This version of the Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment GRAMPIANS REGION has been prepared for use with screen reader software. The printed publication contains various maps and design features that have been necessarily omitted from this version. In other respects this document contains identical text to that in the PDF version of the document which is available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning .

Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment

GRAMPIANS REGIONApril 2012

1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC) emphasised the importance of considering bushfire matters at all stages of the planning process, including through regional settlement planning and in the Local Planning Policy Framework. The State Planning Policy for Bushfire also identifies that strategic and settlement planning should assist to strengthen community resilience to bushfire.

The Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment (RBPA) supports this approach and is part of the Government’s response to Recommendation 38 of the VBRC relating to the development of regional settlement policy in Victoria.

1.1 What is the RBPA?The RBPA provides extra information about areas (referred to in this document as ‘identified areas’) where a range of land use planning matters intersect with a bushfire hazard to influence the level of risk to life and property from bushfire. This information should be addressed as part of strategic land use and settlement planning at the regional, municipal and local levels.

The RBPA will inform the Regional Growth Plans currently being prepared by the Department of Planning and Community Development in conjunction with councils. It provides a basis to initiate further detailed analysis as part of other planning processes such as settlement planning and preparing planning scheme amendments.

The RBPA is not a statutory planning provision and does not directly translate into planning schemes. However, it complements planning scheme provisions such as the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) by providing spatial and qualitative information from a variety of sources which together can inform considerations about where bushfire should be assessed early in the strategic planning process.

1.2 What information is contained in the RBPA? The RBPA provides information on matters which may be relevant to strategic and settlement planning and focuses on the factors considered particularly important by the VBRC, including:

areas where smaller sized lots (less than 0.4ha) which may be used for residential purposes are in or close to a bushfire hazard

areas where medium sized lots (between 0.4-4ha) which may be used for residential purposes are in or close to a bushfire hazard

areas where there is a settlement or urban interface with the bushfire hazard

locations which may have limited access and egress, indicated by a single access road to and from a settlement in addition to roads which connect a number of settlements in areas with a bushfire hazard

areas where future strategic directions contained in planning schemes may conflict with the bushfire hazard

areas where the broader landscape is particularly affected by a bushfire hazard

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areas identified from local information provided by either the relevant fire authority or the council that may need to be considered in planning decision making

areas where multiple issues occur in a single area.

This information is shown spatially on maps at a strategic scale. It is supported by a table that gives a brief explanation for each identified area.

1.3 How is the RBPA different to the BMO?The BMO is applied to areas where there is potential for bushfire behaviour such as a crown fire, extreme ember attack and radiant heat. The application of the overlay is based on a technical evaluation of the bushfire hazard validated with relevant fire authorities and councils. The key purpose of the BMO is to identify areas where a planning permit is specifically required to consider the bushfire matters prior to development occurring.

The RBPA informs a broader consideration of bushfire issues by recognising that, in specific locations, the bushfire hazard increases the potential bushfire risk to life and property in very specific ways, for example, due to access constraints. Addressing these factors is an important way that strategic and settlement planning can respond to bushfire issues before specific development proposals are considered. This provides an opportunity to resolve issues and implement mitigation measures early in the planning process and at a strategic level.

1.4 How is an RBPA prepared?The information in the RBPA has been identified through a two-step process:

Step 1 – Base data on planning zones and overlays, vegetation quality, lot location, sizes and patterns and single roads into settlements was collected and correlated against the latest information on the bushfire hazard. For the RBPA a bushfire hazard was generally considered to be a significant extent of vegetation and the area of reference for identified areas was land in or in close proximity (200 metres) to the vegetation. Step 1 provided the initial identified areas.

Step 2 – A qualitative review of the initial identified areas was undertaken with councils, the relevant fire authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment and any further information based on local knowledge was included as identified areas.

The development of the RBPA was supported by a reference group of representatives from the Department of Planning and Community Development, Municipal Association of Victoria, councils, the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, and the Growth Areas Authority.

1.5 How should an identified area be treated?The bushfire risk in identified areas should be assessed as part of strategic and settlement planning and where land use issues are a factor in strengthening community resilience to bushfire (for example, where development and growth is occurring or planned).

Minister’s Direction No. 11 - Strategic assessment of amendments requires a planning authority to evaluate and discuss how an amendment addresses bushfire risk. The RBPA will assist planning authorities in determining when bushfire risk should be addressed.

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

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

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

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

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

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1.6 Important things to noteThe RBPA complements other information that can also inform planning decisions. This includes the Victorian Fire Risk Register, Integrated Fire Management Planning and its associated plans and strategies and the operations and workings of fire authorities, councils and communities. Investigation of an identified area should be informed by these and other activities that together support community resilience to bushfire.

The RBPA therefore does not include all information captured by other processes.

The RBPA is not a bushfire risk assessment of any of the identified areas. Identified areas are based on where the bushfire hazard correlates with land use planning considerations that may influence the bushfire risk. The RBPA has not sought to replicate bushfire risk assessments undertaken through other processes, particularly the Victorian Fire Risk Register.

2.0 GRAMPIANS REGIONAL OVERVIEWThe Grampians region is located in the west of Victoria and has an area of about 54 050 square kilometres. It has a population of about 228 200 across 11 municipalities including; Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moorabool, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack. The main centres in the region include Ararat, Ballarat, Horsham and Stawell.

The region contains distinct landscapes including steep and rocky terrain of the Great Dividing Range and sprawling southern plains which dominate the east of the region, while the open Wimmera Mallee and central plains extend across the west. Rural living and farming settlements are scattered throughout these landscapes. Volcanic soils extend across the central and southern areas between these distinct landscapes.

