIC 2. TFS 3. KIC 4. KIC in

collaboration with landowner(s)

1. Prior 08/09 season 2. Ongoing 3. Ongoing 4. Prior 08/09 season 5. Annual 6. Prior to 09/10




Preparedness: 3. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in consultation with

the TFS. 4. Development of access track10 to defend from at the back of housing in Lighthouse Street,

as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. 5. Annual slashing and maintenance of Lighthouse Street access track 10 by KIC. 6. Development of access track 11 to defend from and provide access to water at Devils Gap,

as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. 7. Annual maintenance of Devils Gap access track 11 by KIC. 8. Investigate the status of well at Devils Gap, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 and either re-

instate or install new well for water supply. 9. Continue existing control of annual slashing of Bell Hill (track 12). 10. Installation of 3 new fire hydrants in Currie, 1 in Lighthouse Street and 2 in Wharf Road. 11. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of properties in

-Henry Street, -Huxley Street, -the Main Street (including commercial properties such as Parers Hotel), -Lighthouse Street and -Beach Road. Ongoing support and encouragement to property owners in these priority locations for the development and maintenance of individual bushfire plans. Furthermore where the property is tourist accommodation, encourage managers to display bushfire plans to occupants of the accommodation.

Response: 12. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Currie Tactical Response Guide. 13. Protection of priority roads/properties, in particular Henry Street properties in the event of a

northerly wind. 14. Use of Charles Street to defend from if the fire is to the North of Devils Gap. 15. Defend off Wharf Road and ‘Bell Hill Track 12’. If required fall back to Lighthouse Street

for property protection, including the use of new access track at the back of Lighthouse Street.


5. KIC in collaboration with landowner(s)

6. KIC to act as the lead agency in conjunction with Currie Fire Brigade.

7. KIC 8. KIC to act as the

lead agency in conjunction with Currie Fire Brigade.

9. KIC 10. KIC in

collaboration with Currie Fire Brigade

11. TFS and Currie Fire Brigade

season, subject to regulatory approvals.

7. Annually from 2010 8. Prior to 09/10

season 9. Ongoing 10. Prior to 08/09

season, then annual maintenance

11. Prior to 08/09 seasons, then annually.




006b Wildfire posses a risk to properties on Charles Street in the vicinity of Devils Gap, including the waste management facility and Bell Hill. High Risk

As per Risk 006a As per Risk 006a As per Risk 006a

006c Wildfire posses a risk to the Camp Creek Reserve, including the nearby gas storage yard. High Risk

Existing controls. Existing controls. Existing controls.

006d Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing north from the mouth of the Ettrick River, through British Admiral Beach, Kelp Industries Pty Ltd and to the township of Currie. High Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in consultation

with the TFS. 2. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of priority properties. Ongoing support and

encouragement to these property owners to develop and maintain individual bushfire plans. 3. GPS and map existing shacks (including A frame) and housing / development. Review and

update annually. Place mapping in all King Island fire trucks / vehicles. 4. GPS and map existing water points in the ‘risk area’. Review and update annually. Place

mapping in all King Island fire trucks / vehicles. 5. Annual maintenance of track 13 on private property from South Road to Badger Box Creek

to ensure that it could be used for access for all classes of fire vehicles. 6. Negotiate with private landowner to develop fire trail 12 utilising the minor track from

Netherby Road through to cleared paddocks near Huxley Hill as identified in Figures 2 and4. 7. Local command pre-authorised to access and utilise resources eg excavators, helicopter etc,

as deemed necessary given the High to Extreme Risk situation. Authorisation to be specified in King Island Fire Response Guidelines.

Response: 8. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Currie Tactical Response Guide. 9. Determine if shack(s) are currently being camped in and if so evacuate. 10. Defensive strategy would be the main approach at this point in time due to accessibility and

the area of land that the vegetation covers.

1. KIC 2. TFS and Currie

Fire Brigade 3. Currie Fire

Brigade and KIC 4. Currie Fire

Brigade and KIC 5. KIC and Currie

Fire Brigade to oversee in consultation with private landholder(s).

6. KIC and Currie Fire Brigade to oversee in consultation with private landholder(s).

1. Ongoing 2. Prior to 08/09

season, then annually

3. Prior to 09/10 season, then annual updates as required

4. Prior to 09/10 season, then annual updates as required

5. 2010 6. 2010




11. The following tracks would be utilised for defence: - track 13 from South Road to Badger Box Creek - track 12 from Netherby Road through to cleared paddocks near Huxley Hill - Rifle Range Road - Netherby Road - Kelp track from Kelp Industries, around the front of the golf course through to Beach Road / Lighthouse Street.

12. Use of resources eg excavators, helicopters etc, according to the situation on hand. Recovery: 13. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

007 Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Naracoopa EXTREME RISK

Prevention: 1. Abatement officer at the KI Council periodically investigate abatement issues in consultation

with the TFS. Preparedness: 2. Fire trails:

- Trail 15, upgrade and maintenance of the Bicentennial Link Rd and Sea Elephant Rd, as identified in Figures 2 and 5. - Trail 16, track along Sea Elephant River to provide access to water, as identified in Figures 2 and 5. - Put in a Fire Trail 17, from corner of paddock, across Sea Elephant Rd to Fraser Beach, as identified in Figures 2 and 5. - Put in Trail 20, from Pegarah Rd (Pegarah Hill) to the Esplanade, including putting in a gateway, as show in Figures 2 and 5. - Investigate putting in an access track (Trail 21), from Pegarah Rd to Millwood Rd as per Figures 2 and 5. If feasible construct track. - Investigate feasibility of using the old tip track as a fire trail. - Investigate feasibility of Cowper Point Track as a fire trail.

3. Work with priority properties and residents within the township of Naracoopa to complete annual TFS Structural Survival Assessment of properties. Ensure that this is an opportunity to work with and support householders, rather than taking an authoritative approach.

4. Training of brigade members. 5. Provision of maps, aerial photographs and plans within fire vehicles and provide Naracoopa

information to other brigades on the Island. 6. Identify water access in close proximity to identified defence lines and access trails. If

appropriate investigate creating additional water points.

1 KIC 2 KIC, PWS and

Naracoopa Fire Brigade to oversee in consultation with private landholder(s).

3 TFS and Naracoopa Fire Brigade

4 TFS 5 Naracoopa Fire

Brigade and KIC 6 Naracoopa Fire

Brigade and KIC 7 Naracoopa Fire

Brigade and KIC

1. Ongoing 2. 2010 – Subject to

regulatory approvals and funding.

3. Prior to 08/09 season then annually

4. Ongoing 5. Prior to 09/10

season, then annual updates as required

6. 2010 7. 2010




7. Create access track 22 from the Old Kibuka Dam to Fraser Rd. Explore installing pipe from dam to Fraser Rd.

Response: 8. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Naracoopa Tactical Response Guide. 9. Defence lines:

- Fire trial 15 - Fire trail 17 - Fire trail 20 - Sea Elephant Rd (firetrail 18) and Fraser Rd (firetrail 19) as illustrated in Figures 2 and 5. - Millwood Rd (firetrail 23), as illustrated in Figures 2 and 5 - Defence of assets only along Pegarah Rd, particularly adjoining the Pegarah State Forest.

Recovery: 10. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). 11. Landholders undertake activities as appropriate.

