Planning Report - Shire of Mundaring · Planning Report Proposed Fixed Wireless Facility Lot 7681 Harper Road Wooroloo WA 6558 ... Disclaimer This document is provided for information

Planning Report Proposed Fixed Wireless Facility

Lot 7681 Harper Road

Wooroloo WA 6558

NBN SITE REFERENCE:

Wooroloo East [NBN-6PEZ-6BKH-5105]

Planning Report – Wooroloo East

12/12/2016 | Rev 1 © 2015 nbn™ limited | ABN 86 136 533 741 UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 34

Disclaimer

This document is provided for information purposes only. This document is subject to the information classification set out on this page. If no information classification has been included, this document must be treated as UNCLASSIFIED, SENSITIVE and must not be disclosed other than with the consent of nbn. The recipient (including third parties) must not use this document other than with the consent of nbn. © 2016 nbn™ limited. All rights reserved.

Document information

Document number NBN-6PEZ-6BKH-5105Document type DA submissionAuthor Emma StormApprover (owner) Senior Project PlannerStatus Final for IssueIssue date 12/12/2016Revision number 1Classification UNCLASSIFIED

Revision history

Date Revision Details

26/08/2016 0 Draft for Verification

12/12/2016 1 Final for Submission



ContentsExecutive Summary 4

1. INTRODUCTION 5

2. BACKGROUND 6

nbn and the National Broadband Network 6

What is Fixed Wireless and how is it different to Mobile Broadband? 6

The Fixed Wireless Network – Interdependencies 6

3. SITE SELECTION 8

Site Selection Parameters 8

Candidate Sites 9

4. SUBJECT SITE AND SURROUNDS 12

Site Description 12

Surrounding Area 13

5. THE PROPOSAL 15

Facility and Equipment Details 15

6. CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS 18

6.1 Commonwealth Legislation – The Telecommunications Act 18

State Legislation 18

Local Legislation 20

7. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 25

Visual Impact 25

Heritage 26

Bushfire 26

Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility 27

Flora and Fauna 27

Aviation Safety 27

Public Safety 28

The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications 28

8. CONCLUSION 30

APPENDIX A – COPY OF TITLE 31

APPENDIX B – PROPOSED PLANS 32

APPENDIX C – EME REPORT 33

APPENDIX D –BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN 34



Executive Summary Proposal Nbn propose to install a new fixed wireless facility at

Wooroloo East comprised of the following:40m monopole;3x panel antennas;1x parabolic dish antenna;6x remote radio units; 2x outdoor cabinets at ground level;2.4m high chain-link security compound fencing; andancillary equipment associated with operation of the facility.

Purposes The proposed facility is necessary to provide nbn™ fixed wireless coverage to parts of Wooroloo and establish links between nbn™ facility Wooroloo West.

Property Details Lot and Plan No: Lot 7681 on Deposited Plan 121764Street Address: Lot 7681 Harper Road, Wooroloo 6558Overall Site Area: 46.64haProperty Owner: Carl Peter Planke

Town Planning Scheme

Shire of Mundaring: Local Planning Scheme No. 4Zone: Rural SmallholdingOther Planning Controls: Local Telecommunications Planning Policy PS-04Use Definition: Communications Installations – Small Scale Commercial

Applicable Planning Policies

Relevant State & Local Planning Policies Complies

State Planning Policy 5.2 (Telecommunications Infrastructure) 2015

Yes

Shire of Mundaring Telecommunications Local Planning Policy PS-04

Yes

Application Use and development of the land for the purposes of construction and operation of a Telecommunications Facility (Fixed Wireless facility)

Applicant nbnc/- Aurecon Australasia Pty LtdLevel 5, 863 Hay StreetPerth WA 6000Contact: Emma StormOur Ref: NBN-6PEZ-6BKH-5105



1. INTRODUCTION Nbn has engaged Ericsson as the equipment vendor and project manager to establish the infrastructure required to facilitate the fixed wireless component of the National Broadband Network (nbn™). Ericsson has in turn engaged Aurecon to act on its behalf in relation to the establishment of the required fixed wireless network infrastructure.

The nbn™ is an upgrade to Australia’s existing telecommunications network. It is designed to provide Australians with access to fast, affordable and reliable internet services. Nbn plans to upgrade the existing telecommunications network in the most cost-efficient way using best-fit technology and taking into consideration existing infrastructure.

An in-depth site selection process was undertaken in the area prior to confirming the site as the preferred location. This process matched potential candidates against four key factors, namely:

Town planning considerations (such as zoning, surrounding land uses, environmental significance and visual impact); The ability of the site to provide acceptable coverage levels to the area; Construction feasibility; and The ability for nbn to secure a lease agreement with the landowner.

The site is designed so as to be appropriately located and sited so as to minimise visual impact on the immediate and surrounding area. The site will achieve the required coverage objectives for the area. The proposal is designed to operate within the regulatory framework of Commonwealth, State and Local Government and within all current and relevant standards and is regulated by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).



2. BACKGROUND

nbn and the National Broadband Network

Nbn is the organisation responsible for overseeing the upgrade of Australia’s existing telecommunications network and for providing wholesale services to retail service providers. The nbn™ is designed to provide Australians with access to fast, affordable and reliable internet services.

Nbn plans to upgrade the existing telecommunications network in the most cost-efficient way using best-fit technology and taking into consideration existing infrastructure. The nbn™’s fixed wireless network will use cellular technology to transmit signals to and from a small antenna fixed on the outside of a home or business, which is pointed directly towards the fixed wireless facility.

Nbn™’s fixed wireless network is designed to offer service providers with wholesale access speeds of up to 50Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads.1

What is Fixed Wireless and how is it different to Mobile Broadband?

The nbn™’s fixed wireless network, which uses advanced technology commonly referred to as LTE or 4G, is engineered to deliver services to a fixed number of premises within each coverage area. This means that the bandwidth per household is designed to be more consistent than mobile wireless, even in peak times of use.

Unlike a mobile wireless service where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving into and out of the area, the speed available in a fixed wireless network is designed to remain relatively steady.

The Fixed Wireless Network – Interdependencies

Although fixed wireless facilities are submitted to the Shire as standalone developments from a planning perspective, they are highly interdependent. Each fixed wireless facility is connected to another to form a chain of facilities that link back to the fibre network. This is called the ‘transmission network’.

1 nbn is designing the nbn™ to provide these speeds to our wholesale customers, telephone and internet service providers. End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ depends on some factors outside nbn’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service provider designs its network.



The transmission network requires line of sight from facility to facility until it reaches the fibre network. The fixed wireless network will remain unconnected without the transmission network and a break in this chain can have flow on effects to multiple communities.

The proposed site at Wooroloo East will serve as a transmission end site with connectivity with the nbn™ facility in Wooroloo West (see Figure 1).



3. SITE SELECTIONPlanning for a new fixed wireless broadband facility is a complex process. Nbnundertakes a rigorous multi-stage scoping process as outlined below.

Nbn™’s Fixed Wireless locations are determined by a number of factors including the availability of both the nbn™ Fibre transit network and the availability of Point of Interconnect (POI) facilities to allow for the installation of nbn™ fibre equipment. Nbn uses a number of methods to identify those parts of Australia that require Fixed Wireless coverage. When an area is identified as requiring Fixed Wireless coverage, investigations are undertaken to determine the measures required to provide this coverage.

Site Selection Parameters

Nbn generally identifies an area where the requirement for a Fixed Wireless facility would be highest, a ‘search area.’ A preliminary investigation of the area is then undertaken, in conjunction with planning and property consultants, radiofrequency engineers and designers in order to identify possible locations to establish a facility.



Generally speaking, new sites must be located within, or immediately adjacent to, the identified search area in order to be technically feasible. However, while the operational and geographical aspects of deploying new facilities are primary factors, there are also many other issues that influence network design, which have to be resolved in parallel. For the Wooroloo East facility a secondary search area to the west of the initial search area was necessary due to a lack of viable candidate sites being identified closer to the target area.

Nbn has applied the Precautionary Approach in the selection and design of the proposed site in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Communications Alliance Industry Code C564:2011 for Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.

In selecting this site, nbn has used industry best practice to assess potential candidate sites, taking into account technical and non-technical criteria including:

service objectives; topographical constraints affecting network line of site; potential co-locate at an existing telecommunications facility or building structure; visual impact on the surrounding area; the need to obtain relevant planning approvals; the proximity to community-sensitive locations; the proximity to areas of environmental or heritage significance; the availability of secure tenure the availability of public utilities, such as power; construction issues (including structural and loading feasibility and access for maintenance purposes); occupational health and safety; and other cost factors.

The number, type and height of facilities required to complete the Fixed Wireless network are largely determined by the above operational, geographical and other factors discussed that influence final network design. These compounding factors often severely restrict the available search area within which a facility can be established to provide Fixed Wireless internet services to a local community.

Candidate Sites

Following the identification of the initial (Wundowie) search area, nine candidate sites were identified during a desktop assessment process. Subsequent to conducting a letter drop and undertaking a site visit three candidates were assessed based on the ability to meet the coverage objectives and site considerations detailed above. For eight of the nine sites landowner interest was



not forthcoming and none of the three preferred candidate sites were ultimately pursued. For candidate site D (El Caballo Resort) for which landowner interest was forthcoming two locations were reviewed; however, these locations failed to meet coverage objectives. In response to not identifying a viable candidate further modelling was undertaken to identify an alternative search area that had the potential to meet coverage objectives. Figure 3 shows the location of the nine candidate sites identified.

Figure 3 – The secondary search area in Wooroloo focused on higher ground west of the concentration of premises to be targeted.

Three candidate sites were identified in the secondary search area (K, L and M). Landowner interest was expressed for two of these properties (K and L) which were then assessed against the specified coverage objectives and site considerations.

Nbn endeavours to avoid locating search areas in close proximity to residential localities and potentially sensitive land uses, where practicable. Candidates K and L both provided separation from residential land uses, as well as areas of historical or conservation value. Nbn considers Candidate K the best option as it provides an appropriate location for a facility given the separation from residential and other sensitive land uses, and the ability of vegetation and topography to screen ground level infrastructure and the ability to secure tenure.



A summary of the five candidates not pursued across both search areas is set out below, including a brief description of the opportunities and constraints for each site.

The candidate (Candidate K) considered to likely best meet all relevant criteria was analysed further. Following detailed assessment that includes refining radio frequency (RF) and transmission (TX) modelling, Candidate K site for which we now seek approval was preferred. For clarity, RF modelling relates to providing a service from the panel antennas to local premises and TX modelling relates to line of sight assessment from the parabolic (dish) antennas tower to tower.

No Address and Lot Number

Facility Type

Description

A Lot 6930 on Plan 118567, Wundowie

New 40m monopole

Likely significant delays in securing tenure, in principle terms of lease not agreed.

D El Caballo golf course, lot 88 Great Eastern Highway, Wooroloo

New 40m monopole

In close proximity to El Caballo Lifestyle Village, potential Scheme Amendment (additional use) required, not favoured on planning grounds. Scored the lowest of the three candidate sites against coverage objectives.

E 207 Bodeguero Way, Wundowie

New 40m monopole

In close proximity to housing, ruled out on planning grounds

L 7280 Werribee Road, Wooroloo

New 40m monopole

Candidates L and K are very similar. Candidate K was preferred from a property perspective (ability to secure tenure).

M Lot 5480 Linley Valley Road, Wooroloo

New 40m monopole

Land tenure was unable to be obtained.



4. SUBJECT SITE AND SURROUNDS

Site Description

The telecommunications facility is to be located at Lot 7681 Harper Road, Wooroloo (refer Figure 4). A copy of the Certificate of Title has been attached for information purposes (Appendix A – Copy of Title).

The subject property is located approximately 2.6km east north east of the Wooroloo Post Office and 2km north northwest of Great Eastern Highway. The site is irregular in shape and has a total area of 46.64 hectares. To negate the need for vegetation clearance and to avoid the use of a bridge with limited load capacity, access to the nbn facility for construction is proposed via an access track through lot 303 onto Harper Road. Infrequent 4WD access for maintenance purposes is proposed from an existing track to be upgraded, then via an unmade road to the east of the subject land.

Figure 4 – Local Context subject site (source Google Earth)



The subject land features a single residence, ancillary sheds and stables. Theproperty can be broadly classified as ‘rural’. The property is predominantly cleared with scattered mature native vegetation more prominent on elevated land to the south where the nbn facility is proposed. Lesser features include numerous tracks and internal fences traversing the property, a significant water tank and two dams.