The Great Dividing Range and surrounding foothills contain extensive areas of state forest and parks, nature reserves and fertile plains. The region’s proximity to Melbourne and its landscape and aesthetic values support an extensive network of small and rural-residential settlements. Settlements are located in or interface directly with vast vegetated bushfire hazard areas.

The Wimmera Mallee is characterised by large lot subdivisions used for agricultural purposes as well as small scattered settlements. The extensive flat agricultural areas were historically cleared of remnant vegetation which has reduced the extent of significant biodiversity values to parks, reserves, roadsides and waterways.

Areas located in the Rural City of Horsham were affected by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

2.1 Central plainsThe Wimmera and Avon Rivers traverse the central plains. Large lot sizes and rural subdivisions dominate this area which is largely devoid of settlements in woodland or forest environments.

2.2 Great Dividing RangeThe Great Dividing Range extends across the centre of the region with the Pyrenees Range in the east and the Grampians National Park in the west. Settlements are located on the fringes of these areas and contain small or rural-residential lots which directly interface with bushfire hazards. Dwellings in some areas are serviced by single roads with access constraints. The aesthetic and natural values associated with this environment and rural interface also attract development pressure in areas in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard in some instances.

2.3 Southern plains The Great Dividing Range, Brisbane Ranges National Park, Lerderderg State Park, Enfield State Park and Wombat State Forest define the northern boundary of the southern plains. The southern plains are characterised by undulating agricultural areas, pockets of state forest and plantations, natural lakes and vegetated watercourses. Townships and settlements are dispersed across the area with direct interfaces to bushfire hazards in some instances.

Settlements in commutable distances to Melbourne and regional centres are experiencing significant pressure for rural living development. Growth pressure is also being experienced in places where the

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bushfire hazard correlates directly with areas of environmental significance. Some areas contain steep terrain with scattered settlements and associated single road access constraints.

Settlements are also located in the foothills or valleys of this landscape and contain rural-residential lots. Grassland environments provide an additional bushfire hazard interface between settlements surrounding state parks and forested areas. These existing settlements are also experiencing growth pressure due to the natural aesthetic and landscape values of the area.

2.4 Wimmera MalleeThe west of the region contains large areas of public land in the Little Desert and Wyperfield National Parks, Big Desert Wilderness Park, Dergolm State Park and a multitude of smaller state parks and forests. Large lot subdivisions which are generally devoid of woodland or forest vegetation and associated bushfire hazard dominate this area.

Settlements are scattered throughout the agricultural landscape, along primary transport corridors and on the fringes of state park and forests. These settlements contain clusters of developed and undeveloped lots located in or in proximity to bushfire hazard areas.

Grasslands are a known bushfire hazard to some small and rural-residential lots which adjoin wetlands, waterways and riparian corridors.

3.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – ARARAT RURAL CITYArarat Rural City is located towards the central southern area of the region, and has an area of about 4210 square kilometres. It has a population of about 12 050 primarily located in the Ararat township and a dispersed scattering of small rural settlements. Ararat township has a population of approximately 7100.

The municipality is characterised by the steep rocky slopes of the Grampians National Park to the west, hilly granite country to the north, and by fertile plains in the central and southern areas. Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole and Mount Buangor State Parks are located in the north-east of the municipality.

The rocky landscape and fertile grassland plains contain numerous watercourses, lakes and wetlands which support significant areas of native flora and fauna. The protection of native vegetation is managed through land and environmental overlays applying to areas throughout the municipality.

The central and southern fertile plains support extensive broad-acre grazing and other primary production which are the largest contributors to the local and regional economy. National and state parks, wineries, heritage features and waterways in the region generate additional revenue for tourism, recreation and leisure sectors.

3.1 Northern areaThe township of Ararat is located in the northern area of the municipality. The undulating hills extending north and west of the township have retained areas of remnant vegetation identified as being of high and very high conservation significance, including in the Ararat Hills Park and other state parks. The aesthetic and natural values of these areas attract development pressure for rural-residential development which is in or near bushfire hazard areas.

3.2 North-eastern areaThe north-eastern area of the municipality contains the Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole and Mount Buangor state parks and scattered rural settlements. Settlements are located in the foothills or valley areas surrounding these areas and contain rural-residential lots which directly interface with vegetated bushfire hazard areas. Grassland environments provide an additional bushfire hazard interface between surrounding settlements and forested environments.

3.3 North-western area The Grampians National Park extends across the north-western corner of the municipality. The national park creates a bushfire hazard with direct interface to adjacent settlements with developed and undeveloped small and rural-residential lots. The aesthetic and natural values associated with the park and rural interface also attract development pressure in areas in or close to bushfire hazard. These areas include vegetation identified as being of high and very high conservation significance.

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ARARAT – IDENTIFIED DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

1-001 Warrak Undeveloped rural-residential lots in proximity to bushfire hazard area, to the east of Warrak.

1-002 Ararat Development pressure is being experienced west of the Ararat settlement in proximity to a bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

1-003 Bayindeen Development pressure is being experienced north of the Buangor settlement in proximity to a bushfire hazard area associated with Mount Langi Ghiran.

1-004 Pomonal Pomonal Framework Plan provides for rural-residential development into an area of bushfire hazard associated with the Grampians National Park.

1-005 Buangor Rural-residential lots and Buangor are in or in proximity to bushfire hazard area.

1-006 Armstrong Development pressure is being experienced in the Armstrong settlement, proximate to the bushfire hazard areas to the south and west. Existing vegetation in the western portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

1-007 Moyston Development pressure is being experienced west of the Moyston settlement in proximity to a bushfire hazard associated with remnant vegetation.