008 Wildfire poses a risk to the fire sensitive values in Lavinia State Reserve, Seal Rocks State Reserve and adjoining Public Reserves and unallocated crown land as identified in the King Island Reserves and Crown Land Fire Management Plan (DTPHA; 2002) and King Island 2007 Fires: Impact on natural values (DPIW; 2007) including; 1. a-g 2. a-c 3. a-e 4. a 5. a-d 6. a

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Fire trails as nominated in the King Island Reserves and Crown Land Fire Management Plan

(PWS 2002), as illustrate in Figures 2,3, 5 and 6. 2. Permanent aerial on the tower at Counsel Hill 3. Establishment of communication line infrastructure, to enable phone connection within 24

hours. 4. PWS and adjoining landholder(s) enter into agreement for maintenance of the joint boundary Response: 5. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Naracoopa Tactical Response Guide. Recovery: 6. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. PWS 2. TFS 3. KIC 4. PWS

1. 2010 – Subject to regulatory approvals and finance.

2. 2009 3. 2009 4. Prior to 09/10

season




009 Wildfire posses a risk to the Pegarah State Forest including the landfill site and surrounding vegetation and housing. High Risk

As per risk 007 As per risk 007 As per risk 007

010 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Airport. Low Risk

Existing controls. Existing controls. Existing controls.

011 Wildfire posses a risk to the power station and wind turbines. Moderate Risk

Existing controls Existing controls. Existing controls.

012 There is a risk that power distribution lines and poles will be affected by wildfire. High Risk


013 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Dairy. Low Risk


014 Wildfire posses a risk to abattoirs on King Island. Low Risk


015 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing from Porky Beach to Bungaree Creek. Moderate Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: Response: Defend dwellings as required. Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

Brigades Ongoing




016 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing from Victoria Cove to the mouth of Yellow Rock River including:

a) Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied parrot) and its associated habitat.

b) Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

High Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Upgrade and maintain existing track 34 from North Road west to the coast as illustrated in

Figures 2 and 7. Track 7 to terminate prior to coastal reserve. 2. Construct Fire trail 35, as illustrated by Figures 2 and 7. 3. Construct Fire trail 36, south of Lake Flannigan as illustrated in Figures 2 and 7. 4. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of priority properties. Ongoing support and

encouragement to these property owners to develop and maintain individual bushfire plans. Response: 5. Aerial support due to the difficulty of the terrain. Recovery: 6. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. Private landholders, KIC in consultation with North Fire Brigade.



4. TFS and North Fire Brigade

1. 2010 – Subject to regulatory approvals and finance



4. Prior to 08/09 seasons, then annually.

017 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation, camping sites, tourist visiting sites and shacks from Disappointment Bay to the Lavinia State Reserve, including Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries. High Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Upgrade and maintain track 33, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 6 Response: 2. Defend to clear ground. Determine if shack(s) are currently being camped in and if so

evacuate. Recovery: 3. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. Private

landholders, KIC in consultation with North Fire Brigade.

1. 2010 – Subject to

regulatory approvals and finance




018 Wildfire posses a risk to gorges on King Island, in particular Yarra Creek, Barrier Creek, Grassy River, Fraser River and Sea Elephant River. High Risk

Gorges are of high value to King Island, but by their nature the response strategy would require defending to clear ground.

Brigades Ongoing

019 Wildfire posses a risk to peat deposits on King Island. High Risk

Island Wide Treatments, specifically the use of permit periods and community education to discourage burning on peat.

As per Island Wide Treatment Options

As per Island Wide Treatment Options

020 Wildfire posses a risk to high priority vegetation, including tree lanes, remnant vegetation and threatened vegetation community types on rural properties. High Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Individual property plans. Advice and support to properties to prepare plans. Response: 2. Note: Vegetation high priority for protection where practicable. 3. Enabling of landholders to participate in fire suppression activities. Protocols to be specified

in King Island Fire Response Guidelines. 4. Good communication with landholders during the fire, keeping them informed and

supported. Recovery: 5. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). 6. Support services and debriefing for landholders. 7. Support to landholders with land and vegetation recovery as applicable.

1. Property owner

1. 2010

021 Wildfire posses a risk to farm fences, stock and pasture. Moderate Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Individual property plans. Advice and support to properties to prepare plans. Response: 2. Note: Vegetation high priority for protection where practicable. 3. Enabling of landholders to participate in fire suppression activities. 4. Good communication with landholders during the fire, keeping them informed and

supported. Recovery: 5. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). 6. Support services and debriefing for landholders. 7. Support to landholders with land and vegetation recovery as applicable.

1. Property owner

1. 2010




022 Wildfire posses a risk to road and bridge infrastructure on King Island. Low Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: Response: Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). Post fire assessments and works programs as required.


023 Wildfire posses a risk to the Reekara Community Complex. Low Risk

Existing controls Existing controls Existing controls

024 Wildfire posses a risk to rural housing and associated structures. High Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Annually visit the school and undertake activities with the children with regard to preparing

properties for a wildfire scenario. 2. Individual property protection plans. 3. Brigades to familiarise themselves with properties in their area. Response: Recovery: 4. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. TFS 2. Property owners 3. King Island Fire

Brigades

1. Ongoing 2. Ongoing 3. Prior to 08/09

season, then as required

025 Wildfire posses a risk to Airservices Australia NDB, SGS, Regional Express Airlines and KIC communication infrastructure at the King Island Airport. Low Risk

The communication infrastructure is of high value to King Island, but the risk is low with existing controls in place.





026 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and the Tasmania Police communication infrastructure at the ‘Old Power Station’ via Grahams Rd, Grassy. Low Risk



027 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra Radio Terminal at Cape Wickham. Low Risk



028 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra and the Tasmania Police at Counsel Hill. High Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Permanent repeater station at Counsel Hill 2. Maintain cleared area of approximately 50 metres surrounding the tower. Response: 3. Note as a high value to King Island. Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. TFS 2. Erickson

1. 2009 2. Ongoing

029 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and King Island Dairy communication infrastructure at the King Island Dairy, North Road and to the to Promo Radio communication infrastructure. Low Risk



030 Wildfire posses a risk to Hydro Tasmania wind monitoring infrastructure at Huxley Hill. Low Risk

The monitoring equipment is of high value to King Island, but the risk is low with existing controls in place.





031 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra, King Island Ports, State Fire Commission and television networks at Gentle Annie and to the Bureau of Meteorology infrastructure at Mount Stanley. High Risk

The communication infrastructure is of very high value to King Island, but the risk is low with existing controls in place.


032 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra communication infrastructure at Yambacoona. Low Risk



033 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at Lymwood. Low Risk



034 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at the Naracoopa Hill. Low Risk

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Maintain cleared area of approximately 50 metres surrounding the tower. Response: Recovery: 2. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

1. Ericksons 1. Ongoing

035 Wildfire posses a risk to 6-communication infrastructure sites within the township of Currie. High Risk

As per Currie Treatments (risk nos.6a-6d) As per Currie Treatments (risk nos.6a-6d)

As per Currie Treatments (risk nos.6a-6d)


Summary of King Island Firetrails and Identified Water Points NUMBER NAME TYPE APPROX.