Surrounding Area

The subject property is located close to the Local Government boundary with the Shire of Northam to the east and 3km east of the Wooroloo town centre. Separation between the proposed nbn facility and the closest residence not in the same ownership is approximately 300m and is screened by scattered mature vegetation. No community sensitive sites have been identified within a 500m radius of the proposed nbn facility. An historic railway trail is located approximately 900m to the north adjacent to Werribee Road. El Caballo Resort is located approximately 2km to the southeast.

The broader area can be described as undulating land used for a mixture of extensive agricultural, semi-rural and residential purposes. The northern boundary of the lot abuts a number of smaller landholdings fronting Werribee Road.

Where possible, nbn endeavours to co-locate with existing telecommunications facilities. In this instance, co-location could not be achieved as the nearest mobile phone base station is located 2km to the south on Linley Valley Road, Wooroloo. The physical distance and direction from the nbn target area is such that sector (antenna) balancing cannot be achieved and service quality to the majority of premises served from a single sector would be compromised.



Figure 5 – Looking northwards across the cleared and generally level site



5. THE PROPOSAL

Facility and Equipment Details5.1.1 Equipment to be installed

The facility comprises a 40 metre high monopole and ancillary components including two outdoor cabinets and a distribution board enclosed within a secure facility being 80m2 in area.

The proposed monopole will feature a circular headframe at the top containing three (3) panel antennas measuring approximately 750mm x 300mm x 115mm. One (1) parabolic dish antennas will also be located on the tower at 30m. The dish providing a link to the Wooroloo West facility will be 600mm in diameter. Please refer to Appendix B – Proposed Plans for further details.

Figure 6 – Looking towards the facility from Harper Road illustrating existing screening

Nbn facility 700m to the east obscured by vegetation and the terrain



5.1.2 Landscaping

The nbn has not proposed additional landscaping given the facility will be screened from public view by existing vegetation and the topography of the area.

5.1.3 Access and Parking Details

The nbn™ facility will be accessed via the public road that abuts Lot 7681 on the eastern boundary for the purpose of accessing its facility to carry out maintenance and which will be required following the installation of its facility. If for any reason this maintenance access route as shown is unavailable for use, nbn will access the facility via Lot 303 Harper Road, which is owned by Mr Peter Planke, who owns the subject site. Permission has been granted by the landowner to use this adjoining site. It is planned to provide independent 24 hour access to the proposed facility.

Nbn considers the site access to be appropriate given the nbn™ network facility will not be a significant generator of traffic. During the construction phase, a truck will be used to deliver the equipment and a crane will be utilised to lift most of the equipment into place. Any traffic impacts associated with construction will be of a short-term duration and are not anticipated to adversely impact on the surrounding road network. In the unlikely event that road closure will be required, nbn will apply to the relevant authorities for permission.

A total construction period of approximately ten weeks (including civil works and network integration and equipment commissioning) is anticipated. Construction activities will involve four basic stages:

Stage 1 (Week 1) – Site preparation works, including field testing, excavation and construction of foundations; Stage 2 (Weeks 2, 3 and 4) – Construction of the monopole; Stage 3 (Weeks 5 and 6) – Construction of the equipment cabinets andfences; Stage 4 (Weeks 7 – 10) – Installation of antennas and radio equipment, as well as equipment testing.

Once operational, the facility will function on a continuously unstaffed basis and will typically only require maintenance works three times a year.

5.1.4 Utility Service Details

The facility will be powered by a proposed power cable from the existing power connection at the property to the proposed nbn™ power distribution board adjacent to the cabinets.



5.1.5 Construction and Noise

Noise and vibration emissions associated with the proposed facility are expected to be limited to the construction phase outlined above. Noise generated during the construction phase is anticipated to be of short duration and accord with the standards outlined in the Department of Environment Regulation (DER) Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. Construction works are planned only to occur between the hours of 7.00am and 6.00pm.



6.CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS 6.1 Commonwealth Legislation – The Telecommunications Act

Schedule 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 empowers carriers to install low-impact facilities without participating in the planning approval process. The Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 1997 defines which facilities are low-impact facilities.

The proposed facility is not low-impact under the definitions contained in the Commonwealth legislation. Development approval is therefore required for the proposed facility.

State Legislation

State Planning Policy 5.2, prepared under Part Three of the Planning and Development Act 2005, applies to the assessment of this proposal.

The State Policy provides directions that telecommunications infrastructure should not be prohibited in any zone in the zoning table and that, subject to guidance within a planning scheme, be designated as a permitted use in some zones. Furthermore, the State Policy acknowledges that telecommunications carriers are required to comply with the Australian Radiation and Nuclear Protection Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Electromagnetic Radiation - Human Exposure Standard such that buffer zones and/or setback distances are not to be included in planning schemes or local planning policies.

Further to reiterating recent State Administrative Tribunal rulings that health and safety matters are not a planning consideration, the State Policy defines policy measures for local government to consider when determining development applications for telecommunications infrastructure. A response to the specific policy measures is provided below.

Policy Measure 1: Telecommunications infrastructure should be sited and designed to minimise visual impact

The proposal involves the erection of a new facility incorporating a 40 metre high monopole and associated ground level equipment. The height and design of the proposed tower is considered to be the minimum required to achieve reasonable transmission objectives. Nbn considers that the proposed new facility will have minimal visual impact on the existing landscape setting as seen by local residents and people passing through the area.



Specific Policy Measures Comment

a) Telecommunications Infrastructure should be located where it will not be prominently visible from significant viewing locations such as scenic routes, lookouts and recreation sites.

The site is located in a rural area, approximately 2km from Great Eastern Highway to the north and 19.6km from Mundaring to the north east. The specific location within the property is setback approximately 450m from Harper Road and 550m from Werribee Road. It will not be visible from any significant viewing locations.

b) Telecommunications Infrastructure should be located to avoid detracting from a significant view of a heritage item or place, a landmark, a streetscape, vista or panorama, whether viewed from public or private land.

The facility is designed so as not to compromise any significant views or places of significance or local landmarks.Additionally, the subject site is located a reasonable distance from existing residential development and community sensitive land uses.

c) Telecommunications Infrastructure should not be located where environmental, cultural heritage, social and visual landscape values may be compromised.

The facility is designed to have minimal disturbance to the environmental characteristics of the site and will not have any impact on cultural heritage or social or visual landscape values.

d) Telecommunications Infrastructure should display design features, including scale, materials, external colours and finishes that are sympathetic to the surrounding landscape.

To minimise the visual impact of the facility nbn have proposed the use of a monopoleand selected a site that is located away fromresidential areas and other sensitive land uses. The proposed monopole is a structure that has a small profile and is considered the least visually intrusive design option for a new base station.

Furthermore, the monopole will remain unpainted, which is recognised to blend better against lighter backgrounds such as the sky rather than darker painted structures.

No landscaping is proposed due to significant setbacks to surrounding roads and dwellings.



Policy Measure 2: Telecommunications Facilities should be located where it will facilitate continuous network coverage and/or improved telecommunications services to the community.

Nbn through its strategic planning processes has identified this site as having the potential to provide the optimal required quality of service for the Wooroloo area.

Policy Measure 3: Telecommunications cables should be co-located whenever possible.


a) Cables and lines should be located within an existing underground conduit or duct.

The connection to power is subject to Western Power recommendations.

b) Overhead lines and towers should be co-located with existing infrastructure and/or within existing infrastructure corridors and/or mounted on existing or proposed buildings.

There are no structures or buildings of sufficient height within the surrounding area that could facilitate nbn™ infrastructure.

With respect to the above policy measures this proposal through its siting, design and location has addressed the provisions as far as practical.

6.2.1 Guiding Principles for the Location, Siting and Design of Telecommunications Infrastructure

The Guiding Principles for the Location, Siting and Design of Telecommunications Infrastructure (Guiding Principles) is published by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) to underpin State Planning Policy 5.2. The Guiding Principles philosophy is also reiterated in Part Three of Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia – a manual for evaluation, assessment, siting and design which was also prepared by the WAPC. The guidelines were taken into consideration when selecting the site.

Local Legislation6.3.1 Local Planning Policy – PS-04 Telecommunications

The Shire’s Local Planning Policy relating to telecommunications provides carriers with a guide to preparing development applications. Nbn considers the proposed facility constitutes “Small Scale Commercial” as defined by the Shire’s LPS No.4 and PS-04 policy. The preliminary advice provided to nbn™ by the



Shire’s Planning Department is that an application for development approval may be lodged, however it is only through the development application process that the Shire will determine if the facilities are small scale or large scale, and issue a decision accordingly. The Shire is reminded that the State policy stipulates that telecommunications infrastructure should not be prohibited in any zone in the zoning table.

The proposed facility is considered to be “small scale commercial” as the equipment will be visually unobtrusive and will be used by commercial enterprises for the transmission or reception of communications signals.

The Shire’s PS-04 requires the inclusion of information in this application to assist the Shire in the assessment of the facility as outlined below.


1. Description of:

a) the subject land (including a location plan and scaled surveyed site plan);

b) location and access to the subject land;

c) current use of the subject land and adjoining land (including current scaled and annotated aerial photography);

d) bushfire hazard assessment;

e) the proposed facility (including scaled plans and elevations);

f) need for the facility

See section 4.1 & Appendix B

See section 5.1.3

See section 4.1 & 4.2

See section 7.3 and bushfire hazard assessment in Appendix D

See Appendix B

See section 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.0, 7.9

2. Impact of the following on the amenity of the area:

a) noise from equipment; b) over shadowing; c) appearance of the proposal;

See section 5.15See section 7.1See section 7.1

3. The clearing of any vegetation required for the construction of the facility or the installation of any services, access roads or fencing

The existing vegetation surrounding the 80m2 lease area is predominantly mature 15-20m trees. The site has been selected intentionally to eliminate the need for any clearing of vegetation. It is proposed that



the clearing will be limited to one dead tree and one tree with a burnt base.

4. Reinstatement of any cleared areas after site works, by re-vegetation and landscaping

No reinstatement of cleared area is proposed on site given the above.

6.3.2 Shire of Mundaring Local Planning Scheme No. 4

General aims of the Shire of Mundaring Local Planning Scheme No.4 include to:

promote and safeguard the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the Shire; preserve and enhance the amenity of the Shire and to manage land uses so as to minimise conflicts between potentially incompatible land uses; assist in achieving ecological, social and economic sustainability through a land use planning framework that balances the benefits and impacts of development on the Shire’s natural, built, social and economic environment.

The availability of wireless high speed internet enables rural living type areas to be serviced for which a cable service is not economically feasible. Services such as the transfer of medical images, marketing and research activities are all able to be performed more efficiently so as to allow more equitable competition with metropolitan businesses. These services also have the potential to allow people to stay in their homes longer by providing improved access to medical professionals, or medical monitoring services.2

The introduction of the nbn™ within the community will allow for access to information and services which have the potential to provide a richer and more diverse experience for the end user. Furthermore, it is our view that the siting, location and design of the facility as far as practical minimises environmental impact and the impact on the surrounding land uses.

2 End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ depends on some factors outside nbn’s control like the end user’s equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service provider designs its network.



Figure 7– Zoning map (Shire of Mundaring Local Planning Scheme No. 4)

Nbn considers that the proposal is consistent with the objectives of the Shire of Mundaring Local Planning Scheme No.4 for the provision of services and infrastructure to meet the demands of the local residents, businesses and visitors to the Shire.

The site is located within the Rural Smallholdings zone (refer to Figure 7). The proposed development is not located in a Special Control Area, nor will it impact on a place of heritage value.

Telecommunications infrastructure (“Telecommunication Installation – Small Scale Commercial”) is a ‘D’ use in accordance with the Zoning Table. Council may, at its discretion, permit the use in the zone.

Nbn considers that the proposed facility is consistent with the objectives and development requirements of the zone for the following reasons:

The local rural character of the zone is maintained as far as practical; The viability of agricultural activities, other rural pursuits and secondary uses will not be compromised by the proposed development; The environmental qualities of the landscape, vegetation, soils and water bodies will not be damaged;

Proposed 80m2 facility

Subject property



The proposal does not seek to introduce a sensitive land use which would otherwise inhibit the operation and development of existing, future and potential rural land uses; and Minimum setback distances have been exceeded.

6.3.3 Structure Plans

The subject site is not affected by a Structure Plan.



7. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Visual Impact

The siting of the proposed monopole on the subject property is considered appropriate. Critical to the site selection and decision making process was the potential impact of the structure in the visual landscape. The structure in the proposed location will not obscure an important view or vista. It has been strategically located amongst mature vegetation away from existing dwellings to minimise impact.

The nearest dwelling not in the same ownership is located approximately 300mto the east. No additional landscaping is proposed as the existing vegetation is considered sufficient to screen the base of the facility from the dwelling and the surrounding area.

Note that the proposed 40m monopole the smallest structure capable of meeting coverage and operational objectives. A monopole is a structure that has a small profile and is considered the least visually intrusive design option for a new base station. Furthermore, the pole will remain unpainted (galvanised steel), which over time has been demonstrated to most successfully blend with lighter backgrounds such as the sky.

Recent Tribunal considerations including NBN CO Limited and City of Albany [2016] WASAT 61 and Optus Mobile Pty Ltd and City of Swan [2016] WASAT 137 discuss visual amenity -

While the evidence and submissions made by the property owners within the locality are matters to be taken into account in determining whether or not to grant development approval, their opinions in relation to the visual impact of the proposed development, and any possible impact on tourism in the area, cannot be given significant weight because none of these witnesses was established as having any relevant expertise on which opinions of this type could be said to be based. Their opinions must be understood, and taken into account, only as their personal, subjective opinions and beliefs as people living in the locality.

There can be no doubt that part of the proposed development will be visible from a number of locations within the locality. The Tribunal is satisfied, however, that only the upper part of the monopole (and its attachments) will be visible.



The fact that part of the proposed development will be visible does not, of itself, mean that the proposed development will have a negative impact on the visual amenity of the locality. As can be seen from SPP 5.2, factors such as the prominence of the development within the landscape, the extent to which visual aspects of value to the community as a whole might be compromised, and the degree to which the development is sympathetic to the surrounding landscape are relevant to this assessment.

Whilst the structure may be visible from some aspects, based on the siting the proposed development will not result in adverse impacts on visual amenity in the local area.

Heritage

A desktop search of both the State Heritage Office’s ‘Inherit’ heritage register and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System was undertaken as part of an environmental constraints mapping process. The investigation did not identify any registered cultural, historical or environmental heritage significance in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site.

Bushfire

The Shire of Mundaring has requested that a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) be prepared in relation to the proposed facility. These have been prepared by Bushfire Prone Planning. A copy of the assessment and plan is contained within Appendix D.

The determined Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) has been assessed as Flame Zone (FZ). Sections 3 and 9 under Australian Standard AS2959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas and Australian Standard AS1530.8.2 Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures apply.

The Western Australian Planning Commission has advised that it is not the intent of State Planning Policy 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas for Class 10 (Telecommunications Infrastructure) to require a BAL Bushfire HazardAssessment. This position is justified when considering the construction elements referenced by AS2959-2009 are clearly not envisaged to apply to Class 10b structures or other infrastructure not able to be classified under the Building Code of Australia. Whilst we accept that equipment shelters are classifiable as a Class 10a non-habitable building to which the AS2959-2009 does apply, unlike a private garage, carport, shed or alike telecommunications equipment shelters are so infrequently accessed so are not occupied in the same sense or be likely located near to a habitable building. Notwithstanding, all nbn fixed-wireless



ground level infrastructure and poles or towers are designed and manufactured well in excess of the FRL specified under the Australian Standard AS2959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas for the highest bushfire risk category (FZ).

The BMP’s have been prepared by Bushfire Prone Planning with two scenarios for BAL-29 and a BAL-40 ratings and the extent of vegetation modification we understand that the application will be assessed and an outcome negotiated with the Shire after consultation with the Shire’s Chief Fire Control Officer, Coordinator of Environment and DFES.

Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility

The nbn™ fixed wireless network is licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the exclusive use of the OFDMA9800 frequency band. As nbn is the exclusive licensee of this sub-band, emissions from nbn™equipment within the frequency band should not cause interference.

Filters will also help to ensure that each facility meets the ACMA specifications for emission of spurious signals outside the nbn™ frequency allocations. Nbnintends to promptly investigate any interference issues that are reported.

The facility is also designed to be grounded to the relevant Australian Standards – that is, the facility will be ‘earthed’.

Flora and Fauna

A desktop search was undertaken of the Department of Environment Regulation (DER) Environmentally Sensitive Areas mapping system. Our environmental constraints mapping process also identifies the location of Bush Forever sites. Additionally, a review of the local planning policy framework was undertaken to ensure compliance with any applicable structure plan or building envelope.

The site is not located within an ‘Environmentally Sensitive Area’ or a Bush Forever reservation. A clearing permit from the Department of Environment Regulation is not required, or a referral to the Department of Planning Bush Forever Office required.

Aviation Safety

The proposed facility does not require a referral in accordance with the ‘Reporting of Tall Structures’ requirements of CAAP 92-1.



Public Safety7.7.1 Radiofrequency Emissions

In relation to public safety and specifically Electromagnetic Emissions (EME) and public health, nbn™ network operates within the operational standards set by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). ARPANSA is a Federal Government agency incorporated under the Health and Ageing portfolio and is charged with the responsibility for protecting the health and safety of both people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation (ionising and non-ionising).

All nbn™ network installations are designed and certified by qualified professionals in accordance with all relevant Australian Standards. This helps to ensure that the nbn™ facility does not result in any increase in the level of risk to the public. It is for this reason that the new Telecommunications Infrastructure State Planning Policy makes it clear that public health is not a matter for local government to consider when determining development applications.

This facility is to be operated in compliance with the mandatory standard for human exposure to EME – currently the Radio communications (Electromagnetic Radiation Human Exposure) Standard 2003. The EME Report associated with this site is attached in Appendix C – EME Report. The report shows that the maximum predicted EME will equate to 0.08% of the maximum exposure limit (where 100% of the limit is still considered to be safe).

Moreover, all nbn™ network equipment has the following features, all of which help to minimise the amounts of energy used and emitted:

Dynamic/Adaptive Power Control is a network feature that automatically adjusts the power and hence minimises EME from the facility; Varying the facility’s transmit power to the minimal required level, minimising EME from the network; andDiscontinuous transmission, a feature that reduces EME emissions by automatically switching the transmitter off when no data is being sent.

The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications

The proposed nbn™ facility is expected to have significant benefit for residents in the Wooroloo area. Nbn believes that the public interest would be served by approval of the proposal, given benefits for enhanced internet coverage in the



area. The facility is expected to have benefits for local residents and businesses within the district.

There are numerous other benefits of telecommunications connectivity, as follows:3

There are many potential educational benefits justifying the implementation of the nbn™. Curriculum and data sharing, increased availability and accessibility of research materials, and virtual classroom environments are good examples. Such elements are particularly beneficial within a tertiary education context. Businesses can, through internet usage, increase efficiency through time, resource and monetary savings. Improved internet services effectively remove physical distance and travel time as a barrier to business. Improvements to internet services may also be of benefit for local employees, by enabling telecommuting and home business. The telecommuting trend is heavily reliant on access to fast internet services, and is anticipated to continually increase in popularity.

The public benefits of access to fast internet have been widely acknowledged for many years. Reliable internet access is now more than ever an integral component of daily life, so much so that its absence is considered a social disadvantage.

3 End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ depends on some factors outside nbn™’s control like the end user’s equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service providers designs its network.



8. CONCLUSION Nbn considers that the proposed facility, comprising a 40 metre monopole with circular headframe and ground level infrastructure has been proposed in the least impactful location whilst ensuring adequate coverage is achieved.

The reasons for selecting this site are summarised as follows: The proposed site has been particularly targeted to provide the optimal required quality of service as required by nbn for the Wooroloo area; The proposed facility is located in a rural smallholding area, sited on cleared land; The surrounding landscape includes a number of agricultural buildings and structures, as well as mature trees, which will minimise visual impact; The impact on the physical environment is negligible; The site provides sufficient spatial separation from sensitive land uses with the nearest dwelling not in the same ownership located approximately 300m from the proposed site; and The construction and land tenure costs are acceptable in the context of the locality.

The facility has been strategically sited and designed to minimise visibility within the surrounding environment as much as practicable. In this regard nbnconsiders that the proposal satisfies the requirements of the State Planning Policy and the accompanying Guidelines for the Location, Siting and Design of Telecommunications.

Nbn considers that the proposal is also consistent with the stated objectives and aims of the Shire of Mundaring Local Planning Scheme and should be supported.



APPENDIX A – COPY OF TITLE

JOB 49610349Mon Dec 7 11:28:35 2015



APPENDIX B – PROPOSED PLANS



APPENDIX C – EME REPORT

Environmental EME report (v11.3, Feb 2014) Produced with RF-Map 2.0 (Build 1.18) NAD (v1.0.61064.26377)

Environmental EME Report

Wooroloo East Lot 7681 Harper Road, WOOROLOO WA 6558

This report provides a summary of Calculated RF EME Levels around the wireless base station

Date 21/3/2016 RFNSA Site No. 6558003 Introduction The purpose of this report is to provide calculations of EME levels from the existing facilities at the site and any proposed additional facilities. This report provides a summary of levels of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) around the wireless base station at Wooroloo East Lot 7681 Harper Road WOOROLOO WA 6558 . These levels have been calculated by Ericsson using methodology developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). The maximum EME level calculated for the proposed systems at this site is 0.08% of the public exposure limit.

The ARPANSA Standard ARPANSA, an Australian Government agency in the Health and Ageing portfolio, has established a Radiation Protection Standard specifying limits for general public exposure to RF transmissions at frequencies used by wireless base stations. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) mandates the exposure limits of the ARPANSA Standard.

How the EME is calculated in this report The procedure used for these calculations is documented in the ARPANSA Technical Report “Radio Frequency EME Exposure Levels - Prediction Methodologies” which is available at http://www.arpansa.gov.au.RF EME values are calculated at 1.5m above ground at various distances from the base station, assuming level ground. The estimate is based on worst-case scenario, including:

wireless base station transmitters for mobile and broadband data operating at maximum power simultaneous telephone calls and data transmission an unobstructed line of sight view to the antennas.

In practice, exposures are usually lower because: the presence of buildings, trees and other features of the environment reduces signal strength the base station automatically adjusts transmit power to the minimum required.

Maximum EME levels are estimated in 360° circular bands out to 500m from the base station. These levels are cumulative and take into account emissions from all mobile phone antennas at this site. The EME levels are presented in three different units:

volts per metre (V/m) – the electric field component of the RF wave

milliwatts per square metre (mW/m²) – the power density (or rate of flow of RF energy per unit area)

percentage (%) of the ARPANSA Standard public exposure limit (the public exposure limit = 100%).

Results The maximum EME level calculated for the proposed systems at this site is 1.73 V/m; equivalent to 7.96 mW/m² or 0.08% of the public exposure limit.


Radio Systems at the Site There are currently no existing radio systems for this site. It is proposed that this base station will have equipment for transmitting the following services:

Carrier Radio Systems NBN Co LTE3500 (proposed)

Calculated EME Levels This table provides calculations of RF EME at different distances from the base station for emissions from existing equipment alone and for emissions from existing equipment and proposed equipment combined.

Distance from the antennas at Wooroloo East Lot 7681

Harper Road in 360 circular bands

Maximum Cumulative EME Level – All carriers at this site Existing Equipment Proposed Equipment

Electric Field V/m

Power Density mW/m²

% ARPANSA exposure limits

Electric Field V/m

Power Density mW/m²

% ARPANSA exposure limits

0m to 50m 50m to 100m

100m to 200m 200m to 300m 300m to 400m 400m to 500m

0.5 0.73 1.21 1.73 1.68 1.36

0.66 1.42 3.9 7.96 7.51 4.9

0.0066% 0.014% 0.039% 0.08%

0.075% 0.049%

Maximum EME level 1.73 7.96 0.08

272.93 m from the antennas at Wooroloo East Lot 7681 Harper Road

Calculated EME levels at other areas of interest This table contains calculations of the maximum EME levels at selected areas of interest that have been identified through the consultation requirements of the Communications Alliance Ltd Deployment Code C564:2011 or via any other means. The calculations are performed over the indicated height range and include all existing and any proposed radio systems for this site.