1-008 Pomonal – Halls Gap

Multiple matters consisting of: western boundary interfaces with the Grampians National

Park and associated bushfire hazard clusters of residential and rural-residential lots in and in

proximity to the bushfire hazard area to the west development pressure being experienced north of the

Pomonal settlement towards Halls Gap in proximity to a bushfire hazard area

existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance along the western interface with the National Park.

4.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF BALLARATThe City of Ballarat is located in the east of the region and has an area of about 740 square kilometres. The main centre of the municipality is Ballarat, which is located approximately 110 kilometres west of Melbourne. The municipality has a population of about 976 100 primarily located in the city of Ballarat itself and the immediately surrounding townships. Ballarat is one of Australia’s largest inland regional settlements and the third largest city in Victoria.

Ballarat is geographically located at the centre of some of Victoria’s most important freight, tourist and commuter transport routes. Accordingly, it is a service centre for the region and supports a range of industries from the traditional agricultural and mining sectors to manufacturing, finance, education, health, tourism and other community and recreational services. The remainder of the municipality supports agricultural land use and development, forestry and timber production, mining operations, animal husbandry (thoroughbred horses) and wind energy facilities.

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The municipality’s rural settlements are located among the hilly landscapes of Mount Clear, Mount Helen and Mount Buninyong in the south and the state forest to the north. Remnant native vegetation exists in these areas and in small pockets on private land scattered across the municipality as well as along watercourses and road and rail reserves. Plantations exist around Mount Helen, Invermay and Mount Rowan. Lake Wendouree is located in urban Ballarat, while Lakes Learmonth and Burrumbeet are located in the expansive open grassland environments of the north-west.

Native vegetation across the municipality is managed via a combination of land and environmental management overlays where appropriate including along watercourses and in water catchments.

4.1 Eastern area The north-east of the municipality contains state forest, several small reserves and scattered small and rural-residential settlements. These settlements contain direct interfaces with the vegetated reserves and foothills of the state forest and associated bushfire hazard areas. The aesthetic and natural values of these areas continue to attract development pressure for rural-residential settlement.

Clusters of rural-residential lots to the east of Ballarat are located in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas. Grassland environments provide an additional bushfire hazard interface between more significant bushfire hazard areas and surrounding settlements with small rural-residential lots.

Land to the south-east of the Ballarat township contains the hilly and undulating terrain of Mount Clear, Mount Helen and the foothills of Mount Buninyong. Multiple settlements are located on either side of Geelong Road, which extends south to Buninyong. Plantations and heavily vegetated forests border the linear settlement pattern. Clusters of small and rural-residential lots in these settlements have a direct interface with identified bushfire hazard. Some areas contain single access arrangements in bushfire hazard areas. Native vegetation is generally of high and very high conservation significance.

A vegetated landscape which extends south-west of the plantations at Mount Helen contains bushfire hazard areas. Settlements contain clusters of rural-residential lots in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas which include native vegetation.

4.2 Northern and western areas The northern and western areas of the municipality are dominated by large lots generally devoid of expansive woodland or forest vegetation.

BALLARAT – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

2-001 Durham Lead, to the east of Yarrowee River

Cluster of rural-residential lots in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area to the east.

2-002 Buninyong to South Ballarat

Multiple identified matters consisting of: townships of Buninyong and Mount Helen, and clusters of

residential style lots in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area

cluster of dwellings in bushfire hazard area rely on a single access road (Canadian Lakes Estate)

north-western and north-eastern boundaries interface with bushfire hazard associated with plantations

northern boundary of Buninyong interfaces with bushfire hazard associated with reserves

eastern, central-western and southern portions of the area include vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

2-003 Magpie, south of Ballarat

Cluster of rural-residential lots at Magpie in or in close proximity to vegetation to the east including plantation areas.Existing vegetation in the eastern portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance .

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

2-004 Bunkers Hill Cluster of rural-residential lots at Bunkers Hill in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation.

2-005 Glen Park to Gong Gong

Rural-residential lots zoned for conventional residential development in proximity to bushfire hazard areas associated with White Swan Reservoir to the north-east and Gong Gong Reservoir to the south-west. Includes lots established in remnant vegetation.Vegetation of high and very high conservation significance associated with the reservoir catchment.

2-006 Nerrina Residential lots at Nerrina interface with Nerrina Historic Reserve and associated bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

2-007 Invermay Area zoned for rural living at Invermay is progressively being developed. It includes scattered remnant vegetation and adjoins a bushfire hazard area associated with the western extent of the Nerrina Historic Reserve and surrounding public land.

2-008 East of Ballarat Cluster of rural-residential lots east of Ballarat in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area including known grassland bushfire hazard.

2-009 South Ballarat South eastern boundary of Ballarat interfaces with bushfire hazard associated with remnant vegetation

2-010 Nerrina Clusters of dwellings in the bushfire hazard area rely primarily on a single road for access and egress.

2-011 East of Ballarat, near the Western Freeway

Framework Plan provides for extension of township (subject to further investigation) into proximity with a bushfire hazard area.

2-012 Buninyong to South Ballarat

Western boundary of townships interface with plantations.

5.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – GOLDEN PLAINS SHIREGolden Plains Shire is located in the south-east of the region and has an area of about 2700 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 18 650 primarily located in small rural settlements. The main urban centre of the municipality is Bannockburn, which is located approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Geelong and has a population of 2400.