DISTANCE 1 Grassy township firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 2.9 km 2 Grassy powerlines to town water supply firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 0.25 km3 Red Hut Road Firetrail Upgrade 4.7 km 4 Red Hut Rd to Sandblow beach firetrail New Firetrail 4.2 km 5 South Road Firetrail Upgrade 4.9 km 6 Seal River Rd and track along Colliers Swamp Firetrail Upgrade 6.9 km 7 Big Lake to Millers Rd New Firetrail 4.5 km 8 Seal Rocks Rd Firetrail Upgrade 4.1 km 9 Seal Rocks Link firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 1.7 km

10 Lighthouse St firetrail New Firetrail 0.4 km 11 Charles St (extension) firetrail New Firetrail 0.4 km 12 Bell Hill firetrail Firetrail maintenance 0.5 km 13 Badger Box Creek firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 2.4 km 14 Netherby Rd / Huxley Hill firetrail New Firetrail 0.8 km 15 Bicentennial Link and Sea Elephant Rd Firetrail Upgrade 5.4 km 16 Sea Elephant River firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 2.7 km 17 Fraser Beach firetrail New Firetrail 2.3 km 18 Sea Elephant Rd Firetrail Upgrade 4.1 km 19 Fraser Rd Firetrail Upgrade 4.1 km 20 Pegarah Rd to the Esplanade New Firetrail 2.1 km 21 Pegarah Rd to Millwood Rd New Firetrail 1.2 km 22 Kibuka Dam access firetrail New Firetrail 0.9 km 23 Millwood Rd firetrail Firetrail maintenance 1.6 km 24 Counsel Hill firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 3.8 km 25 Counsel Hill Link firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 0.9 km 26 South Lavinia Link firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 3.6 km 27 Main Lavinia (Young’s Rd) firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 9.8 km 28 West Lavinia Link firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 2.4 km 29 Nook Swamps Walking Track (9-Mile Beach

firetrail) Firetrail Upgrade 7 km

30 Middle Lavinia firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 1.5 km 31 Martha Lavinia Rd Firetrail Upgrade 5.2 km 32 Lavinia Beach firetrail Firetrail Upgrade 1 km 33 Boulder Point track Firetrail Upgrade 2.8 km 34 Springs Rd Firetrail Upgrade 3.3 km 35 Phoques Bay track a Firetrail Upgrade 0.59 km 36 Phoques Bay track b Firetrail Upgrade 2.9 km 37 North Lavinia Boundary firetrail Firetrail Maintenance 38 South West Lavinia Boundary firetrail Firetrail Maintenance

LOCATION TYPE Devils Gap Proposed Waterhole Naracoopa (Kibuka Dam) Existing Water point Sea Elephant River (x2) Existing Waterhole Counsel Hill Firetrail (and end of Reekara Rd) Proposed Waterhole Nook Swamp Existing Water point Main Lavinia firetrail (Young’s Rd) x3 Proposed Waterholes Lake Flannigan track Existing Water point


Island Wide Treatment Options Treatment Responsibility for Treatment Implementation

Timeframe Prevention: 1. Review and modify permit periods for King Island separately to the rest of the State to reflect

fire conditions on King Island. 2. Education on the Island re: permit periods and what is required when you wish to burn during

these periods. Targeting those that are not using permits. 3. Enforcement of the Fire Service Regulations and permit system. 4. Education on King Island re: burning of heaps. Encourage landholders to work with the

brigades when burning off, as per permit period process. 5. Community awareness, education and empowerment program/s on: the identification and

management of wildfire hazards and associated risks, including the responsibilities and obligations of individuals and landowners and occupiers.

6. KIC Abatement Officer, periodically investigate abatement issues in consultation with the

TFS.

1. TFS, in collaboration with

King Island Brigades 2. KIC Abatement officer in

collaboration with brigades and TFS District Officer.

3. TFS District Officer, in consultation with brigade chiefs

4. King Island Fire Brigades 5. Group Officer and District

Officer develop plan for Island in collaboration with Brigades

6. KIC

1. Prior to 08/09

season 2. Ongoing 3. Ongoing 4. Ongoing 5. Complete plan prior

to 08/09 season, then ongoing

6. Prior 08/09 season,

then ongoing


Treatment Responsibility for Treatment Implementation Timeframe

Preparedness: 1. KI Fire Response Guidelines. Guidelines for incident management on King Island to be

developed and integrated into fire management protocols for Incident Controllers and their staff. The guidelines to consider the following: • The recommendation to PWS and TFS supervisors that community consultation and

involvement is paramount to any IMT or crews on King Island. • The inclusion of public relations activities within the IMT to put accurate information out

into the community. This includes facilitating public meetings, briefings to landholders in the affected area and generally communicating why certain decisions are being made.

• Depending on the fire size and practicability the inclusion of two people to travel around on a regular basis to farms in the immediate vicinity of the fire. One to provide accurate information on the fire and review fire fighting assistance required. The second would be from the community recovery team to provide support for welfare related issues.

• Where practicable the community recovery team should be located within the same building as the IMT to ensure consistency.

• Earth-moving contractors have one point of contact. • Caterers have one point of contact. • Encourage property owners within the fire path to provide IMT with up to date farm

plans, incorporating useable water holes and farm assets. • Where feasible within limited resources split shift(s) as appropriate across the day so that

hot spots are attended early in the mornings and of an evening. • Staggering of shift changes for the IMT, so that the entire IMT does not change at once. • The inclusion of community members to fulfil some of the IMT requirements.

2. Tactical Response Guides: Guidelines for high priority locations and/or risks, which includes priorities for areas to be protected and recommended response strategies. Tactical Response Guides to be developed for:

a. Grassy township b. Naracoopa township c. Currie township d. Seal Rocks to Red Hut to Grassy e. Lavinia State Reserve and adjoining Crown Lands

3. Identify and train community members to fulfil some of the IMT and sector commander roles.

1. KIFMAC 2. KIFMAC

1. Dec 08 2. Dec 08



Training through PWS (and SES). 4. Regular multi-agency exercises that test all levels of the Island’s response and recovery from

a wildfire event, including field and table top exercises. 5. Provision of maps, aerial photographs and plans within fire vehicles and provide each brigade

with a total Island-wide set Place TFS mapping onto KI GIS system. Build up layers over time including, water points, fire trails, residences, threatened species etc.

6. Work with priority properties, as identified within individual risk treatment options to complete annual TFS Structural Survival Assessment of properties. Ensure that this is an opportunity to work with and support householders, rather than taking an authoritative approach. Keep as a layer in GIS database, with annual updates. Provide maps back to the brigades.

7. Routine training of brigade members. 8. Individual property plans. Advice and support to properties to prepare plans. Encourage

property owners to provide these to brigades for inclusion with mapping resources. 9. Recommend to KI Council that they use the TFS Bushfire Prone guidelines, when assessing

new building permits on King Island.

3. PWS to co-ordinate 4. Municipal Emergency

Management Co-ordinator 5. KIC (lead agency) 6. TFS/ King Island Brigades

in collaboration with KIC. 7. TFS 8. King Island Fire Brigades 9. KIFMAC Recommend to

KI Council

3. Training plan

developed by Sept 08

4. Following

completion of IMT training and development of Tactical Response Guides

5. Set up by Sept 08 6. Set up property

assessment layer prior to 08/09 season.

7. Ongoing 8. Ongoing 9. Prior to 08/09

Season



Response: 1. Local command pre-authorised to access and utilise resources such as excavators and

helicopter(s) etc, as deemed necessary in accordance with Response Guidelines. To be pre- negotiated with TFS District Officer and King Island PWS Ranger for High and Extreme risk statements.

2. Ensure the King Island Wildfire Management Plan is integrated with the King Island Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

3. Incident Controller / Municipal Emergency Management Co-ordinator to ensure a register of people travelling through incident area is kept. Action into Response Guidelines.

4. Trigger Points as attached.

1. KIFMAC 2. KIFMAC in collaboration

with KIC 3. KIFMAC 4. KIFMAC

1. Dec 08 2. Dec 08 3. Dec 08 4. Dec 08

Recovery: 1. Ensure the King Island Municipal Emergency Management Plan contains provisions for

recovery from wildfire 2. Support services and debriefing for landholders, volunteers, fire fighters etc.