Additional Locations Height / Scan

relative to locationground level

Maximum Cumulative EME Level All Carriers at this site

Existing and Proposed Equipment Electric Field

V/m Power Density

mW/m² % of ARPANSA exposure limits

No locations identified


RF EME Exposure Standard The calculated EME levels in this report have been expressed as percentages of the ARPANSA RF Standard and this table shows the actual RF EME limits used for the frequency bands available. At frequencies below 2000 MHz the limits vary across the band and the limit has been determined at the Assessment Frequency indicated. The four exposure limit figures quoted are equivalent values expressed in different units – volts per metre (V/m), watts per square metre (W/m²), microwatts per square centimetre (μW/cm²) and milliwatts per square metre (mW/m²). Note: 1 W/m² = 100 μW/cm² = 1000 mW/m².

Radio Systems Frequency Band Assessment Frequency ARPANSA Exposure Limit (100% of Standard)

LTE 700 758 – 803 MHz 750 MHz 37.6 V/m = 3.75 W/m² = 375 μW/cm² = 3750 mW/m²

WCDMA850 870 – 890 MHz 900 MHz 41.1 V/m = 4.50 W/m² = 450 μW/cm² = 4500 mW/m²

GSM900, LTE900, WCDMA900 935 – 960 MHz 900 MHz 41.1 V/m = 4.50 W/m² = 450 μW/cm² = 4500 mW/m²

GSM1800, LTE1800 1805 – 1880 MHz 1800 MHz 58.1 V/m = 9.00 W/m² = 900 μW/cm² = 9000 mW/m²

LTE2100, WCDMA2100 2110 – 2170 MHz 2100 MHz 61.4 V/m = 10.00 W/m² = 1000 μW/cm² = 10000 mW/m²

LTE2300 2302 – 2400 MHz 2300 MHz 61.4 V/m = 10.00 W/m² = 1000 μW/cm² = 10000 mW/m²



Further Information The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is a Federal Government agency incorporated under the Health and Ageing portfolio. ARPANSA is charged with responsibility for protecting the health and safety of people, and the environment, from the harmful effects of radiation (ionising and non-ionising). Information about RF EME can be accessed at the ARPANSA website, http://www.arpansa.gov.au, including:

Further explanation of this report in the document “Understanding the ARPANSA Environmental EME Report” The procedure used for the calculations in this report is documented in the ARPANSA Technical Report; “Radio Frequency EME

Exposure Levels - Prediction Methodologies” the current RF EME exposure standard

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 2002, ‘Radiation Protection Standard: Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields — 3 kHz to 300 GHz’, Radiation Protection Series Publication No. 3, ARPANSA, Yallambie Australia. [Printed version: ISBN 0-642-79400-6 ISSN 1445-9760] [Web version: ISBN 0-642-79402-2 ISSN 1445-9760]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radiocommunications, telecommunications and online content. Information on EME is available at http://emr.acma.gov.au

The Communications Alliance Ltd Industry Code C564:2011 ‘Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment’ is available from the Communications Alliance Ltd website, http://commsalliance.com.au .

Contact details for the Carriers (mobile phone companies) present at this site and the most recent version of this document are available online at the Radio Frequency National Site Archive, http://www.rfnsa.com.au.



APPENDIX D –BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN

aBPP Group Pty Ltd | ABN: 39 166 551 784

1/42 Victoria Street Midland WA 6056

PO Box 3489 Midland WA 6936

08 6477 1144 | [email protected]

Bushfire Management Plan -Communication Equipment andSupport Structure

Location: Lot 7681 Harper Road, Wooroloo

Shire of Mundaring

Project Number: 168819(1)

Assessment Date: 13 October 2016

Report Date: 28 October 2016

168819(1) NBN Lot 7681 Harper Road Wooroloo v1.0©2016 BPP Group Pty Ltd Page | 1

Plan Details

BMP v5.1 M2 DSE VIC v1.6 BMP Communications Infrastructure v1.1 ©2016 BPP Group Pty Ltd

Plan Version Submitted to Submitted Date

v1.0 Proponent 4-Nov-16

Plan Version Amendment Record Submitted Date

-

Compliance Statement

This concise Bushfire Management Plan (the Plan) meets the requirements of both the State PlanningPolicy No. 3.7: Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (SPP 3.7) and the supporting Guidelines for Planningin Bushfire Prone Areas (WAPC 2015; the ‘Guidelines’).

Co-Author, Reviewedand Approved Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) Accreditation Signature

Mike Scott Level 3 Bushfire Planning and DesignPractitioner 27795

BPP Group Pty Ltd t/a Bushfire Prone Planning ACN: 39 166 551 784

Assessor and Co-author Signature

Ian Macleod Level 1 BAL Assessor 39131

BPP Group Pty Ltd t/a Bushfire Prone Planning ACN: 39 166 551 784


Contents1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 4

2 APPLICATION OF SPP 3.7......................................................................................................... 5

3 COMMISSIONING AND THE LAND USE PROPOSAL ................................................................... 6

4 ASSESSMENT OF BUSHFIRE RISK.............................................................................................. 8

ASSESSMENTMETHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................8VEGETATION IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION ...............................................................................9

4.2.1 Existing Vegetation ...............................................................................................................94.2.2 Vegetation Excluded from Classification.............................................................................124.2.3 Expected On-site Vegetation Changes Due to Proposed Development..............................12

BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL – ASSESSED VARIABLES FORMETHOD 2 CALCULATIONS (AS 3959-2009)............14POTENTIAL BUSHFIRE IMPACTS – RADIANT HEAT FLUX AND BAL RATINGS ..............................................21

4.4.1 Identification of Specific Issues Arising from the BAL Assessment .....................................28

5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS..................................................................................... 29

6 BUSHFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT MEASURES ........................................................................... 31

THE BUSHFIRE PROTECTION CRITERIA – APPLICABILITY TO THE PROPOSAL ...............................................31VEGETATIONMANAGEMENT ..........................................................................................................34VEHICULAR ACCESS.......................................................................................................................37CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS – BUSHFIRE PERFORMANCE RATINGS ...................................................38

7 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION &MAINTENANCE................................................. 40

INFRASTRUCTURE OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................40CONSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES.....................................................................................................41LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................41

8 APPENDICES – ADVISORY INFORMATION ONLY..................................................................... 42


Appendices

APPENDIX 1.................................................................................................................................. 42

BUSHFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT – UNDERSTANDING THEMETHODOLOGY ...............................................................42

APPENDIX 2.................................................................................................................................. 47

VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION EXCLUSIONS (AS 3959-2009 S2.2.3.2) .............................................................47

APPENDIX 3.................................................................................................................................. 48

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS – BUSHFIRE PROTECTION CRITERIA - APZ................................................................48

APPENDIX 4.................................................................................................................................. 50

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS - BUSHFIRE PROTECTION CRITERIA (VEHICULAR ACCESS) ............................................50

APPENDIX 5.................................................................................................................................. 52

BALMETHOD 2 (AS 3959-2009) CALCULATION SUMMARIES ........................................................................52

DisclaimerThe measures contained in this Bushfire Management Plan Report are considered to be minimum standards and they donot guarantee that a building will not be damaged in a bushfire. This is substantially due to the unpredictable nature andbehaviour of fire and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the achievement of and level of implementation of bushfiremanagementmeasures will depend, among other things, on the actions of the landowners or occupiers over which BushfireProne Planning has no control.

All surveys, forecasts, projections and recommendations made in this report associated with the project are made in goodfaith on the basis of information available to Bushfire Prone Planning at the time. All maps included herein are indicativein nature and are not to be used for accurate calculations.

Notwithstanding anything contained therein, Bushfire Prone Planning will not, except as the law may require, be liable forany loss or other consequences (whether or not due to the negligence of their consultants, their servants or agents) arisingout of the services provided by their consultants.

Copyright NoticeThe format and certain content of this work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, noneof these parts may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permissionof BPP Pty Ltd of PO Box 3489 Midland WA 6936. This work was made in 2016.

As this material is in an electronic format, the removal or alteration of this material is prohibited by the Copyright Act incertain circumstances.


1 Executive Summary

This Bushfire Management Plan (the Plan) has been prepared to accompany the developmentapplication for the construction of a National Broadband Network Mast and Cabinets on Lot 7681Harper Road, Wooroloo in the Shire of Mundaring.

In consideration of the essential role of communications in a bushfire event to inform and warnresidents, facilitate the operation of all emergency services and assist with post fire recoveryoperations - the Shire of Mundaring requires that all components of the proposed communicationequipment and its supporting structure, will remain operable in the event of a bushfire.

This Plan presents the results of the bushfire risk assessment and provides information from which todetermine the appropriate combination of vegetation separation distance and design of the proposedstructure and its components (including parts of the structure at different elevations above theground).

The proposed communication equipment and its supporting structure are to be contained within afenced compound. In taking a precautionary approach, the vegetation separation distances consideredin this Plan will be measured from the compound fence rather than from each individualcomponent/structure. This also facilitates a clearer presentation of the bushfire risk assessment.

The proposed construction site currently retains its native vegetation and there is no separation fromthe classified vegetation and the proposed construction work. As such the determined BAL rating ofthe proposed construction site is currently BAL-FZ.

Two possible vegetation separation distances (Asset Protection Zones) are considered in this Plan toprovide the required information to inform site and structure design. These distances are:

1. 17 metres - which has been calculated to correspond to the compound being subject to amaximum of 40 kW/m2 of radiant heat flux (the start of the BAL-40 range); and

2. 22.8 metres which has been calculated to correspond to the compound being subject to amaximum of 29 kW/m2 of radiant heat flux (the start of the BAL-29 range).

The required bushfire design standard for components of the proposed project will be dependent onthe extent of the APZ that can or is required to be implemented. As a result, the specific combinationof bushfire design standard for components and APZ dimension is to be negotiated between thedecision maker and the proponent using the information provided in this Plan.

All weather access to the site for type 3.4 firefighting appliances will be achievable. The provision ofa turnaround area at the compound, preferably incorporated into the APZ surrounding thecompound is recommended.


2 Application of SPP 3.7

The State Planning Policy No. 3.7: Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (SPP 3.7) provides the foundationfor land use planning to address bushfire risk in Western Australia.

This Proposal must consider SPP 3.7 and, if required, comply with its policy measures. Thedetermination of this requirement is presented below.

The Shire of Mundaring specifies that the proposed construction type (communication equipment andits supporting structure) requires a bushfire risk assessment and identification of the appropriatemeasures to mitigate that risk.

As critical communications infrastructure, it is considered essential for the communication equipmentto remain operable during a bushfire event.

The required information is provided by Bushfire Prone Planning as a Bushfire Management Plan,addressing the applicable requirements of State Planning Policy 3.7 (SPP 3.7), the associated‘Guidelines’ and the local government.

Application of SPP 3.7 Policy Measures – Primary Triggers

The subject Proposal is a higher order strategic planning document, a strategic planningproposal or a subdivision or development application:

The project site is in a designated bushfire prone area on the WA Map of Bushfire ProneAreas:

The project site is not located in a designated bushfire prone area on the WA Map ofBushfire Prone Areas but the existing vegetation type and condition dictate that it shouldbe:

The project site is in an area not yet designated as bushfire prone but is proposed to bedeveloped in a way that introduces a bushfire hazard (Guidelines for Planning in BushfireProne Areas WAPC 2015 s3.2.2):

Application of SPP 3.7 Policy Measures – Secondary Trigger/sThe Proposal is a strategic planning proposal, subdivision or development applicationrelating to land that has or will have a Bushfire Hazard Level above low and/or where aBushfire Attack Level rating above BAL-LOW applies (SPP 3.7 s6.2):The subject Proposal is a development application for the construction or/and use of asingle house or ancillary dwelling on a lot or lots greater than 1100m2and subject to BAL-40or BAL-FZ (LPS Amendment Regulations 2015):The subject Proposal is a development application for the construction or/and use of ahabitable building (other than a single house or ancillary dwelling), or a specified buildingon any lot size and subject to a BAL rating above BAL-LOW (LPS Amendment Regulations2015):


3 Commissioning and the Land Use Proposal

Bushfire Prone Planning (BPP Group Pty Ltd) has been commissioned to carry out the assessments andprepare the required bushfire planning documentation to accompany the proponent’s planningsubmission associated with their proposed land use project.

Commissioning Record

Landowner / Proponent: Aurecon

BPP Commissioned by: Aurecon

Purpose:

To satisfy the requirements of the decision-making authority byassessing the bushfire risk and determining the appropriate bushfire riskmanagement measures to be applied to the design and construction ofthe communication infrastructure

Project Location

Subject Site and Address: Lot No. 7681 Harper Road, Wooroloo

Local Government: Shire of Mundaring

Zoning and R-Code: General Agriculture

Project Description

Description:Provision of a Bushfire Management Plan to support a DevelopmentApplication for the construction of a National Broadband Network Mastand Cabinets.