The main land use is primary production, including grazing and broad-acre cropping which principally covers the southern and central areas of the Shire. These areas contain pockets of open grassland, while woodland areas cover the north-eastern and north-western parts of the Shire. Established settlements in these locations are located in commuter distance of Geelong and Ballarat respectively. Woodlands are fragmented and depleted and largely limited to roadsides and public reserves. Pine and hardwood plantations exist around Linton, Enfield and Bannockburn.

Areas of significant biodiversity are limited to the undulating landscapes of the Brisbane Ranges National Park in the north-east, and Enfield State Park in the north-west of the municipality. The protection of native vegetation is managed through the application of land management overlays which apply to parks and the numerous watercourses, water supply catchments and remnant vegetation patches in the municipality.

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5.1 North-western areaThe north-western area of the municipality contains the Enfield State Park, numerous smaller state forest areas and scattered rural settlements. Settlements are often located on the fringes of these areas and contain small residential or rural-residential lots which directly interface with corresponding bushfire hazards.

Settlements adjoining Enfield State Park are surrounded by vegetation of high and very high conservation significance. These townships contain a direct interface with bushfire hazard areas. Other settlements are surrounded by the state park and contain small rural lots among a vegetated landscape.

Vegetated areas extend south-east of the Enfield State Park towards an agricultural landscape in the central and southern parts of the municipality. These areas are also identified as being of high or very high conservation significance and interface with clusters of lots.

Other settlements are scattered throughout the agricultural landscape which is intersected by vegetated corridors. A limited number of plantations, nature reserves and watercourses are identified as bushfire hazards in close proximity to rural-residential settlements.

5.2 Central and southern areasThe central and southern areas of the municipality are dominated by vast areas generally devoid of woodland or forest vegetation and corresponding bushfire hazard.

5.3 Eastern areaThe eastern area of the municipality contains the southern tip of the Brisbane Ranges National Park, the Steiglitz Historical Park and other woodland environments. These areas create a bushfire hazard for surrounding townships which are located in a landscape of conservation significance. A number of these settlements have single roads with constrained access.

Townships located towards the south-eastern corner of the municipality are subject to isolated bushfire hazard areas. The Sutherland Creek corridor connects with the Steiglitz Historical Park and is identified as a bushfire hazard for the northern areas of affected settlements. Bushland reserves in close proximity to other settlements are also identified as a bushfire hazard.

GOLDEN PLAINS – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

24-001 Steiglitz Cluster of small rural lots with direct interface to a bushfire hazard area. Lots are largely undeveloped and vegetated. The settlement is surrounded by the Steiglitz Historical and Brisbane Ranges National Parks.

24-002 Deerel Cluster of rural-residential lots adjoining bushfire hazard areas associated with Enfield State Park, Dereel Lagoon environs and plantations. Lots located in the southern portion include remnant vegetation patches.

24-003 Enfield Residential lots to the south of Enfield are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the surrounding Enfield State Park. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

24-004 Nintingbool Developed rural-residential lots in and around Nintingbool located north-east of Smythesdale. The surrounding areas include vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

24-005 Linton Residential lots in the township of Linton are in the bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding vegetation Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

24-006 Berringa Cluster of residential and rural-residential lots at Berringa adjoining the bushfire hazard area associated with Enfield State Park to the north and east.

24-007 Happy Valley Cluster of small rural-residential lots including and adjoining remnant vegetation patches and associated bushfire hazard areas. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

24-008 Bannockburn Grasslands to the north-west of Bannockburn are a known bushfire hazard providing an interface between the vegetated reserve and dwellings on the township boundaries.

24-009 Inverleigh Cluster of rural-residential lots to the north of the Hamilton Highway are located in proximity to a bushfire hazard area. Scattered vegetation provides an interface between the settlement and flora and fauna reserve to the north-west.

24-010 Enfield Colac-Ballarat Road provides sole access for residential dwellings in bushfire hazard area.

24-011 Deerel Rural-residential lots rely on single road for access and egress from a bushfire hazard area.

24-012 Enfield Cluster of rural-residential lots with direct interfaces to bushfire hazard area associated with Enfield State Park, remnant vegetation patches and plantations.

24-013 Smythesdale / Scarsdale / Newtown

Cluster of rural-residential lots surrounding Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Newtown. Settlements are located in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

24-014 Cressy Interface between developed lots north of Cressy and riparian corridor. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

24-015 She Oaks Grasslands and scattered vegetation are a known bushfire hazard between Steiglitz Road and Midland Highway. These features provide an interface between scattered rural lots and bushfire hazard areas.

24-016 Pittong / Linton Cluster of rural-residential lots to the north of Glenelg Highway in a bushfire hazard area. Includes scattered vegetation in the lots, and bushfire hazard areas to the north. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

24-017 Happy Valley / Piggoreet

Rural-residential lots to the north of Happy Valley and Piggoreet serviced by single dirt access road.

24-018 Scarsdale Township of Scarsdale which contains residential development in proximity to bushfire hazard to the south-east linking to Enfield State Park.

24-019 Smythesdale Township of Smythesdale contains residential development in proximity to bushfire hazard associated with the surrounding forested environment to the north, east and west.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

24-020 Newtown Rural-residential lots at Staffordshire Reef rely on a single road for access and egress from bushfire hazard area.

24-021 Napoleons / Durham Lead

Cluster of rural-residential lots in bushfire hazard area containing remnant vegetation located generally between Enfield and Napoleons.

24-022 Smythesdale The Strategic Framework Plan for Smythesdale provides for future residential growth to the north-west, in a bushfire hazard area.

24-023 Staffordshire Reef Rural residential style lots at Staffordshire Reef, to the north of Berringa, are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the surrounding Enfield State Park.