3. Support to landholders with land and vegetation recovery as applicable.

4. Post fire assessments and works programs as required. Documentation of losses.

1. KIFMAC / KIMEMP 2. IMT / King Island

Community Recovery Team

3. KIC in collaboration with KINRMG Inc.

4. Municipal Emergency Management Committee / IMT

1. Ongoing 2. During and

following a large fire situation

3. As required following an event

4. As required

following an event

King Island Wildfire Management Plan – February 2009 33

Trigger Points

Trigger for Assessment of Fire Management / Operations In the event that all King Island Fire Brigades are called out to an incident, the Group Officer will review the fire situation with Brigade Chiefs (Grassy, Naracoopa, Currie and North), King Island PWS Ranger and the King Island Municipal Emergency Management Co-ordinator against the following criteria: • Location of fire, including

- proximity to towns or other ‘Island’ assets, - terrain, and - level of identified risk of the site within KI Wildfire Management Plan.

• Potential for the fire to travel, including - vegetation type surrounding fire site, together with how contiguous the vegetation is.

• Weather forecasts and fuel loads. - Note: Firecomms to be contacted for relevant information, such as weather forecasts,

soil dryness indicator etc. • Resources (human, vehicles and equipment) available on the Island in relation to the size

(or potential size) of the incident. In addition GIS mapping will be used to inform decision-making and if deemed necessary a review of the fire from the air will be undertaken. Lead times for accessing resources from off the Island will also be considered. The TFS Regional Officer, District Officer and/or the PWS NW Region Fire Duty Officer will be informed of the meeting. Trigger for calling in resources and establishing a local IMT If containment of the fire is not expected within the first 12 hours and/or patrolling of the fire line will be required for multiple days, the following will take place: 1. A phone hook up will be undertaken ASAP between King Island TFS, TFS Regional

Officer and/or the PWS NW Region Fire Duty Officer to determine the type and level of assistance required. Organisation of appropriate support will then be undertaken. If required Forestry Tasmania will be included in the phone link.

2. The establishment of a locally based IMT.


3. Appendices

3a. Risk Identification and Analysis Risk Statements

ID Risk Statement 001 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Township. 002 Wildfire posses a risk to rural dwellings, tourist sites and native vegetation, from Attrill’s Road to Seal Rocks

through the Red Hut District to the Grassy Township. This includes the following: a. The significant stands of Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forests at Colliers Swamp and within the adjacent

unallocated Crown Land b. The geomorphically significant calcified forest c. Big Lake d. A number of gorges in this district e. Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

003a 003b

Wildfire posses a risk to the native vegetation from Bold Head to the Grassy Township, including Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries. Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy River Catchment, including the town water supply for Grassy.

004 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Port facility, including the bulk fuel storages. 005 Wildfire posses a risk to Eucalyptus brookerianna wet forest in Kentford Forest Nature Reserve, E. ovata

forest and woodland in Kentford Forest Conservation Area and other vegetation on adjoining rural properties. 006a 006b 006c 006d

Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Currie. Wildfire posses a risk to properties on Charles Street in the vicinity of Devils Gap, including the waste management facility and Bell Hill. Wildfire posses a risk to the Camp Creek Reserve, including the nearby gas storage yard. Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing north from the mouth of the Ettrick River, through British Admiral Beach, Kelp Industries Pty Ltd and to the township of Currie.

007 Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Naracoopa. 008 Wildfire poses a risk to the fire sensitive values in Lavinia State Reserve, Seal Rocks State Reserve and

adjoining Public Reserves and unallocated crown land as identified in the King Island Reserves and Crown Land Fire Management Plan (DTPHA; 2002) and King Island 2007 Fires: Impact on natural values (DPIW; 2007) including; 1. Visitors to the reserves at the following sites;

a. Lavinia SR – carpark and picnic area (incorporating Pennys Lagoon and Lake Martha Lavinia) b. Lavinia SR – Sea Elephant Road c. Lavinia SR – Nook Swamp 4WD track and foreshore d. Lavinia SR – Nine Mile Beach (incorporating Lavinia Beach) e. Lavinia SR – campsites f. Seal Rocks SR – Seal Rocks Road and Calcified Forest Track g. Seal Rocks SR – Minor walking tracks

2. Parks managed assets including, walking tracks, viewing platforms, picnic shelters, tables, toilets and signage at the following sites; a. Lavinia SR – carpark and picnic area (incorporating Pennys Lagoon and Lake Martha Lavinia) b. Lavinia SR – Sea Elephant Road c. Seal Rocks SR – Seal Rocks Road and Calcified Forest Track

3. The following vegetation communities a. Coastal scrub b. Eucalyptus globulus King Island forest c. E. brookeriana wet forest d. King Island sedge/heath/scrub complex e. Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest

4. The following flora species; a. Elaeocarpus reticulates (Blueberry ash)

5. The following fauna species and their habitats; a. Acanthiza pusilla archibaldi (King Island brown thornbill) b. Acanthornis magnus greenianus (King Island scrubtit) c. Austrochloritis victoriae (Southern Hairy Snail) d. Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied parrot)

6. The following geoconservation sites a. Lavinia Peatland Complex


ID Risk Statement 009 Wildfire posses a risk to the Pegarah State Forest including the landfill site and surrounding vegetation and

housing. 010 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Airport. 011 Wildfire posses a risk to the power station and wind turbines. 012 Wildfire posses a risk to power distribution lines and poles. 013 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Dairy. 014 Wildfire posses a risk to abattoirs on King Island. 015 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing from Porky Beach to Bungaree Creek. 016 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing from Victoria Cove to the mouth of Yellow Rock

River including: c) Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied parrot) and its associated habitat. d) Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

017 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation, camping sites, tourist visiting sites and shacks from Disappointment Bay to the Lavinia State Reserve, including Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

018 Wildfire posses a risk to gorges on King Island, in particular Yarra Creek, Barrier Creek, Grassy River, Fraser River and Sea Elephant River.

019 Wildfire posses a risk to peat deposits on King Island. 020 Wildfire posses a risk to high priority vegetation, including tree lanes, remnant vegetation and threatened

vegetation community types on rural properties. 021 Wildfire posses a risk to farm fences, stock and pasture. 022 Wildfire posses a risk to road and bridge infrastructure on King Island. 023 Wildfire posses a risk to the Reekara Community Complex. 024 Wildfire posses a risk to rural housing and associated structures. 025 Wildfire posses a risk to Airservices Australia NDB, SGS, Regional Express Airlines and KIC

communication infrastructure at the King Island Airport. 026 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and the Tasmania Police communication infrastructure at the ‘Old Power

Station’ via Grahams Rd, Grassy. 027 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra Radio Terminal at Cape Wickham. 028 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra and the Tasmania Police at Counsel

Hill. 029 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and King Island Dairy communication infrastructure at the King Island

Dairy, North Road and to Promo Radio communication infrastructure. 030 Wildfire posses a risk to Hydro Tasmania’s wind monitoring infrastructure at Huxley Hill. 031 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra, King Island Ports, State Fire

Commission and television networks at Gentle Annie and to the Bureau of Meteorology infrastructure at Mount Stanley.

032 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra communication infrastructure at Yambacoona. 033 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at Lymwood. 034 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at the Naracoopa Hill. 035 Wildfire posses a risk to 6-communication infrastructure sites within the township of Currie.