Building Class: 10b


Figure 3.1: Site Plan (Plan relied upon to determine the bushfire attack level) (Source: Aurecon)


4 Assessment of Bushfire Risk

Assessment Methodology

This Bushfire Management Plan uses the following methodology for the specific assessment of thebushfire risk to a supporting structure and attached communication equipment. This approach willevaluate the bushfire risk for the complete structure, from the ground level components to the fullextent of its height.

1. Vegetation areas that present the bushfire risk to the structure will be identified and classified,with the effective ground slope under each area measured. Site slope will be measured.

2. The existing separation distance between the structures being assessed and the classifiedvegetation areas will be measured.

3. The bushfire risk will be determined as the radiant heat flux levels to which the structure couldpotentially be exposed. This will be measured and presented as kW/m2 and the correspondingBushfire Attack Level. Method 2 assessment methodology, as defined in AS 3959-2009, will beused to calculate the required specific results and to facilitate calculation of the of the bushfirerisk at various elevation intervals of the supporting structure.

4. From the site assessment data and the bushfire risk calculations, two specific vegetationseparation distances (measured in the horizontal plane from the compound fence) will bedetermined. This information is generated to inform the proponents and the decision makersas to the options for the required integration of the performance requirements of structuralcomponents and site design. This can then be to be implemented to achieve the most effectiveand practical outcome.

The first specific separation distance is the minimum vegetation separation distance that willbe required. It is the greater of:

a. 10 metres from the proposed compound being assessed. This is required to mitigate therisk of convective heat damage to the structure and allow the use of ‘Method 2’calculations to determine radiant heat impacts (note: convective heat is not aconsideration of the modelling used in the ‘Method 2’ calculations); or

b. The separation distance that corresponds to the proposed compound being subject aradiant heat flux of 40 kW/m2 (BAL-40). Any distance less than this will result in thestructure being subject to a BAL rating of BAL-FZ and therefore likely to be subject todirect flame contact. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent direct flame contactand restrict the radiant heat flux exposure of the communication equipment componentsand the supporting structure, to a maximum of a BAL-40 rating (note: a BAL-40 ratingrepresents a radiant heat flux range of >29kW/m2 - 40 kW/m2).


The second specific vegetation separation distance is that which corresponds to the proposedcompound being subject to a radiant heat flux of 29 kW/m2 (BAL-29 rating). It will be the greatestseparation distance provided. Further separation distances and their impact on the proposedcompound can be interpolated from these two.

5. The results will present the calculated radiant heat flux levels for each relevant structure withinthe compound, at each vegetation separation distance. For the supporting structure, this willalso include radiant heat flux impacts at the appropriate elevation intervals (which willcorrespond to the points of attachment for the communication equipment).

Vegetation Identification and Classification

4.2.1 Existing Vegetation

All vegetation within 100 metres of the proposed structures construction sites have been identifiedand classified or excluded and presented in Table 4.2.1 This has been done with accordance with AS3959-2009 s2.2.3 and reference to the Visual Guide for Bushfire Risk Assessment inWA (WAPC February2016).

The vegetation has been assessed as it will be in its mature state and where deemed appropriate, inits unmanaged state. The areas of classified vegetation that will determine bushfire risk are defined onthe site assessment map Figure 4.2.1. Representative photos of each vegetation area are presentedafter the table.

Table 4.2.1: Vegetation types identified and the applied classification

All Vegetation Within 100 metres of Proposed Development

VegetationArea

Identified Types (AS3959) or Description if‘Excluded’

Applied Classification

EffectiveSlope UnderClassifiedVegetation(degrees)

1Jarrah, Marri, Wandoo, Grass and RockUnderstorey, Woodland B-05

Class B Woodland 10.8

2 Dense Sown Pasture, Grassland G-25 Class G Grassland 7.2

3 Marri, Grass Understorey, Woodland B-05 Class B Woodland 7.6

4 Dense Sown Pasture, Grassland G-25 Class G Grassland 3.6

Note: When more than one vegetation type is present each type is classified separately with theworst case scenario being applied. The predominant vegetation is not necessarily the worst casescenario.


Vegetation Area 1 Classification Applied: Class B Woodland

Assessment Comment: Jarrah, Marri, Wandoo, Grass and Rock Understorey, Woodland B-05

Photo ID: 1a Photo ID: 1b

Vegetation Area 2 Classification Applied: Class G Grassland

Assessment Comment: Dense Sown Pasture, Grassland G-25


Vegetation Area 3 Classification Applied: Class B Woodland

Assessment Comment: Marri, Grass Understorey, Woodland B-05

Photo ID: 3a


Vegetation Area 4 Classification Applied: Class G Grassland

Assessment Comment: Dense Sown Pasture, Grassland G-25


4.2.2 Vegetation Excluded from Classification

Certain areas and vegetation may be assessed as ‘low threat or non-vegetated’. These are to beexcluded from classification and are therefore rated BAL-LOW. Theymust be managed to maintain thespecifications set out in AS3959-2009 s2.2.3.2 in perpetuity (refer to Appendix 2 ‘VegetationClassification Exclusions’).

This Proposal has no excluded vegetation areas within 100 metres of the subject site.

4.2.3 Expected On-site Vegetation Changes Due to Proposed Development

In assessing vegetation for bushfire threat, consideration must be given to possible future vegetationchanges likely on the site that is being assessed and in particular those that would have the potentialto increase the bushfire risk.

This may be due to growth of existing vegetation or growth of planned landscape plantings, includingfuture roadside re-vegetation. In particular, there must be careful consideration of the creation ofvegetation corridors where they join offsite vegetation and may provide a route for fire to enter anarea of future development.

For this Proposal, the construction site currently retains its native vegetation and there is no separationfrom the classified vegetation and the proposed building work.

This Plan provides information from which to determine the appropriate vegetation separationdistance to establish. The intention is to remove and/or modify the required vegetation from andaround the proposed construction site, as necessary and to the extent that will be determined as beingappropriate during the process of planning design and approval (refer to Section 6.2 ‘Vegetation


Management’ and Section 6.4 ‘Construction Requirements’). There are no planned future plantingsthat require consideration.


Bushfire Attack Level – Assessed Variables for Method 2 Calculations(AS 3959-2009)

For this Proposal, the Method 2 Calculation (AS 3959-2009) has been used to calculate the specificradiant heat flux levels the structure and associated components will be subject to at different heightsabove ground level.

AS 3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas - Appendix B sets out “theprocedure that shall apply to determine the Bushfire Attack Level on a detailed basis for allcircumstances where the effective slope under the classified vegetation is no more than 300 downslope and the slope of the land between the site and the classified vegetation is no more than 200,regardless of slope type.”

Note: Method 1 (AS 3959) cannot be used when the effective slope under the classified vegetationis greater than 200 in which case Method 2 (AS 3959) will need to be applied.

The following section of this BAL assessment details the variables that have been determined andapplied to the calculations determining the radiant heat flux levels and their correspondingaggregation as Bushfire Attack Levels, using Method 2 (AS 3959).

Summary Statement of Calculation Variables Applied

Applied Variable Inputs to Method 2 (AS 3959-2009) Calculations

Method 2 Input VariablesInput Values Applied

AS 3959 Default Values(Table 2.4.1 & Appendix B) Assessed / Modified Values

Fire Danger Index

Vegetation Classification Assessed as per AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3

Vegetation Fuel Loads

Vegetation Height

Effective Slope

Site Slope

Separation Distance

Flame Width

Elevation of Receiver


Determination of Calculation Variables

1. Applied Fire Behaviour Models

Applied Fire Model (incorporating the associated Fire Behaviour Equation)(AS 3959-2009 Table B1)

VegetationArea

Applied VegetationClassification Fuel Types Fire Model

1 Class B Woodland Forest, Rainforest andWoodland

McArthur, 1973 and Noble etal. 1980

2 Class G Grassland Grassland Noble et al. 1980

3 Class B Woodland Forest, Rainforest andWoodland

McArthur, 1973 and Noble etal. 1980

4 Class G Grassland Grassland Noble et al. 1980

2. Determine Relevant Fire Danger Index (FDI) or Wind Speed

The FDI relates to the chance of a fire starting, its rate of spread, its intensity, and the difficulty ofits suppression, according to various combinations of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speedand both the long and short term drought effects. It is used to forecast the influence of vegetation,weather and topography on fire behaviour.

Applied FDI and Wind Speed

Vegetation ClassificationGroup

AS 3959 Default Values(Table 2.4.1 & Appendix B)

Modified Values Applied

Using data sets provided bythe authority havingjurisdiction for the site

FDI Wind Speed FDI Wind Speed

Forests, Woodlands, and Grasslands 80/110 N/A

Heath, Shrub, Scrub N/A N/A


3. Determine Vegetation Classification

The vegetation has been classified in accordance with AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3 and reference to the VisualGuide for Bushfire Risk Assessment in WA (WAPC February 2016). The detailed results are presented inSection 4.1 of this Plan with a summary below.

Summary - Vegetation Classification Applied to Method 2 (AS 3959) Calculations

Vegetation Area Applied Classification

1 Class B Woodland

2 Class G Grassland

3 Class B Woodland

4 Class G Grassland

4. Determine Vegetation Height

Vegetation Height (m) Applied to Method 2 (AS 3959) Calculations(applicable to AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3 vegetation classifications Shrubland, Scrub and Mallee/Mulga)

VegetationArea

AS 3959 (Table B2) DefaultValue

(metres)

Site Assessed IndicativeValue/s(metres)

Applied Value(metres)

1 N/A N/A N/A

2 N/A N/A N/A

3 N/A N/A N/A

4 N/A N/A N/A


5. Determine Fuel LoadsFuel Loads Applied - Summary

The following table states the fuel loads that have been applied in calculating the BAL’s for the subjectsite using AS 3959-2009 Method 2. They will be either the site’s measured fuel loads, the calculationmodel’s default fuel loads or a combination of both (i.e. certain vegetation areas may be assesseddifferently as appropriate).

Default Fuel Load (t/ha) Applied to Method 2 (AS 3959) Calculations(applicable to all AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3 vegetation classifications)

Vegetation Area

Surface Fuel Load (w)Average t/ha

Overall Fuel Load (W)Average t/ha

AS 3959 (Table B2) AS 3959 (Table B2)

1 15 25

2 4.5 4.5

3 15 25

4 4.5 4.5


6. Determine Effective and Site Slopes and Separation Distances

Effective Slope - is the ground slope under the classified vegetation and is determined for each areaof classified vegetation. It is the measured or assessed slope which will most significantly influencefire behaviour in that area (300 down slope is the limit that can be used in the BAL ‘Method 2’ model).

Site Slope - is the slope along the ground by line of sight between the site or building and the areaof classified vegetation (200 is the limit that can be used in the BAL ‘Method 2’ model).

Separation Distance - is the distance from the site or building to the area of classified vegetationand is measured in the horizontal plane.

.

For this proposal, the communication equipment and its supporting structure are contained within afenced compound. In taking a precautionary approach, the separation distances are measured fromthe compound fence rather than each individual component/structure. This also facilitates a clearerpresentation of the bushfire risk assessment.

Assessed Effective and Site Slopes and Separation DistancesApplied to Method 2 (AS 3959) Calculations

VegetationArea

AppliedVegetationClassification

Separation Distance to theClassified Vegetation

(metres) Effective SlopeUnder Classified

Vegetation(degrees)

Site Slope toClassifiedVegetation(degrees)Existing

SpecificDistances tobe Assessed(to informplanning)

1 Class BWoodland

0 10.8 10.817 10.8 10.822.8 10.8 10.8

2 Class GGrassland

30 7.2 10.830 7.2 10.8

3 Class BWoodland

66 7.6 866 7.6 8

4 Class GGrassland

30 3.6 3.230 3.6 3.2


The required specific vegetation separation distances are:1. the distance that equates to the proposed compound being subject to 40 kW/m2 or less (BAL-40); and2. the distance that equates to the proposed compound being subject to 29 kW/m2 or less (BAL-29 or less).

These distances are derived as a function of the site assessment/measurements and utilising ‘Method2’ (AS3959) to perform the required calculation iterations. The result is presented in the table below(and incorporated into the table above).