24-024 Linton Northern and eastern boundaries of Linton interface with bushfire hazard area.

24-025 She Oaks Cluster of rural-residential dwellings in a bushfire hazard area rely on single constructed road extending from Steiglitz – She Oaks Roads for access and egress.

24-026 She Oaks Cluster of dwellings in a bushfire hazard area rely on a single constructed road for access and egress.

24-027 She Oaks Cluster of dwellings in a bushfire hazard area rely on a single constructed road for access and egress.

24-028 She Oaks Cluster of rural-residential lots at She Oaks are in and in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with the Brisbane Ranges National Park to the north-east.

24-029 Bannockburn Urban Design Framework Plan for Bannockburn provides for residential and rural living development north-west, towards the local golf course, vegetated reserve and associated bushfire hazards.

24-030 Bannockburn Rural-residential lots to the west of Batesford adjoin bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation to the east.

24-031 Inverleigh The Inverleigh Structure Plan provides for an extension of the township towards the local golf course, flora and fauna reserve and associated bushfire hazard.

24-032 Cape Clear Cluster of developed and undeveloped rural-residential lots at Cape Clear in the Township Zone, in proximity to riparian corridor to the east, a plantation to the north-west, and associated bushfire hazard areas.

24-033 Maude Development pressure is being experienced north of the Maude settlement in proximity to a bushfire hazard area.

24-034 Scarsdale / Smythesdale

Western boundary of Scarsdale and Smythesdale settlements interface with a bushfire hazard.

6.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – HEPBURN SHIREHepburn Shire is located in the east of the region and has an area of about 1470 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 12 050 with the greatest concentration residing in the main centre of Daylesford with a population of about 3100. The balance of the population is scattered across various

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townships, villages and rural living settlements throughout the Shire. Most rural living opportunities are concentrated in the south-east of the Shire in commuting distance of Melbourne.

The dominant land uses across the Shire are forest, farming and rural living. Rural land consists of areas of high quality agricultural land, primarily used for sheep and cattle grazing, potato and crop growing, timber production and some viticulture. Tourism is an important industry, with the main tourist corridor located between Daylesford and Trentham. Shire of Hepburn is acknowledged as the Spa Centre of Australia due to its mineral water assets. The municipality also contains a number of water supply catchments which provide potable and rural irrigation water for central and northern Victoria.

The Shire contains extensive areas of native vegetation ranging from the tall forests of the Great Dividing Range in the east, bushland and ridgelines in central areas (including Wombat State Forest) to the basalt plain grasslands in the Shire’s west. Other significant areas of native vegetation exist around concentrations of mineral springs, water supply catchments and bushland reserves. The protection of native vegetation is managed through a combination of Environmental Significance, Significant Landscape and Erosion Management Overlays which apply to these areas.

6.1 Western areaThe western area of the Shire is characterised by large scale agricultural subdivisions, an undulating landscape and forested areas around Mt Beckworth and plantation forests surrounding Creswick. Surrounding settlements contain direct interfaces with identified bushfire hazard areas.

Small rural living settlements surrounding Creswick are located in areas of bushfire hazard. The area’s vegetation cover and proximity to Ballarat make it an attractive rural lifestyle location, with future growth potential likely to be enhanced by the upgrading of passenger rail services. Some residential infill potential has already been identified on the western side of Creswick with direct interfaces to bushfire hazard areas.

6.2 Eastern areaThe eastern area of the Shire contains a number of townships and settlements dispersed across the region and in close proximity to Melbourne. Scattered rural-residential lots in this area are surrounded by aesthetic and heavily vegetated landscapes in close proximity to the main centres of Daylesford, Castlemaine and Kyneton. Scattered rural settlements with smaller lots often interface with vegetation cover across large areas of bushland reserves.

Larger townships in the Shire also interface with bushfire hazard areas. In some instances, structure plans provide for future development that will continue to extend into or in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas. Growth pressure is also being experienced in areas where bushfire hazard correlates directly with native vegetation of high and very high conservation significance. Some areas exhibit steep terrain with scattered settlements with single access arrangements.

Other areas contain clusters of small and rural-residential lots disbursed throughout heavily forested areas. Native vegetation interspersed throughout these settlements provides a direct interface with mapped bushfire hazards. Identified as a key growth area in the Shire, these settlements experience infill development pressure in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas.

Settlements are also located in foothill or valley areas and contain rural-residential lots. These settlements are also experiencing growth pressure due to the aesthetic and landscape values of the region. Adjacent areas include developed and undeveloped small and rural-residential lots identified as vulnerable to bushfire.

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HEPBURN – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

29-001 Trentham Residential lots in Trentham and surrounding rural-residential lots are in and in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with state forest to the south and west. The area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

29-002 Bullarto Residential lots in the township of Bullarto and adjoining rural-residential lots are surrounded by state forest to the north and south, and are in the associated bushfire hazard area.

29-003 Newbury Cluster of rural-residential dwellings and undeveloped land at Newbury is surrounded by state forest and associated bushfire hazard area.

29-004 Trentham Single constructed road servicing cluster of dwellings (Horvaths Road).

29-005 Glenlyon Glenlyon is experiencing development pressure. It is located in close proximity to a bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high significance.

29-006 Denver Cluster of rural-residential lots on the east side of the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road located in a bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding forested environment to the north and south.

29-007 Porcupine Ridge Cluster of developed and undeveloped rural-residential lots on either side of Porcupine Ridge Road in a bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation in adjoining properties, and nearby pine plantations.

29-008 Drummond Rural-residential lots to the west of Drummond are in the bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding forested environment.