Qualitative Measures Of Consequence Descriptor Description Insignificant No injuries or fatalities. Small number or no people displaced and only for

a short duration. Little or no personal support required (support not monetary or material). Inconsequential or no damage. Little or no disruption to community. No measurable impact on environment. Little or no financial loss.

Minor Small number of injuries but no fatalities. First aid treatment required. Some displacement of people (less than 24 hours). Some personal support required. Some damage. Some disruption (less than 24 hours). Small impact on environment with no lasting effects. Some financial loss.

Moderate Medical treatment required but no fatalities. Some hospitalization. Localised displacement of people who return within 24 hours. Personal support satisfied through local arrangements. Localised damage that is rectified by routine arrangements. Normal community functioning with some inconvenience. Some impact on environment with no long term effect or small impact on environment with long-term effect. Significant financial loss.

Major Extensive injuries, significant hospitalisation, large number displaced (more than 24 hours duration) Fatalities. External resources required for personal support. Significant damage that requires external resources. Community only partially functioning, some services available. Some impact on environment with long-term effects. Significant financial loss- some financial assistance required.

Catastrophic Large number of severe injuries. Extended and large numbers requiring hospitalisation. General and widespread displacement for extended duration. Significant fatalities. Extensive personal support. Extensive damage. Community unable to function without significant support. Significant impact on environment and / or permanent damage.


Qualitative Measures Of Likelihood Descriptor Description Almost Certain

It is expected to occur in most circumstances and / or high level of recorded incidents: and / or strong anecdotal evidence: and / or a strong likelihood the event will recur: and / or great opportunity, reason, or means to occur may occur once every year or more.

Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances: and / or regular recorded incidents and strong anecdotal evidence: and / or considerable opportunity, reason or means to occur: may occur once every five years.

Possible Might occur at some time: and / or few, infrequent, random recorded incidents or little anecdotal evidence: and / or very few incidents in comparable organisations, facilities or communities: and / or some opportunity, reason or means to occur, may occur once every twenty years.

Unlikely Is not expected to occur: and / or no recorded incidents or anecdotal evidence: and / or no recent incidents in associated organisations, facilities or communities: and / or little opportunity, reason or means to occur, may occur once every one hundred years.

Rare May occur only in exceptional circumstances: may occur once every five hundred or more years.

Qualitative Risk Analysis Matrix – Level Of Risk Likelihood Consequence

Insignificant Minor Moderate Major CatastrophicAlmost Certain

High High Extreme Extreme Extreme

Likely Moderate High High Extreme Extreme Possible Low Moderate High Extreme Extreme Unlikely Low Low Moderate High Extreme Rare Low Low Moderate High High


Risk Analysis and Existing Controls ID Risk Statement Consequence Likelihood Level of

RiskExisting Controls

001 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Township. Major Possible EXTREME • Fire hydrants throughout township.

• Brigade in township. • Fire permit periods. • Total Fire Ban days.

002 Wildfire posses a risk to rural dwellings, tourist sites and native vegetation, from Attrill’s Road to Seal Rocks through the Red Hut District to the Grassy Township. This includes the following: a. The significant stands of Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forests at Colliers Swamp

and within the adjacent unallocated Crown Land b. The geomorphically significant calcified forest c. Big Lake d. A number of gorges in this district e. Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed

Shearwater) rookeries.

Moderate Possible High • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

003a 003b

Wildfire posses a risk to the native vegetation from Bold Head to the Grassy Township. Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy River Catchment, including the town water supply for Grassy.

3a Minor Possible Moderate • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

3b Moderate Possible High • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.


ID Risk Statement Consequence Likelihood Level of Risk

Existing Controls

004 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Port facility, including the bulk fuel storages. Major Possible EXTREME • Access from Ports Road and through old mining tracks.

• Grass kept low by King Island Ports.

• Sprinkler system with a 40,000-litre tank maintained by King Island Ports.

• King Island Ports have a poly pipe system and pumps in place to douse the area with water if required.

• Fire hydrant system. • Area around

navigational markers slashed.

• Golf course provides a cleared area around the King Island Ports.

• Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days

005 Wildfire posses a risk to Eucalyptus brookerianna wet forest in Kentford Forest Nature Reserve, E. ovata forest and woodland in Kentford Forest Conservation Area and other vegetation on adjoining rural properties.




Existing Controls

006a 006b 006c

Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Currie. Wildfire posses a risk to properties on Charles Street in the vicinity of Devils Gap, including the waste management facility and Bell Hill. Wildfire posses a risk to the Camp Creek Reserve, including the nearby gas storage yard.

6a Major Possible EXTREME • Annual slashing of Bell Hill by KIC.

• Existing fire hydrant system within the township of Currie.

• Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

6b Moderate Likely High • Annual slashing of Bell Hill by KIC.

• Existing fire hydrant system within the township of Currie.


6c Moderate Possible High • Good network of fire hydrants in and around the Camp Creek area, such as Shaw Street with 3 fire hydrants.

• Good access to Camp Creek, from roads, ‘the old stock route’, through open paddocks and the school grounds.




Existing Controls

006d Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing north from the mouth of the Ettrick River, through British Admiral Beach, Kelp Industries Pty Ltd and to the township of Currie.

6d Moderate Possible High • Kelp Industries have a standpipe that connects to 2 concrete tanks. The factory has a reticulated fire pump and 4 hydrants.

• Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigades • Total Fire Ban days.

007 Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Naracoopa Major Likely EXTREME • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

008 Wildfire poses a risk to the fire sensitive values in Lavinia State Reserve, Seal Rocks State Reserve and adjoining Public Reserves and unallocated crown land as identified in the King Island Reserves and Crown Land Fire Management Plan (DTPHA; 2002) and King Island 2007 Fires: Impact on natural values (DPIW; 2007) including; 1. Visitors to the reserves at the following sites;

a. Lavinia SR – carpark and picnic area (incorporating Pennys Lagoon and Lake Martha Lavinia)

b. Lavinia SR – Sea Elephant Road c. Lavinia SR – Nook Swamp 4WD track and foreshore d. Lavinia SR – Nine Mile Beach (incorporating Lavinia Beach) e. Lavinia SR – campsites f. Seal Rocks SR – Seal Rocks Road and Calcified Forest Track g. Seal Rocks SR – Minor walking tracks

2. Parks managed assets including, walking tracks, viewing platforms, picnic shelters, tables, toilets and signage at the following sites; a. Lavinia SR – carpark and picnic area (incorporating Pennys Lagoon and

Lake Martha Lavinia) b. Lavinia SR – Sea Elephant Road c. Seal Rocks SR – Seal Rocks Road and Calcified Forest Track

3. The following vegetation communities a. Coastal scrub

• Ranger for Parks and Wildlife Service based on King Island

• Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days. 1a Moderate Likely High

1b Moderate Likely High 1c Minor Possible Moderate

1d Minor Possible Moderate 1e Moderate Likely High 1f Moderate Likely High 1g Minor Possible Moderate

2a Moderate Likely High

2b Moderate Likely High

2c Moderate Likely High 3a Minor Possible Moderate



Existing Controls

b. Eucalyptus globulus King Island forest c. E. brookeriana wet forest d. King Island sedge/heath/scrub complex e. Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest

4. The following flora species; a. Elaeocarpus reticulates (Blueberry ash)

5. The following fauna species and their habitats; a. Acanthiza pusilla archibaldi (King Island brown thornbill) b. Acanthornis magnus greenianus (King Island scrubtit) c. Austrochloritis victoriae (Southern Hairy Snail) d. Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied parrot)

6. The following geoconservation sites a. Lavinia Peatland Complex

3b Moderate Possible High 3c Moderate Possible High 3d Minor Likely High 3e Moderate Possible High 4a Minor Likely High

5a Catastrophic Possible EXTREME

5b Catastrophic Possible EXTREME 5c Moderate Possible High 5d Catastrophic Possible EXTREME 6a Major Possible EXTREME

009 Wildfire posses a risk to the Pegarah State Forest including the landfill site and surrounding vegetation and housing.