Derivation of the Specific Vegetation Separation Distances for Assessment (metres)

Applicablevegetation area(worst bushfire

threat)

Minimum horizontal separation distance required from structure components

To account forconvective heat and thelimitations of Method 2

modelling

To achieve BAL-40 To achieve BAL-29

Area 1

Applied m Applied m Applied m

N/A 10 Yes 17 Yes 22.8

7. Determine Flame Width

Flame width is assumed to be 100 m unless the width of classified vegetation and /or the relativeorientation between the classified vegetation and the site justify the use of a lessor value.

Flame Width (m) Applied to Method 2 (AS 3959) Calculations

VegetationArea

AS 3959 (Appendix B)Default Value

(metres)

Site AssessedValue

(metres)

Applied Value(metres)

1 100 Not Assessed 100





8. Determine Elevation of the Receiver

Elevation of Receiver (m) Applied to Method 2 (AS 3959)Calculations

Structure/ComponentReceiver ElevationIntervals Assessed

(metres)

Supporting Structure (Tower) WithinCompound

1

5

6.5

15

21

22

30

38.6

39.6

40

On Ground Components Within Compound 1.0

The elevation of the receiver refers to the level at which the site will receive the incident radiantheat flux and it is measured from the ground level of the site. The elevation is either calculated byalgorithms within the model or an assessor defined receiver elevation can be used dependent onthe purpose of the assessment.

To assess the bushfire risk to which a supporting structure (tower) is subject, the radiant heat flux iscalculated at appropriate intervals (height) for the entire height of the structure and at theappropriate height/s for the attached communication equipment.


Potential Bushfire Impacts – Radiant Heat Flux and BAL Ratings

The potential bushfire impact to the proposed structure from each of the identified vegetation areas,at different heights above the ground, is presented as the calculated radiant heat flux (with thecorresponding BAL rating shown). For each proposed structure/component, separate data ispresented for each specific vegetation separation distance that is being assessed.

The greatest radiant heat flux result that is determined for each receiver elevation interval (theassessed heights above ground level) is the result that will apply to that interval (for each specificseparation distance) – except for the limitation noted below.

Limitation: For assessments involving greater elevation of receiver heights, there are limitations tothe validity of the results from the Method 2 (AS 3959-2009) calculations when the calculated flameangle exceeds 900. This is a limitation of the modelling and this limit is approached as the elevationof the receiver increases above the level for which the model has been purposed and designed.Bushfire Prone Planning take the approach of applying no further reduction in radiant heat fluxexposure past the point of when the calculated flame angle exceeds 900.

The calculation output for each combination of structure/receiver elevation/specific vegetationseparation distance, is presented in Appendix 5.

Summarised Results

Table 4.4.1: Summarised bushfire risk assessment results

Summarised Results - Highest Determined Radiant Heat Flux kW/m2 and (BAL)

Structure AssessedSpecific Vegetation

Separation Distances (metres)

Receiver Elevation (metres above ground level)

1.0 6.5 15 30** 38.6** 39.6** 40**

Radiant heat flux (kW/m2 )

SupportStructure andAttached

CommunicationEquipment

1734.5 39.8 32 22.7** 22.7** 22.7** 22.7**

BAL-40 BAL-40 BAL-40 BAL-29 BAL-29 BAL-29 BAL-29

22.826.8 28.8 24.4 17.8** 17.8** 17.8** 17.8**

BAL-29 BAL-29 BAL-29 BAL-19 BAL-19 BAL-19 BAL-19

On GroundComponents

WithinCompound

1734.5

**Note: No further change in radiant heat flux is assumedfor these receiver elevations – refer to the limitationnoted at the start of Section 4.4.

BAL-40

22.826.8

BAL-29


Structure/Component 1 – Supporting Structure Within Compound

Radiant Heat Flux Determination

Radiant heat flux determination method: Method 2 (as per AS 3959-2009 Appendix B)

Structure/Component assessed: Supporting structure (tower)

Specific (40 kW/m2) vegetation separation distance –measured horizontally to compound fence (metres):

17

This vegetation area presents the greatest bushfirerisk to the assessed structure:

YES

VegetationArea


ReceiverElevation(metresabove

ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)

Heat Flux ExposureThreshold Rating

1 Class BWoodland

1 34.5 kW/m2 >29 kW/m2 40kW/m2

BAL-40

6.5 39.8 kW/m2 >29 kW/m2 40kW/m2

BAL-40

15 32.0 kW/m2 >29 kW/m2 40kW/m2

BAL-40

21 22.7 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

30** **22.7 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

38.5** **22.7 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

39.5** **22.7 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

40** **22.7 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

**Note: No further change in radiant heat flux is assumed for these receiver elevations – refer to thelimitation noted at the start of Section 4.4.


Radiant Heat Flux DeterminationRadiant heat flux determination method: Method 2 (as per AS 3959-2009 Appendix B)



22.8


YES

VegetationArea



ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations



1 Class BWoodland

1 26.8 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

6.5 28.8 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

15 24.4 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29kW/m2

BAL-29

22 17.8 kW/m2 >12.5 kW/m2 19kW/m2

BAL-19

30** **17.8 kW/m2 >12.5 kW/m2 19kW/m2

BAL-19

38.5** **17.8 kW/m2 >12.5 kW/m2 19kW/m2

BAL-19

39.5** **17.8 kW/m2 >12.5 kW/m2 19kW/m2

BAL-19

40** **17.8 kW/m2 >12.5 kW/m2 19kW/m2

BAL-19





Existing vegetation separation distance – measuredhorizontally to compound fence (metres):

30


NO

VegetationArea



ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations



2 Class GGrassland

1** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

5** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

15** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

30** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

38.5** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

39.5** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

40** **8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5






66


NO

VegetationArea



ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations



3 Class BWoodland

1 5.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

5 5.7 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

15 5.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

30 4.2 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

38.5** **4.2 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

39.5** **4.2 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

40** **4.2 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5






30


NO

VegetationArea



ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations



4 Class GGrassland

1 7.4 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

5 7.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

15 5.7 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

19 4.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

30** **4.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

38.5** **4.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

39.5** **4.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

40** **4.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5



Structure/Component 2 – On Ground Components Within Compound


Structure/Component assessed: On Ground Components Within Compound


17

VegetationArea



ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations



1 Class BWoodland 1 34.5 kW/m2 >29 kW/m2 40

kW/m2BAL-40

2 Class GGrassland 1 8.3 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5

3 Class BWoodland 1 5.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5


Radiant heat flux and BAL rating to apply tothe structure (highest) 34.5 kW/m2 BAL-40



Structure/Component assessed: On Ground Components Within Compound


22.8

VegetationArea



ground level)

Radiant HeatFlux

Derived fromthe

Calculations



1 Class BWoodland 1 26.8 kW/m2 >19 kW/m2 29

kW/m2BAL-29


3 Class BWoodland 1 5.8 kW/m2 12.5 kW/m2 BAL-12.5


Radiant heat flux and BAL rating to apply tothe structure (highest) 26.8 kW/m2 BAL-29

4.4.1 Identification of Specific Issues Arising from the BAL Assessment

The subject site is located on privately owned farm land which is primarily used for grazing. Thisproposed construction site is atop high ground within a woodland area consisting of Jarrah, Marri andWandoo trees. There is a grassy and rocky understorey.

An Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is required to be established around the proposed compound to protectthe critical infrastructure within. A suitable area is to be cleared and maintained in a low threat stateas per AS3929-2009 s2.2.3.2 (e) & (f) and as discussed in the Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire ProneAreas.

As shown in the previous calculations, to achieve a BAL rating of BAL-40 over the compound area a 17metre APZ is required. To achieve a BAL rating of BAL-29 a 22.8 metre APZ is required.

Although the land is privately owned, it is the responsibility of the owner of the communicationsstructure to adhere to and maintain the conditions of this Plan.


5 Environmental Considerations

“Many bushfire prone areas also have high biodiversity values. SPP 3.7 Policy objective 5.4recognises the need to consider bushfire risk management measures alongside environmental,biodiversity and conservation values” (‘Guidelines’ s2.3). “Many bushfire prone areas also havehigh biodiversity values. SPP 3.7 Policy objective 5.4 recognises the need to consider bushfire riskmanagement measures alongside environmental, biodiversity and conservation values”(‘Guidelines’ s2.3).

“Clearing of native vegetation inWestern Australia requires a clearing permit under Part V, Division2 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 unless clearing is for an exempt purpose. Exemptionsfrom requiring a clearing permit are contained in Schedule 6 of the Act or are prescribed in theEnvironmental Protection Regulations” (‘Guidelines’ s2.3).

Native Vegetation and Re-vegetation

Establishing development in bushfire prone areas can adversely affect the retention of nativevegetation through clearing associated with the creation of Asset Protection and Hazard SeparationZones. Where loss of vegetation is not acceptable or causes conflict with landscape or environmentalobjectives, it will be necessary to consider available options to minimise the removal of nativevegetation.

Options to Minimise Removal of Native VegetationConsidered and Implemented

in this ProposalConstruct the proposed structure and/or associatedcomponents to a certified standard that enables maintenanceof functionality from exposure to higher levels of radiant heatflux.

Yes

Modify the development location N/A

Comments: The communications tower is considered critical infrastructure and is proposed to belocated in the most suitable position for its purpose.

Does this planning proposal satisfy bushfire protection requirements within theboundaries of the land being developed so as not to impact on the bushfire andenvironmental management of neighbouring reserves, properties orconservation covenants?

Yes

Have any other landscape plans applying to this Proposal been considered inassessing the potential change in bushfire risk into the future.

N/A


Shire of Mundaring – Local Natural Areas (LNA)

The Shire ofMundaring has a Local Biodiversity Strategy that is based on the assumption that all naturalareas should be conserved, protected or retained wherever practicable to maintain the Shire's currentlevels of biodiversity, unless the area is already committed to development through zoning. To achievethis intention formal protection is put in place through the Local Planning Strategy and the TownPlanning Scheme 4 which specify controls and recommendations relating to each of these categories

Protection Levels

Based on consideration of a range of factors including land tenure, specific purpose of Crown reserves,existing lot sizes, subdivision potential and relative conservation priority (P1, P2, P3), all LNA’s in theShire have been assigned a Protection Level as shown in the table below.

Local Natural Area (LNA) - Protection Levels

Map Shading Level

Green Conservation

Blue Protection

Orange Retention

Beige Limited Protection – already committed by zoning

The following map indicates that the subject site has not been identified by the Shire of Mundaring asbeing subject to a Protection Level.

Subject Site – LNA Map – Protection Level - Nil


6 Bushfire Risk Management Measures

The Bushfire Protection Criteria – Applicability to the Proposal

State Planning Policy 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (Dept. of Planning and WAPC 2015)requires an assessment against the bushfire protection criteria requirements contained in theGuidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (WAPC 2015 s4.5 and Appendix 4).

This assessment is to accompany any strategic planning proposal, subdivision application ordevelopment application.

Strategic planning proposals need to demonstrate that compliance can be achieved in subsequentplanning stages. Subdivision and development applicationsmust demonstrate compliance within theboundary of the subject site or provide justification for those criteria that are not able to be fullymet.

The bushfire protection criteria are divided into four elements location, siting and design, vehicularaccess and water.

For each element, there is:

1. An intent stating the required outcome (overall aim);

2. A performance principle that is a general statement of how best to achieve the intent; and

3. One ormore specific criteria to be addressed and for which an acceptable solution is providedas an example of one way of meeting the criteria (and therefore the elements intent).

A proposals compliance with each element is determined by either one or a combination of thefollowing:

1. For each relevant criterion, fully meeting the requirements of the acceptable solution (whichautomatically achieves the intent for that criteria); and/or

2. For one or more relevant criteria, not fully meeting the requirements of the acceptablesolution but achieving the requirements of the performance principle by employing arelatively minor variation on the acceptable solution; and/or

3. For one or more relevant criteria, developing an alternative solution that will achieve theperformance principle.

For the specific assessment of communications infrastructure, that consists of a supporting structureand associated components, addressing all the bushfire protection criteria is not relevant and thereforenot required. The following states why this is the case. The specific aspects of the bushfire protectioncriteria that do apply are addressed as relevant bushfire risk management measures and set out inSections 6.2 and 6.3.

Implementation of the relevant bushfire risk management measures is also shown in Figure 6.1.1.


Element 1: Location

The construction of a supporting structure and attached communication equipment is not associatedwith intensification of land use. The restriction created by the bushfire provisions to limit developmentto areas subject to a BAL rating of BAL-29 or less (unless meeting the definition of ‘minor’ or‘unavoidable’ development) therefore need not apply.