29-009 Drummond North Cluster of rural-residential lots along Taradale Road in bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding vegetation generally in the Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve.

29-010 Yandoit Cluster of residential lots at Yandoit in a bushfire hazard area associated with scattered remnant vegetation in and around the area. Includes undeveloped lots in the historical township subdivision pattern.

29-011 Hepburn Springs Residential lots in Hepburn and Hepburn Springs are in the bushfire hazard area associated with forested areas generally in Hepburn Regional Park to the east and west and vegetation in the townships.

29-012 Sailors Falls to Daylesford

Rural-residential lots from Sailors Falls to Hepburn, including around Daylesford are in bushfire hazard area associated with the Hepburn Regional Park and surrounding vegetation. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

29-013 Creswick Residential lots in the township of Creswick are in and in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with Creswick Regional Park to the south, east and west.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

29-014 Creswick Eastern boundary of Creswick interfaces with bushfire hazard area associated with Creswick Regional Park.

29-015 West of Creswick Cluster of rural-residential lots along Creswick-Bald Hills Road are in a bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation and plantations.

29-016 Coomoora to Wheatsheaf

Rural-residential subdivision to the south of Daylesford-Malmsbury Road is in bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation in and adjoining lots.

29-017 Daylesford Residential lots in Daylesford are in the bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding Hepburn Regional Park.

29-018 West of Eganstown Cluster of small rural lots to the west of Eganstown are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the adjacent vegetation linking to the Hepburn Regional Park environs.

29-019 Blampied Rural-residential lots north-east of Blampied are in a bushfire hazard area associated with forest to the south-east and remnant vegetation in the properties.

29-020 Eganstown Cluster of rural-residential lots west of Eganstown in bushfire hazard area associated with the surrounding state forest.

29-021 Rocklyn Cluster of rural-residential lots at Rocklyn are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the state forest to the south and east.

29-022 Springmount Cluster of rural-residential lots around Springmount are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the adjacent state forest.

29-023 Broomfield to Allendale

Residential lots in Allendale and rural-residential lots to the north are in and in proximity to bushfire hazard area to the south. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

29-024 Lyonville Residential lots in Lyonville are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the state forest to the east and west.

29-025 Hepburn Future strategic directions from south to west of Trentham. Trentham Structure Plan provides for residential development towards an area of bushfire hazard.

29-026 Glenlyon Small lots in Glenlyon, experiencing development pressure. It is located in close proximity to a bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

29-027 Creswick Creswick Structure Plan provides for future urban growth in proximity to bushfire hazard. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

29-028 Creswick Township of Creswick relies primarily on limited road access.

29-029 Lyonville Rural-residential lots to the north-east of Lyonville are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the adjoining state forest.

29-030 Lyonville Residential lots in the south-east of Lyonville have a direct interface with vegetation in the state forest to the south-east.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

29-031 Bullarto Northern boundary of Bullarto interfaces with bushfire hazards associated with the state forest.

29-032 Daylesford Daylesford Structure Plan provides for rural-residential lots in close proximity to bushfire hazard. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

29-033 Newbury Cluster of dwellings at Newbury relies primarily on a single road for access and egress from bushfire hazard area.

29-034 Creswick Western and southern boundaries of Creswick interface with bushfire hazards associated with surrounding densely vegetated environment on either side of Bungaree-Creswick Road and Midland Highway.

29-035 Denver Development pressure is being experienced to the east of Daylesford-Malmsbury Road in a bushfire hazard area.

29-036 Drummond Rural residential lots in bushfire hazard area to the west of Drummond rely on a single unsealed road for access and egress.

29-037 Drummond North Rural-residential lots in bushfire hazard area in Drummond North rely on single road for access and egress.

29-038 Hepburn Springs to Daylesford

Townships rely primarily on Main Road for access and egress from bushfire hazard area.

7.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – HINDMARSH SHIREHindmarsh Shire is located in the north-west of the region and has an area of about 7550 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 6150 which is largely contained in the townships of Nhill, Dimboola, Rainbow and Jeparit. There are also a number of smaller settlements located throughout the central region of the municipality.

Land uses in the Shire are predominantly rural, with a focus on cereal, legume and oil seed cropping, with some wool production and grazing. The municipality also contains large areas of public land, predominantly associated with the Little Desert National Park in the south, the Wyperfeld National Park and Big Desert Wilderness Park in the north. Within the Shire, the Wimmera River terminates at Lake Hindmarsh and the internationally significant Lake Albacutya.

Biodiversity values vary throughout the Shire, which consists of low irregular agricultural plains, heath and woodland forests of the national and wilderness parks and the riparian floodplains of the Wimmera River. The removal of native vegetation is restricted through the Environmental Significance Overlay, which applies to the various lake environs, numerous watercourses and remnant vegetation patches in the municipality.

7.1 Northern areaThe Wyperfeld National Park and Big Desert Wilderness Park extend into the northern area of the municipality. The pattern of subdivision in this area is of large lots that are devoid of woodland or forest vegetation and associated bushfire hazards.

7.2 Central areaThe scale of lots reduces and settlements are located closer together in the central area of the municipality, culminating in small residential and rural-residential lots among numerous small settlements north and south of the Western Highway.

The natural landscape of the central region has been modified significantly as a result of cropping activities. Native vegetation is limited to isolated remnant patches and scattered woodland along

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roadsides, while riparian species have been retained along watercourses and surrounding wetlands. The vegetation in these areas is mapped as being of high and very high conservation significance. This region contains limited settlements with developed and undeveloped small residential and rural-residential lots in proximity to bushfire hazards.