Moderate Possible High • Water supply at entry from Pegarah Rd.


010 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Airport. Minor Likely Low • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.

• Hydrant system, water on hand.

• Slashing of the area. • Fire Permit period • Area fire brigade • Total Fire Ban days



Existing Controls

011 Wildfire posses a risk to the power station and wind turbines. Moderate Unlikely Moderate • Area around power station maintained as low grass.

• Hydrant system and pumps, with water on hand


012 Wildfire posses a risk to power distribution lines and poles. Moderate Likely High • Removal of vegetation from power lines.

• General line maintenance.

• Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigades. • Total Fire Ban days.

013 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Dairy. Moderate Unlikely Moderate • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.

• Internal fire suppression system, including water supply.


014 Wildfire posses a risk to abattoirs on King Island. Moderate Unlikely Moderate • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.




Existing Controls

015 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing from Porky Beach to Bungaree Creek.

Minor Possible Moderate • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.


e) Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied parrot) and its associated habitat. f) Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed

Shearwater) rookeries.


017 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation, camping sites, tourist visiting sites and shacks from Disappointment Bay to the Lavinia State Reserve, including Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

Minor Likely High • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.


Major Unlikely High • Most are surrounded by cleared agricultural land.

• Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days

019 Wildfire posses a risk to peat deposits on King Island. Moderate Likely High • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

020 Wildfire posses a risk to high priority vegetation, including tree lanes, remnant vegetation and threatened vegetation community types on rural properties.

Moderate Likely High • Individual property preparation by owners.

• Fire Permit period • Area fire brigade • Total Fire Ban days

021 Wildfire posses a risk to farm fences, stock and pasture. Minor Possible Moderate • Individual property preparation by owners.

• Fire Permit period • Area fire brigade • Total Fire Ban days



Existing Controls

022 Wildfire posses a risk to road and bridge infrastructure on King Island. Minor Unlikely Low • Roadside slashing of main roads.

• Roadside spraying • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

023 Wildfire posses a risk to the Reekara Community Complex. Minor Rare Low • Regularly slashed. • Surrounded by

cleared agricultural land.

• Fire station adjoining. • Good water supply. • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

024 Wildfire posses a risk to rural housing and associated structures. Moderate Possible High • Individual property preparation by owners.


025 Wildfire posses a risk to Airservices Australia NDB, SGS, Regional Express Airlines and KIC communication infrastructure at the King Island Airport.

Minor Rare Low • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.


026 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and the Tasmania Police communication infrastructure at the ‘Old Power Station’ via Grahams Rd, Grassy. Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and the Tasmania Police communication infrastructure at the ‘Old Power Station’ via Grahams Rd, Grassy.





Existing Controls

027 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra Radio Terminal at Cape Wickham. Minor Rare Low • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.

• Fire Permit periods • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

028 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra and the Tasmania Police at Counsel Hill.

Moderate Likely High • Currently cleared • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

029 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and King Island Dairy communication infrastructure at the King Island Dairy, North Road and to the Promo Radio communication infrastructure.



030 Wildfire posses a risk to Hydro Tasmania’s wind monitoring infrastructure at Huxley Hill.

Minor Rare Low • Area around power station maintained as low grass.


031 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra, King Island Ports, State Fire Commission and television networks at Gentle Annie and to the Bureau of Meteorology infrastructure at Mount Stanley.

Major Unlikely High • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.




Existing Controls

032 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra communication infrastructure at Yambacoona. Minor Rare Low • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.


033 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at Lymwood. Minor Rare Low • Surrounded by cleared agricultural land.


034 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at the Naracoopa Hill. Minor Unlikely Low • Fire Permit periods. • Area fire brigade. • Total Fire Ban days.

035 Wildfire posses a risk to 6-communication infrastructure sites within the township of Currie.

Major Unlikely High As per Risk 006


3b. Identification and Evaluation of Treatment Options Criteria For Evaluating Risk Treatment Options Criteria Questions

1. Equity Do those responsible for creating the risk pay for its reduction? Where there is no man made cause, is the cost fairly distributed?

2. Timing Will the beneficial effects of this option be quickly realised?

3. Leverage Will the application of this option lead to further risk reduction actions by others?

4. Cost Is this option the most cost effective or could the same result be achieved more cheaply by other means?

5. Administrative efficiency

Can this option be easily administered or will its application be neglected because of difficulty of administration or lack of expertise?

6. Continuity of effect

Will the effects of the application of this option be continuous or merely short term?

7. Compatibility How compatible is this option with others that may be adopted?

8. Jurisdictional authority

Does this level of government have the legislated authority to apply this option? If not can higher levels be encouraged to do so?

9. Effect on economy

What will be the economic impact of this option?

10. Effect on environment

What will be the environmental impact of this option?

11. Risk Creation Will this option itself introduce new risks? 12. Risk reduction

potential What proportion of the losses due to this risk will this option prevent?

13. Political acceptability

Is this option likely to be endorsed by the relevant government?

14. Public and pressure group reaction

Are there likely to be adverse reactions to implementation of this option?

15. Individual freedom

Does this option deny basic rights?


Identification and Evaluation of Treatment Options ID Risk Statement Identified Treatment Options Assessment Preferred

Treatment(s) 001 Wildfire posses a risk to the

Grassy Township. Prevention: 1. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in

consultation with the TFS. Preparedness: 2. Fire trail 1 around the Grassy Township for defence purposes as per Figures 2 and

3. 3. Widen track 2 along the powerlines to Grassy catchment to protect the power

supply for the provision of water to Grassy as per Figures 2 and 3. 4. Identification and mapping of fire hydrants on reticulated water supply. Grassy

Brigade to check annually and faults to be reported to KIC for appropriate maintenance.

5. Progressive upgrading of Grassy town water system to 4-6 inch mains. 6. Identify priority houses (including Ballarat and Claredon College Campus) to

undertake annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment. Provide ongoing support and encouragement to property owners in these priority locations for the development and maintenance of individual bushfire plans.

7. Develop Grassy Tactical Response Guide. Response: 8. Defend off fire trail 1. 9. Early notification of need for recovery to the King Island Community Recovery

Team. 10. Minimum two brigade response to vegetation and structural fires. 11. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Grassy Tactical Response

Guide. Recovery: 12. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

No.2: This fire trail will require approval under forest practice act and a check on the vulnerability of the vegetation community. Will also need to check against planning regulations.

All


ID Risk Statement Identified Treatment Options Assessment Preferred Treatment(s)

002 Wildfire posses a risk to rural dwellings, tourist sites and native vegetation, from Attrill’s Road to Seal Rocks through the Red Hut District to the Grassy Township. This includes the following: a. The significant stands of

Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forests at Colliers Swamp and within the adjacent unallocated Crown Land

b. The geomorphically significant calcified forest

c. Big Lake d. A number of gorges in this

district e. Eudyptula minor (Little

Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. PWS and adjoining landholder(s) enter into agreement for maintenance of

the joint boundary. 2. Widening and maintenance of Red Hut Road to be used as fire trail 3 as per

Figures 2 and 3. 3. Creation of fire trail 4 from Red Hut Road to Sand blow beach as per Figures 2

and 3. 4. Widening and maintenance of South Road from Pearshape to Seal Rocks Road so

that it can be used as fire trail 5 as per Figure 2 and 3. 5. Annual maintenance of track 6 from Red Hut Road along Colliers Swamp to Seal

River Road as per Figures 2 and 3. 6. Investigate and if feasible establish fire / access trail 7 from Big Lake along fern

bank to Millers Road as per Figures 2 and 3. 7. Widening and maintenance of Seal Rocks Road as fire trail 8 as per Figures 2 and

3. 8. Annual maintenance of track 9 from the northwest boundary of Bowling’s to

Cataraquai airstrip as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. 9. Identify dwellings, particularly those that are occupied and mark on map(s) for

response activities. 10. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of properties within priority locations.