Rather, the paramount consideration is that all components of the proposed structures can remainoperable when subject to the level of radiant heat flux determined for the structure by the assessmentin this bushfire management plan.

Element 2: Siting and Design (of development area)

The bushfire protection criteria create a requirement to establish a low fuel area, an Asset ProtectionZone (APZ), immediately surrounding a relevant development such that the BAL rating to which it willbe exposed is BAL-29 or less.

The construction of a supporting structure and attached communication equipment, is not specificallyrequired to meet the criteria of this element. As for Element 1, the paramount consideration is that allcomponents of the proposed communication equipment and their supporting structure can remainoperable when subject to the level of radiant heat flux determined for the structure by the assessmentin this bushfire management plan.

Therefore, the determining factors for the requirement of an APZ and its dimensions will be:

1. The level of radiant heat flux the communications equipment and supporting structure aredesigned to withstand; and

2. Any limitations that might apply to the extent of the APZ that can be created. This includes anyconflict with landscape and environmental objectives.

The specifications for the implementation and maintenance of the APZ are discussed in Section 6.2.

Element 3: Vehicular Access

All the criteria of this element do not specifically apply to the proposed communication infrastructure.

The local government authority requires evidence that the Proposal will be able to meet therequirement of providing adequate access to the communications compound for firefightingappliances.

The key requirements to be met are discussed in Section 6.3.

Element 4: Water

All the criteria of this element will not apply to the construction of a supporting structure and attachedcommunication equipment.


Vegetation Management

Bushfire Protection ZonesThe Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (WAPC 2015) set out the requirements tocreate an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) and a Hazard Separation Zone (HSZ). The aim of thesebushfire protection zones is to have a fire of diminishing intensity and flame length as it approachesdevelopment. These reduced fuel loads and will reduce the intensity of radiant heat onto thebuildings, thereby increasing their survivability. This will also be important for firefighter andoccupant’s safety during fire suppression activities.

Asset Protection Zone (APZ)The APZ must be maintained as either a non-vegetated area or as low threat vegetation managedin a minimal fuel condition as per AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3.2 (e) and (f). A minimal fuel condition isstated in the standard as meaning “there is insufficient fuel available to significantly increase theseverity of the bushfire attack” and being “recognisable as short cropped grass for example to anominal height of 100mm.”

Refer to Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 for the specific technical requirements.

An APZ will be required to be implemented on the site both within and surrounding the compoundcontaining the communication infrastructure. The vegetation within the APZ will be managed as lowthreat vegetation as per AS3959-2009 s2.2.3.2 as provided in Appendix 2 of this Plan with furtherdetails in Appendix 3.

The size of the APZ to be created is to be determined by the specific separation distance that isrequired to be applied. The specific distance required will be determined by:

1. The level of radiant heat flux the communications equipment and supporting structure aredesigned to withstand; and

2. Any limitations that might apply to the extent of the APZ that can be created. This includes anyconflict with landscape and environmental objectives.

For this Proposal, theminimum separation distance that corresponds to the proposed compound beingsubject to a radiant heat flux of 40 kW/m2 (BAL-40) is 17 metres

For this Proposal, the minimum separation distance which corresponds to the proposed compoundbeing subject to a radiant heat flux of 29 kW/m2 (BAL-29 rating) is 22.8 metres.

(Note: The separation distance is to bemeasured from the compound fence to the classified vegetationin the horizontal plane).

The final decision as to the separation distance to apply will be a consequence of the appropriatediscussions between the decision maker and the proponent. These will involve presentation of the


bushfire performance capabilities of all components of the proposed structures and an assessment ofthe suitability of the site for the required vegetation to be removed/modified.

Additional recommendations for the construction of the APZ include:

1. That the APZ be a consistent size around the compound, even though the bushfire risk may varyaround the compound. This is precautionary but is also easier to implement and maintain tothe correct dimension.

2. That the requirement for firefighting vehicle access and turnaround be incorporated into theAPZ around the compound if the site conditions allow it.

Retaining the Compound’s Required BAL Rating

To ensure the proposed communication infrastructure compound remains subject to the required BALrating, the area of land representing theminimum separation distances (refer to Tables 6.2.1 and 6.2.2)must be maintained as either a non-vegetated area or as low threat vegetation managed in a minimalfuel condition as per AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3.2 (e) and (f). Refer to Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 for furtherdetail.

Table 6.2.1: Minimum separation distances required to subject the communication infrastructurecompound to a maximum of 40kW/m2 (BAL-40)

Minimum Vegetation Separation Distances to be Maintained to Retain the StatedBAL for the Communication Infrastructure Compound

Relevant Fire Danger Index (AS3959-2009 Table 2.1) 80

BAL Determination Method Method 2 (as per AS 3959-2009 Appendix B)

VegetationArea

Applied Vegetation Classification

RequiredCompoundBushfire

Attack Level

MinimumSeparationDistanceRequired(metres)

CurrentSeparationDistance

(metres)1 Class B Woodland

BAL-40

17 0

2 Class G Grassland 5.9 30

3 Class B Woodland 14.5 66



Table 6.2.2: Minimum separation distances required to subject the communication infrastructurecompound to a maximum of 29kW/m2 (BAL-29)

Minimum Vegetation Separation Distances to be Maintained to Retain the StatedBAL for the Communication Infrastructure Compound

Relevant Fire Danger Index (AS3959-2009 Table 2.1) 80

BAL Determination Method Method 2 (as per AS 3959-2009 Appendix B)

VegetationArea

Applied Vegetation Classification

RequiredCompoundBushfire

Attack Level

MinimumSeparationDistanceRequired(metres)

CurrentSeparationDistance

(metres)1 Class B Woodland

BAL-29

22.8 0


3 Class B Woodland 19.5 66



Vehicular Access

The local government authority requires evidence that the Proposal will be able to meet therequirement of providing adequate access to the communications compound for firefightingappliances.

The key requirements are:

All weather access for type 3.4 firefighting appliances (where gates exist a minimum width of3.6m is required). This can be across open paddocks if required (except during harvest andvehicle movement bans).Provision of a turnaround area at the compound, preferably incorporated into the APZsurrounding the compound.

The specifications for a fire access route are set out in the Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire ProneAreas (WAPC 2015, Appendix 4) and provided in Appendix 4 of this Plan. These are provided forinformation and guidance rather than a specification that must be met.

Access to the subject site for construction will be via Lot 303 Harper Road along a bitumen drivewayand across a 4.5 metre wide bridge of 50 tons capacity. From the bridge proceed along a dirt farm trackand then across a paddock to the construction site.

Access for maintenance will be south off Werribee Road onto a gravel track along an unmade roadreserve to the eastern boundary of the subject Lot 7681. From here head west through the farm gateand along a four wheel drive track following the fence line and then across the paddock to the proposedsite.

Access will be available for four wheel drive vehicles year round with the exception of times of Harvestand Vehicle Movement Bans.


Construction Requirements – Bushfire Performance Ratings

Building Classes 1, 2, 3 and 10a

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) contains bushfire construction requirements that are appliedto residential buildings of Class 1, 2 or 3 and associated Class 10a buildings and decks. These arerequired by the BCA to be constructed to reduce the risk of ignition from a bushfire at a level thatcorresponds to the potential risk for a given situation (determined as a BAL rating). The BCAreferences AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas or the (NASH) Standard– Steel Framed Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas (for Class 1a and 1b buildings only) as deemedto satisfy solutions that provide one way of complying with the Building Code’s bushfireperformance requirements.

Building Classes 4 - 9

The BCA bushfire performance requirements do not apply to Class 4 – Class 9 buildings unlessimposed by the relevant local government (or voluntarily adopted).

However, determining the BAL ratings of proposed Class 4-9 buildings allows for them to be:

Sited appropriately and have classified vegetation removed and /ormanaged such that theirexposure to flames, radiant heat and embers is as low as is practically possible.Constructed to the standard corresponding to the BAL rating if the developer, owner orlocal government deem it is prudent and necessary.

Bushfire Prone Planning Recommendation - When the subject site is in a designated bushfire pronearea and the determined BAL is BAL-LOW, AS3959-2009 does not provide constructionrequirements. However, Bushfire Prone Planning considers a building in this situation to still be atsome risk of an ember attack. Therefore, to improve the protection for occupants as well as thebuilding itself, we recommend that consideration be given to constructing the proposed buildingworks to the standard corresponding to a BAL of BAL-12.5.

Critical Communications Infrastructure

The proposed communications infrastructure is not required to meet any bushfire performancerequirements by the deemed provisions in Western Australia or by the BCA.

However, the Shire of Mundaring requires that all components of the proposed communicationequipment and its supporting structure, will remain operable in the event of a bushfire.

The rationale for this approach includes:

Conducting emergency operations is very dependent on reliable, good quality communicationmethods being available.If communications are compromised during a bushfire, this potentially places the communityand firefighters at risk (related to being able to inform and warn).


The communication infrastructure sites do not involve persons being present most of the time,however the issue is not onsite lives being endangered, it is the lives at risk off site because ofcommunication failure.

The post bushfire community recovery phase will be compromised if some or allcommunication ability is lost.

This Bushfire Management Plan has assessed the bushfire risk. It has shown how the level of risk(represented by radiant heat flux exposure) can be reduced to by increasing the vegetation separationdistance (the asset protection zone) that is installed around the communications compound.

The proponent is subsequently required to provide evidence that the design standard of all criticalcomponents will result in them remaining operable when exposed to the various radiant heat fluxlevels to which they will potentially be exposed.

The required component design standards required for the proposed project are directly correlatedwith the extent of the APZ to be implemented. As a result, the specific requirements (ofdesign/construction standard and APZ dimension) to be applied to the proposed project, are to benegotiated between the decisionmaker and the proponent using the information provided in this Plan.


7 Responsibilities for Implementation & Maintenance

This section sets out the responsibilities of the infrastructure owners (including future owners),constructors and local government in relation to the implementation and maintenance of therequirements established by of State Planning Policy No. 3.7: Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (SPP3.7), the associated ‘Guidelines’ and any specific local government requirements.

Infrastructure Owner Responsibilities

Implementation

Ensure anyone listed as having responsibility under the Plan has endorsed it and is providedwith a copy for their information. This includes the infrastructure owner, the landowner, theinfrastructure constructors, local government and any other authorities or referral agencies(‘Guidelines’ s4.6.3).

Ensure that all critical components of the communication equipment and supporting structureare designed and constructed to meet the bushfire performance requirements. These areestablished jointly by this Plan and the subsequent conditions applied by the local governmentauthority that are derived from this Plan.

Implement the low fuel Asset Protection Zone (APZ) as per Section 6.2 ‘VegetationManagement’ and Appendix 3 ‘Technical Requirements - BPC - APZ’.

Provide firefighting vehicle access and turnaround that complies with the requirements of thelocal government authority (refer to Section 6.3 ‘Vehicular Access’).

Maintaining Compliance

Current and future owners of the infrastructure must continue to apply the bushfiremanagement measures set out in this Plan. They must inform any persons who will modify oradd to the proposed structures, of the existence of the Plan and the responsibilities it contains.

The owner of the infrastructure is responsible for the ongoing review and implementation ofthe Bushfire Management Plan to ensure that the bushfire risk management measures remaineffective. Bushfire plans do not expire and should be seen as a ‘living document’. They mayrequire updating in certain circumstances, including (but not limited to) if site conditionschange, if further details are required at subsequent stages of the planning process or to reflectnew technologies or methodologies in best practice bushfire risk management (‘Guidelines’s4.6.4 and s4.6.5).


The owner of the infrastructure is responsible for ensuring that the low fuel Asset ProtectionZone (APZ) is maintained for the stated minimum vegetation separation distance that has beendetermined to apply to this Proposal (refer to Table 6.2.1 and Table 6.2.2). This must bemaintained as either a non-vegetated area or as low threat vegetation managed in a minimalfuel condition as per AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3.2 (e) and (f). Refer to Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 ofthis Plan for further detail.

Ensure all future modifications/additions to the proposed communications infrastructure aredesigned and constructed in full compliance with the requirements established jointly by thisPlan and the conditions applied by the local government authority that are derived from thisPlan.

Respond to and comply with fire protection or hazard management notices issued by the localgovernment.

Constructor Responsibilities

The constructor is responsible for ensuring that the proposed infrastructure (the communicationequipment, associated components and the supporting structure), is constructed using componentsthat meet the bushfire performance requirements established jointly by this Plan and the conditionsapplied by the local government authority that are derived from this Plan.