7.3 Southern areaThe Little Desert Wilderness Park extends into the southern region of the municipality. The wilderness park and immediate surrounds are identified as a bushfire hazard. Nearby settlements contain clusters of small rural or rural-residential lots in close proximity to a bushfire hazard area.

HINDMARSH – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

30-001 Kiata Cluster of small residential lots at Kiata, largely undeveloped, in bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

30-002 Jeparit Township of Jeparit is close to bushfire hazard area associated with riparian corridors along Lake Hindmarsh and Wimmera River. The western and southern portions of the area include vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

30-003 Dimboola Residential lots in Dimboola are in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with riparian corridor along the Wimmera River to the west of the settlement and remnant vegetation to the south.

30-004 Gerang Gerung Cluster of small rural lots by the Western Highway, largely undeveloped, to the south-east of Gerang Gerung in a bushfire hazard area associated with nearby remnant vegetation. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

30-005 Nhill Township of Nhill in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation to the south.

8.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – HORSHAM RURAL CITYHorsham Rural City is located in the west of the region and has an area of about 4345 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 20 250 of which the majority reside in the regional centre of Horsham with a population of about 13 300.

The Shire is characterised by flat open plain landscapes, expansive agricultural areas and natural lakes, wetlands (including the internationally significant Natimuk-Douglas Wetlands) and minor watercourses. Wheat and barley cropping, legume production and grazing are the predominant agricultural activities in the municipality. Discrete irrigation districts supply limited dairy and horticultural operations.

The Wimmera River in the north-east, Grampians National Park along the south-eastern border, Black Range Park in the south and Mount Arapiles in the west of the municipality are dominant natural features in the otherwise flat landscape. Areas of significant biodiversity and bushfire hazard are generally limited to these areas. Road and railway reserves also contain important remnant vegetation and habitat. The protection of native vegetation is managed through the Environmental Significance Overlay which applies to the watercourses and catchments.

8.1 Northern area Little Desert National Park extends into the north-eastern area of the municipality. Large lot subdivisions dominate this area which are devoid of woodland or forest vegetation and associated bushfire hazard.

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8.2 Central areaThe central area contains a large number of settlements clustered around the Wimmera Highway, including Horsham and Natimuk townships. Grasslands are a known bushfire hazard to some small residential and rural-residential lots which directly adjoin watercourses and riparian vegetation.

8.3 Southern areaThe Grampians National Park forms the south-eastern boundary of the municipality. The national park and immediate surrounds are identified as bushfire hazard areas. Nearby settlements contain clusters of rural-residential lots in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas. Some small and rural-residential lots located in close proximity to vegetated watercourses and wetlands are also identified as vulnerable to bushfire.

In 2009 the township of Horsham and surrounding bushland were affected by the Black Saturday bushfires.

HORSHAM – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENITIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

32-001 Dadswells Bridge Western boundary of Dadswells Bridge settlement interfaces with bushfire hazard associated with remnant vegetation.

32-002 Horsham Small lots in and surrounding Horsham and Riverside are located south of grasslands, the Wimmera River riparian corridor and associated bushfire hazard.

32-003 Toolondo Cluster of small rural-residential lots around Toolondo are proximate to bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation, primarily to the east.

32-004 Dadswells Bridge Area at Dadswells Bridge is zoned for rural living and has further subdivision potential. It is proximate to the bushfire hazard area associated with riparian corridor along Mt William Creek and Grampians National Park to the west. Vegetation in the western portion of the area includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

32-005 Horsham South-western extent of the urban settlement of Horsham in proximity to Horsham Golf Club. Area includes small lots that surround the golf course and interface with bushfire hazard including grassland environments. This area was affected by the 2009 bushfires.

9.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – MOORABOOL SHIREMoorabool Shire adjoins the western periphery of metropolitan Melbourne and contains a peri-urban environment. It has a land area of about 2110 square kilometres and a population of approximately 28 600. The main centre is Bacchus Marsh, located approximately 80 kilometres west of Melbourne.

Agriculture is the major sector in Moorabool’s economy and also contributes to the rural landscape setting that typifies the Shire. Agricultural production is predominantly broad-acre cropping and grazing, with intensive horticulture on irrigated land around Bacchus Marsh.

Moorabool Shire is characterised by its townships in rural settings and its distinctive rural landscapes, which comprise a diversity of vast ranges, grassland plains, gorges, and areas of intensive horticulture.

Public land makes up a significant portion of the Shire. It includes the Brisbane Ranges National Park, Lerderderg State Park, Werribee Gorge State Park, the Wombat State and Pyrite State Forests, and Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve. The topography is characterised by ranges and gorges, interspersed with the Moorabool, Werribee, and Lerderderg Rivers. Additionally much of the land is located in special water supply catchments.

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A combination of environmental land management overlays manages the protection of vegetation across large areas of the municipality.

9.1 North-eastern areaThe Great Dividing Range extends across the north-east corner of the municipality. This region contains the steep and hilly landscape of the Lerderderg State Park, Wombat and Pyrite State Forests and smaller conservation reserves. Scattered settlements populate the vegetated foothills of these parks and reserves and contain small residential or rural-residential lots which directly interface with bushfire hazard areas. Other settlements that are surrounded by these parks contain small lots among a vegetated landscape. Some settlements in bushfire hazard areas are accessed by unsealed single access roads.

Some rural areas with direct interface to the Lerderderg State Park contain scattered remnant vegetation and riparian corridors. These areas contain modest sized rural living lots with known local fire conditions associated with grassland bushfire hazards providing an interface between forested areas and surrounding rural-residential lots. These bushfire hazard areas in some instances also interface with land identified for potential rural-residential development.