Ongoing support and encouragement to property owners in these priority locations for the development and maintenance of individual bushfire plans.

11. Identify potential water points near proposed defence lines. If necessary construct water points.

Response: 12. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Grassy Tactical Response

Guide. 13. Defence lines:

• Red Hut Road (fire trail 3) • Red Hut Road East to Sandblow beach (fire trail 4)

No2: Contingent on negotiations between PWS and adjoining landholders. Nos 5and6: Subject to RAA and other environmental constraints. Nos 1 - 7 Subject to negotiation with private landholders.

All



• South Road (fire trail 5) • Track from Red Hut Road along Colliers Swamp to Seal River Road (fire

trail 6) • Seal Rocks Road (fire trail 8) • Ports Road

14. Access tracks: • Proposed track from Big Lake to Millers Road. (Fire trail 7) • Track from the northwest boundary of Bowling’s to Cataraquai airstrip.

(Fire trail 9) Recovery: 15. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

003a 003b

Wildfire posses a risk to the native vegetation from Bold Head to the Grassy Township. Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy River Catchment, including the town water supply for Grassy.

As per risk 001

004 Wildfire posses a risk to the Grassy Port facility, including the bulk fuel storages.

Prevention: Preparedness: Response: 1. Existing controls including that King Island Ports to be self-sufficient until

Brigade(s) arrive. Note: Power supply is vital to ports, and Grassy township.


All



005 Wildfire posses a risk to Eucalyptus brookerianna wet forest in Kentford Forest Nature Reserve, E. ovata forest and woodland in Kentford Forest Conservation Area and other vegetation on adjoining rural properties.

Prevention: Prevention: 1. Maintain access tracks on northern and eastern boundaries of the Nature Reserve. 2. Gate or restrict access into conservation area off Mt Stanley Rd. 3. Investigate constructing additional water holes. Response: Recovery: 4. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

All

006a Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Currie.

Prevention: 1. Firebreak around tip. 2. Brigade located within the township. Preparedness: 3. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in

consultation with the TFS. 4. Development of access track 10 to defend from at the back of housing in

Lighthouse Street, as illustrated in Figure 2 and 4. 5. Annual slashing and maintenance of Lighthouse Street access track 10 by KIC. 6. Development of access track 11 to defend from and provide a defence line and

access to water at Devils Gap, as illustrated in Figure 2 and4. 7. Annual maintenance of Devils Gap access track 11 by KIC. 8. Investigate the status of well at Devils Gap, as illustrated in Figure 2and4 and

either re-instate or install new well for water supply. 9. Continue existing control of annual slashing of Bell Hill (track 12). 10. Installation of 3 new fire hydrants in Currie, 1 in Lighthouse Street and 2 in Wharf

Road. 11. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of properties in

-Henry Street, -Huxley Street, -the Main Street (including commercial properties such as Parers Hotel),

Nos 4-10: Subject to environmental constraints and negotiation with private landholders.

All



-Lighthouse Street and -Beach Road. Ongoing support and encouragement to property owners in these priority locations for the development and maintenance of individual bushfire plans. Furthermore where the property is tourist accommodation, encourage managers to display bushfire plans to occupants of the accommodation.

Response: 12. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Currie Tactical Response Guide. 13. Protection of priority streets/properties, in particular Henry Street properties in the

event of a northerly wind. 14. Use of Charles Street to defend from if the fire is to the North of Devils Gap. 15. Defend off Wharf Road and ‘Bell Hill Track 12’. If required fall back to

Lighthouse Street for property protection, including the use of access track 10 at the back of Lighthouse Street.


006b Wildfire posses a risk to properties on Charles Street in the vicinity of Devils Gap, including the waste management facility and Bell Hill.

As per Risk 006a As per 006a

006c Wildfire posses a risk to the Camp Creek Reserve, including the nearby gas storage yard.

Existing controls. Existing controls.



006d Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing north from the mouth of the Ettrick River, through British Admiral Beach, Kelp Industries Pty Ltd and to the township of Currie.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in

consultation with the TFS. 2. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of priority properties. Ongoing

support and encouragement to these property owners to develop and maintain individual bushfire plans.

3. GPS and map existing shacks (including A frame) and housing / development. Review and update annually. Place mapping in all King Island fire trucks / vehicles.

4. GPS and map existing water points in the ‘risk area’. Review and update annually. Place mapping in all King Island fire trucks / vehicles.

5. Annual maintenance of track 13 on private property from South Road to Badger Box Creek to ensure that it could be used for access for all classes of fire vehicles.

6. Negotiate with private landowner to develop fire trail 14 utilising the minor track from Netherby Road through to cleared paddocks near Huxley Hill as identified in Figures 2 and 4.

7. Local command pre-authorised to access and utilise resources eg excavators, helicopter etc, as deemed necessary given the High to Extreme Risk situation.

Response: 8. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Currie Tactical Response Guide. 9. Determine if shack(s) are currently being camped in and if so evacuate. 10. Defensive strategy would be the main approach at this point in time due to

accessibility and the area of land that the vegetation covers. 11. The following tracks would be utilised for defence:

- track 13 from South Road to Badger Box Creek - track 12 from Netherby Road through to cleared paddocks near Huxley Hill - Rifle Range Road - Netherby Road - Kelp track from Kelp Industries, around the front of the golf course through to Beach Road / Lighthouse Street.

Subject to environmental constraints, forest practices act and negotiation with landholders

All



12. Use of resources eg excavators, helicopters etc, according to the situation on hand. Recovery: 13. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

007 Wildfire posses a risk to the township of Naracoopa

Prevention: 1. Abatement officer at the KIC, periodically investigate abatement issues in

consultation with the TFS. Preparedness: 2. Fire trails:

- Trail 15, upgrade and maintenance of Link Rd and Sea Elephant Rd, as identified in Figure2 and - Trail 16, track along Sea Elephant River to provide access to water, as identified in Figures 2 and 5. - Put in a Fire Trail 17, from corner of paddock, across Sea Elephant Rd to Fraser Beach, as identified in Figures 2 and 5. - Put in Trail 20, from Pegarah Rd (Pegarah Hill) to the Esplanade, including putting in a gateway, as show in Figures 2 and 5. - Investigate putting in an access track (Trail 21), from Pegarah Rd to Millwood Rd as per Figures 2 and 5. If feasible construct track.

3. Work with priority properties and residents within the township of Naracoopa to

complete annual TFS Structural Survival Assessment of properties. Ensure that this is an opportunity to work with and support householders, rather than taking an authoritative approach.

4. Training of brigade members. 5. Provision of maps, aerial photographs and plans within fire vehicles and provide

Naracoopa information to other brigades on the Island. 6. Identify water access in close proximity to identified defence lines and access

trails. If appropriate investigate creating additional water points. 7. Create access track 22 from the old Kibuka Dam to Fraser Rd. Explore installing

pipe from dam to Fraser Rd.