Local Government Responsibilities

Implementation

Provide advice where the clearing of locally significant vegetation is proposed.

Referring proposals that have significant environmental implications to the EnvironmentalProtection Authority, and proposals abutting Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW)managed land to DPAW, and proposals abutting waterways or which have other water resourceimplications to the Department of Water.

Register this Bushfire Management Plan and keep a record of the sites referred to, for thepurpose of identify servicing and infrastructure gaps. (‘Guidelines’ s4.6.4).

Maintaining Compliance

Develop and maintain district bushfire fighting services and facilities.


8 Appendices – Advisory Information Only

Appendix 1Bushfire Risk Assessment – Understanding the Methodology

In SPP 3.7 ‘bushfire risk’ is defined as “the chance of a bushfire igniting, spreading and causing damageto people, property and infrastructure.”

“Before a strategic planning proposal, subdivision or development application can be considered, it isnecessary to understand the extent of the bushfire hazard and its potential to affect people, propertyand infrastructure. An assessment of bushfire risk is a key component of deciding whether a strategicplanning proposal, subdivision or development application should be approved in an area with apotential bushfire threat (from the ‘Guidelines’).”

Policy measures in SPP 3.7 (and the associated document Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire ProneAreas WAPC 2015) prescribe the various assessment tools to be used to assess bushfire risk in theplanning context. These are:

Bushfire Hazard Level assessment;Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Contour Map;Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment;Bushfire protection criteria; andBushfire Management Plan

The intent of this Appendix ‘Bushfire Risk Assessment – Understanding the Methodology’ is to providean overview of the methodology used in assessing the Bushfire Hazard Level and the Bushfire AttackLevel.

Bushfire Hazard Level Assessment Methodology

Used at a strategic planning level, this methodology rates bushfire hazards into three potentialcategories of low, moderate and extreme by considering the following characteristics:

Vegetation types and areasEffective ground slope under the vegetation threatExisting land use on and around the area being assessedPrevailing climatic conditions when appropriate

These results are then presented as a Bushfire Hazard Level Map.


Bushfire Attack Level Assessment Methodology

The Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas defines aBushfire Attack Level (BAL) as:

“A means of measuring the severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heatand direct flame contact, using increments of radiant heat expressed in kilowatts per metre squared,and is the basis for establishing the requirements for construction to improve protection of buildingelements from attack by bushfire.”

AS 3959-2009 defines six categories of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) (AS 3959 Appendix G); provides theassessment methodology (AS 3959 s2 and Appendix B); and specifies constructions standardscorresponding to each BAL (AS 3959 s3 Table 3.1). The BAL’s and corresponding descriptions of thepredicted levels of exposure and heat flux exposure thresholds are contained in the table on thefollowing page.

AS 3959-2009 provides two methods to calculate Bushfire Attack Levels:

1. Method 1 - a simplified procedure that involves five procedural steps to determine the BAL.It is subject to some limitations of the circumstances in which it can be used.

2. Method 2 - a detailed procedure using calculations to determine BAL’s where a more specificresult is sought or site conditions are outside the scope of Method 1. In particular, the use ofMethod 2 is to apply if the effective slope under the classified vegetation is greater than 200

down slope (and no more than 300 down slope) and the slope of the land between the siteand the classified vegetation is no more than 200 regardless of slope type.

Method 1 – Summarised Procedure

Determination of the area to be assessed

Determine predominant vegetation type(s) within 100 metres of the site and classify

Determination of distance of the site, building or building envelop from the classified

vegetation type(s)

Determination of the effective slope under the classified vegetation type(s)

Determination of BAL’s - Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) of 80 is used for WA

Separation Distance: The distance from a subject site (or building) to a specific area of classifiedvegetation (i.e. the bushfire threat) is labelled in the tables of this Plan as a separation distance. Thisdistance is measured to a point in the vegetation area represented by the “edge of the vegetation” asper AS 3959 -2009 s2.2.4 and the “base of the bushfire prone vegetation (not the canopy)” as per theBAL Assessment [Basic] Factsheet Version 1 December 2015 WAPC. The exact point of measurement isthen decided by the assessor on the basis of the fuel structure and expected fire behaviour. If aprecautionary approach is considered appropriate to a given situation the measurement will be takenat the canopy line.


Bushfire Attack Level Definitions and Corresponding Sections Specifying Construction Requirements(Source: AS 3959-2009, Appendix G and Table 3.1)

BushfireAttack Level

(BAL)Description of Predicted Bushfire Attack and Levels of Heat Flux Exposure

ConstructionSection ofAS 3959

BAL - LOW There is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements but thereis still some risk. 4

BAL - 12.5

There is risk of ember attack.

The construction elements are expected to be exposed to a heat flux not greaterthan 12.5 kW/m2

3 and 5

BAL - 19

There is a risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind borne embersand a likelihood of exposure to radiant heat.

The construction elements are expected to be exposed to a heat flux not greaterthan 19 kW/m2

3 and 6

BAL - 29

There is an increased risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers and a likelihood of exposure to an increased level of radiant heat.


3 and 7

BAL - 40

There is a much increased risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited bywind borne embers, a likelihood of exposure to a high level of radiant heat and

some likelihood of direct exposure to flames from the fire front.


3 and 8

BAL - FZ

There is an extremely high risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers, a likelihood of exposure to an extreme level of radiant heat and

direct exposure to flames from the fire front.

The construction elements are expected to be exposed to a heat flux greater than40 kW/m2

3 and 9


Method 2 – Summarised Procedure

Determine the relevant FDI or wind speed - Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) of 80

is used for WA

Determine classified vegetation type(s), height and fuel loads

Determine the effective slope under the classified vegetation

Determine the slope of the land between the site and classified vegetation

Determine the distance of the site from classified vegetation

Calculate the flame length and determine the flame width

Determine the elevation of receiver/buildings

Calculate the radiant heat flux

Determination of BAL’s


Appendix 2Vegetation Classification Exclusions (AS 3959-2009 s2.2.3.2)

Certain vegetation can be excluded from being classified in which case the Bushfire Attack Level shallbe rated as BAL-LOW and no bushfire specific construction requirements apply. Such vegetation is oneor a combination of the following:

a) Vegetation of any type that is more than 100m from the site.

b) Single areas of vegetation less than 1ha in area and not within 100m of other areas of vegetation

being classified.

c) Multiple areas of vegetation less than 0.25ha in area and not within 20m of the site or each other.

d) Strips of vegetation less than 20m in width regardless of length and not within 20m of the site or

each other, or other areas of vegetation being classified.

e) Non-vegetated areas, including waterways, roads, footpaths, buildings, and rocky outcrops.

f) Low threat vegetation, including grassland managed in aminimal fuel condition (i.e. insufficient

fuel available to significantly increase the severity of a bushfire attack – recognisable as short

cropped grass to a nominal height of 100mm for example), maintained lawns, golf courses,

maintained public reserves and parklands, vineyards, orchards, cultivated gardens, commercial

nurseries, nature strips and windbreaks.


Appendix 3Technical Requirements – Bushfire Protection Criteria - APZ

A vital and effective component of managing the potential bushfire risk to people, property andinfrastructure is creating bushfire protection zones in which fire fuel loads are reduced andmaintained.They are an integral part of subdivision and development design and appropriately designed willgreatly assist with bushfire prevention and suppression operations.

The Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (WAPC 2015, Appendix 4) set out the requirementsto create an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) and a Hazard Separation Zone (HSZ). The aim of these bushfireprotection zones is to have a fire of diminishing intensity and flame length as it approachesdevelopment. These reduced fuel loads will reduce the intensity of radiant heat onto the buildings,thereby increasing their survivability.

The APZ is a low fuel area immediately surrounding a habitable or specified building and is designed toprevent direct flame contact with buildings and it improves safety for firefighters and occupants duringfire suppression activities. Maintaining this zone in a minimal fuel condition is essential and firefightersare not obliged to protect an asset if they think the separation distance between the dwelling andvegetation is unsafe.

Note that individual local governments may vary their specifications of the APZ from those indicatedbelow. These specifications will be contained in their Firebreak and Fuel load notices and are to becomplied with.

Asset Protection Zone (APZ) Requirements (source: ‘WAPC Guidelines’)Width: 20metresmeasured from any external wall of the building or building envelope.Wherethe slope increases above 100, the APZ should be increased to ensure the potential radiantheat impact of a fire does not exceed 29 kW/m2 (i.e. a BAL-29 rating on the building).Location: the APZ should be accommodated within the boundaries of the lot on which thebuilding is situated. Where a full 20 metre APZ is not possible the APZ should be sufficientenough to ensure the potential radiant heat impact of a fire does not exceed 29 kW/m2 (i.e. aBAL-29 rating on the building).Fine Fuel Load: reduced to and maintained at 2 t/ha. (DFES guidance-keep grasses short,remove leaves, twigs, dead material within shrubs and trailing bark, and prune branches to 2metres above the ground).Trees: crowns are a minimum distance of 10 metres apart (a small group of trees within closeproximity to one another may be treated as one crown provided the combined crowns do notexceed the area of a large or mature crown size for that species) and no crowns overhang thebuilding.Shrubs/Trees: no tall shrubs or tree foliage within two metres of a buildingSheds and Fences: within the APZ are constructed using non-combustible materials (e.g. iron,brick, limestone, metal post and wire) and sheds do not contain flammable materials.


Additional DFES Guidancea) Do not clump shrubs close to a building. Ensure there is a gap between shrubs and buildings

of three times their mature height.b) Store firewood at least 20 metres away from the building.c) Keep gutters free of leaves and other combustible material.d) Roof mounted evaporative coolers to be fitted with ember screens.e) Gas cylinders to vent away from a building and be tethered to prevent falling over.f) Driveways and access ways must allow for safe passage of a fire appliance to all buildings on

the land.g) Land owners/occupiers must maintain compliance with the local government’s annual

firebreak notice issued under s33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954.h) Barriers such as driveways, lawns, ovals, orchards and pathways surrounding dwellings can

form part of a APZ. Locate them to maximise building protection.


Appendix 4Technical Requirements - Bushfire Protection Criteria (Vehicular Access)

Acceptable Solution 3.7 Fire Service Access Routes (Perimeter Roads)Are to be established to provide access within and around the edge of subdivision and related developmentand to provide direct access to bushfire prone areas for firefighters and link between public road networksfor firefighting purposes. Fire service access is used during bushfire suppression activities but can also beused for fire prevention work. The following requirements are to be achieved:

No further than 600 metres from a public road (driveways may be used as part of the designatedfire service access;Dead end roads not permitted;Allow for two-way traffic (i.e. two 3.4 fire appliances);Provide turn-around areas designed to accommodate 3.4 fire appliances and to enable them to turnaround safely every 500m (i.e. kerb to kerb 17.5 metres);All weather surface (i.e. compacted gravel, limestone or sealed) and have erosion control measuresin place;Must be adequately sign posted;Where gates are used they must be a minimum width of 3.6 metres with design and constructionapproved by local government (refer to the example in this appendix) and may be locked (use acommon key system);Meet the additional design requirements set out in Part 2 of this appendix;Provided as right of ways or public access easements in gross; andManagement and access arrangements to be documented and in place.


Vehicular Access - Technical Requirements of Acceptable Solutions - Part 2Source: Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas WAPC 2015

Technical Component

Vehicular Access Types

PublicRoads Cul-de-sacs Private

Driveways

EmergencyAccessWays

Fire ServiceAccessRoutes

Minimum trafficable surface (m) 6* 6 4 6* 6*

Horizontal clearance (m) 6 6 6 6 6

Vertical clearance (m) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Maximum grade <50 metres 1 in 10 1 in 10 1 in 10 1 in 10 1 in 10

Minimum weight capacity (t) 15 15 15 15 15

Maximum cross-fall 1 in 33 1 in 33 1 in 33 1 in 33 1 in 33

Curves minimum inner radius (m) 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5

* A sixmetre trafficable surface does not necessarily mean pavingwidth. It could, for example, includefour metres of paving and one metre of constructed road shoulders. In special circumstances, where8 lots or less are being serviced, a public road with a minimum trafficable surface of four metres fora maximum distance of ninety metres may be provided subject to the approval of both the localgovernment and DFES.


Appendix 5BAL Method 2 (AS 3959-2009) Calculation Summaries

Vegetation Area 1 – Calculation Summary (BAL Method 2)


Separation Distance 17 metres





Separation Distance 22.8 metres



















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