Fire trails contingent upon environmental approvals (eg RAA and Forest Practices Act) and landowner agreement and negotiation.

All



Response: 8. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Naracoopa Tactical Response

Guide. 9. Defence lines:

- Fire trial 15 - Fire trail 17 - Fire trail 20 - Sea Elephant Rd (firetrail 18) and Fraser Rd (firetrail 19) as illustrated in

Figures 2 and5. - Millwood Rd (firetrail 23), as illustrated in Figures 2 and 5. - Defence of assets only along Pegarah Rd, particularly around Pegarah State

Forest. Recovery: 10. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). 11. Landholders undertake activities as appropriate.



008 Wildfire poses a risk to the fire sensitive values in Lavinia State Reserve, Seal Rocks State Reserve and adjoining Public Reserves and unallocated crown land as identified in the King Island Reserves and Crown Land Fire Management Plan (DTPHA; 2002) and King Island 2007 Fires: Impact on natural values (DPIW; 2007) including; 7. a-g 8. a-c 9. a-e 10. a 11. a-d 12. a

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Fire trails as nominated in the King Island Reserves and Crown Land Fire

Management Plan (PWS 2002), as illustrate in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6. 2. Permanent aerial on the tower at Counsel Hill. 3. Establishment of communication line infrastructure, to enable phone connection

within 24 hours. 4. PWS and adjoining landholder(s) enter into agreement for maintenance of the

joint boundary. Response: 14. Use of King Island Fire Response Guidelines and Naracoopa Tactical Response

Guide. Recovery: 13. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

Fire trails contingent upon environmental approvals (eg RAA and Forest Practices Act) and landowner agreement and negotiation. No4: Contingent on negotiations between PWS and adjoining landholders.

All

009 Wildfire posses a risk to the Pegarah State Forest including the landfill site and surrounding vegetation and housing.

As per risk 007 Existing controls Existing controls

010 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Airport.

Existing controls. Existing controls Existing controls

011 Wildfire posses a risk to the power station and wind turbines.


012 There is a risk that power distribution lines and poles will be affected by wildfire.




013 Wildfire posses a risk to the King Island Dairy.


014 Wildfire posses a risk to abattoirs on King Island.


015 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation and housing from Porky Beach to Bungaree Creek.

Prevention: Preparedness: Response: Defend dwellings as required. Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).



g) Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied parrot) and its associated habitat.

h) Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Upgrade and maintain existing track W from North Road west to the coast as

illustrated in Figures 2 and 7. 2. Construct Fire trail 35, as illustrated by Figures 2 and 7. 3. Construct Fire trail 36, south of Lake Flannigan as illustrated in Figures 2 and 7. 4. Annual TFS Structure Survival Assessment of priority properties. Ongoing

support and encouragement to these property owners to develop and maintain individual bushfire plans.

Response: 5. Aerial support due to the difficulty of the terrain. Recovery: 6. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

Subject to environmental constraints and negotiation with landholders

All

017 Wildfire posses a risk to the coastal vegetation, camping sites, tourist visiting sites and shacks from Disappointment Bay to the Lavinia State Reserve, including Eudyptula

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Upgrade and maintain track 33, as illustrated in Figure2 2 and 6. Response:

Subject to environmental constraints and negotiation with landholders

All



minor (Little Penguin) and Puffinus tenuirostis (Short-tailed Shearwater) rookeries.

2. Defend to clear ground. Determine if shack(s) are currently being camped in and if so evacuate.



Gorges are of high value to King Island, but by their nature the response strategy would require defending to clear ground.


019 Wildfire posses a risk to peat deposits on King Island.

Island Wide Treatments, specifically the use of permit periods and community education to discourage burning on peat.


020 Wildfire posses a risk to high priority vegetation, including tree lanes, remnant vegetation and threatened vegetation community types on rural properties.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Individual property plans. Advice and support to properties to prepare plans. Response: 2. Note: Vegetation high priority for protection where practicable. 3. Enabling of landholders to participate in fire suppression activities. 4. Good communication with landholders during the fire, keeping them informed

and supported. Recovery: 5. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). 6. Support services and debriefing for landholders. 7. Support to landholders with land and vegetation recovery as applicable.

All



021 Wildfire posses a risk to farm fences, stock and pasture.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Individual property plans. Advice and support to properties to prepare plans. Response: 2. Note: Vegetation high priority for protection where practicable. 3. Enabling of landholders to participate in fire suppression activities. 4. Good communication with landholders during the fire, keeping them informed

and supported. Recovery: 5. Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). 6. Support services and debriefing for landholders. 7. Support to landholders with land and vegetation recovery as applicable.

All

022 Wildfire posses a risk to road and bridge infrastructure on King Island.

Prevention:

Preparedness:

Response:

Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan). Post fire assessments and works programs as required.


023 Wildfire posses a risk to the Reekara Community Complex.


024 Wildfire posses a risk to rural housing and associated structures.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Annually visit the school and undertake activities with the children with regard to

preparing properties for a wildfire scenario. 2. Individual property protection plans. 3. Brigades to familiarise themselves with properties in their area. Response: Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

All



025 Wildfire posses a risk to Airservices Australia NDB, SGS, Regional Express Airlines and KIC communication infrastructure at the King Island Airport.



026 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and the Tasmania Police communication infrastructure at the ‘Old Power Station’ via Grahams Rd, Grassy.



027 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra Radio Terminal at Cape Wickham.



028 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure used by Telstra and the Tasmania Police at Counsel Hill.

Prevention: Preparedness: 1. Permanent repeater station at Counsel Hill 2. Maintain cleared area of approximately 50 metres surrounding the tower. Response: 3. Note as value. Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

All

029 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra and King Island Dairy communication infrastructure at the King Island Dairy, North Road and to the to Promo Radio communication infrastructure.





030 Wildfire posses a risk to Hydro Tasmania’s wind monitoring infrastructure at Huxley Hill.

The monitoring equipment is of high value to King Island, but the risk is low with existing controls in place.


031 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure, used by Telstra, King Island Ports, State Fire Commission and television networks at Gentle Annie and to the Bureau of Meteorology infrastructure at Mount Stanley.

The communication infrastructure is of very high value to King Island, but the risk is low with existing controls in place.


032 Wildfire posses a risk to Telstra communication infrastructure at Yambacoona.



033 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at Lymwood.



034 Wildfire posses a risk to communication infrastructure at the Naracoopa Hill.

Prevention: Preparedness: Maintain cleared area of approximately 50 metres surrounding the tower. Response: Recovery: Existing controls (King Island Community Recovery Plan).

All

035 Wildfire posses a risk to 6-communication infrastructure sites within the township of Currie.

As per Currie Treatments (risk nos.6a-6d) As per Risk 006 As per Risk 006


References Parks and Wildlife Service (2000). Lavinia Nature Reserve Draft Management Plan 2000. Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart. Resource Management and Conservation Division (2007). King Island 2007 Fires: Impact on Natural Values. Unpublished report to the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. Biodiversity Conservation Branch, Resource Management and Conservation Division, Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart. Standards Australia (2004). Risk Management AS/NZS 4360:2004. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand, Sydney Standards Australia (2004). Risk Management Guidelines, Companion to AS/NZS 4360:2004. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand, Sydney Emergency Management Australia (2004). Emergency Risk Management – Applications Guide – Manual 5. Emergency Management Australia, Dickson, ACT

King Island Wildfire Management Plan · 2007 fire for example, much was being expressed within the...

Documents

Transcript of King Island Wildfire Management Plan · 2007 fire for example, much was being expressed within the...