9.2 Western areaThe western region of the municipality contains multiple pockets of state forest, natural lakes, watercourses and a moderate number of rural settlements across a largely agricultural landscape. Settlements are located in the foothills or valleys surrounding Mount Doran, Mount Egerton and other vegetated hillsides and lakes. They contain rural-residential lots which directly interface with bushfire hazards.

9.3 South-eastern areaThe south-east region of the municipality also contains multiple pockets of state forest, natural lakes and watercourses with a lower number of rural settlements across a largely agricultural landscape. This region contains the northern extent of the Brisbane Ranges National Park. However, settlements are generally limited to grassland environments and are separated from more significant bushfire hazard areas.

MOORABOOL – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

50-001 Bacchus Marsh Rural-residential lots to the east of Bacchus Marsh are in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with the Long Forest Flora Reserve to the east.

50-002 Coimadai Larger rural-residential lots to the north of Merrimu are in the bushfire hazard area associated with Lerderderg State Park to the north.

50-003 Bacchus Marsh Residential lots to the north of Bacchus Marsh are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated primarily with Lerderderg State Park to the north

50-004 Korobeit / Myrniong

The area contains rural-residential lots east of Greendale adjoining the Lerderderg State Park in proximity to a bushfire hazard area. Lots are serviced via Mt Blackwood Road which provides access into the state park.

50-005 Blackwood Cluster of rural-residential lots, largely undeveloped, to the south of Blackwood are surrounded by Wombat State Forest and in the associated bushfire hazard area. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance in the northern portion of the area.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

50-006 Korweinguboora Korweinguboora is surrounded by Wombat State Forest and contains rural-residential lots in bushfire hazard area. Northern portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-007 Gordon Township of Gordon and rural-residential lots to the south of the Western Freeway are proximate to bushfire hazard areas associated with scattered remnant vegetation.

50-008 Mt Egerton Residential and surrounding rural-residential lots at Mt Egerton are in the bushfire hazard area associated with patches of remnant vegetation in the township and Bungal State Forest to the east. Eastern (Bungal State Forest) and southern (Mount Egerton) portions of the area include vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-009 Gordon Cluster of rural-residential lots north of Gordon are in a bushfire hazard area associated with vegetation. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-010 Elaine Cluster of residential and rural-residential lots at Elaine are in proximity to bushfire hazard areas associated with plantations to the west and remnant vegetation to the east. Grasslands are also a bushfire hazard in the area.Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

50-011 Mt Doran Cluster of rural-residential lots at the township of Mt Doran are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the mountain to the north.Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

50-012 Lal Lal Residential and rural-residential lots at Lal Lal and in clusters to the south-west and south-east are in bushfire hazard areas associated with patches of remnant vegetation, including in the properties.Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

50-013 Buninyong Cluster of rural-residential lots east of Buninyong adjoin Mount Buninyong and are proximate to the associated bushfire hazard area.

50-014 Yendon Cluster of rural-residential lots at Yendon are in the bushfire hazard area primarily associated with patches of remnant vegetation to the south-west.

50-015 Blakeville Rural-residential lots at Blakeville are surrounded by Wombat State Forest and are in the associated bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

50-016 Dales Creek Dales Creek and the rural-residential lots in it are surrounded by the Wombat State Forest. Dwellings are in the bushfire hazard area associated with both the forest and remnant vegetation on the lots. The northern portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-017 Greendale Cluster of rural-residential lots at Greendale are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the Wombat State Forest to the north. The northern portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-018 Balliang East Cluster of rural-residential lots surrounded by grasslands, a known bushfire hazard.

50-019 Greendale A number of settlements rely on Greendale-Trentham Forest Road for access and egress from bushfire hazard area.

50-020 North Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh Framework Plan identifies investigation areas for potential rural living development to the north in bushfire hazard areas.

50-021 Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Framework Plan identifies investigation areas east of Bacchus Marsh for potential rural living development in and in proximity to a bushfire hazard area.

50-022 Balliang Area contains a cluster of lots and undeveloped land surrounded by grasslands which is a specific local condition and known bushfire hazard.

50-023 Barkstead Rural-residential lots at Barkstead are surrounded by forest and in the associated bushfire hazard area. The northern portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-024 Barkstead Cluster of dwellings at Barkstead rely on dirt road for access and egress from bushfire hazard area.

50-025 Blackwood Residential lots in the township of Blackwood are surrounded by Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park (south-east) and are in the associated bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

50-026 Long Forest Cluster of rural-residential dwellings rely on Long Forest Road for access and egress from bushfire hazard area..

50-027 Long Forest Rural residential lots on Long Forest Road are in the bushfire hazard area associated with Long Forest Flora Reserve to the east, Djerriwarrh Creek to the east, and remnant vegetation on the properties. The western portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

50-028 Morrisons Cluster of residential and rural-residential lots in Morrison are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with plantations to the east. A riparian vegetation corridor passes through the cluster.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

50-029 Barry’s Reef Residential and rural-residential lots at Barrys Reef, to the north of Blackwood, is surrounded by Wombat State Forest and is in the associated bushfire hazard area. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance in the northern portion of the area.

10.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – NORTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRENorthern Grampians Shire is located in the centre of the region and has a land area of about 5900 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 12 300 which largely resides in Stawell and St Arnaud. Other larger townships include Halls Gap, Great Western and Navarre, Stuart Mill, Marnoo and Glenorchy.

Agriculture is the dominant land use and industry in the Shire, with key activities including sheep grazing in the south, animal husbandry (pig farming) in the centre and broad acre cropping (especially wheat) in the north-west.

The dominant landscape of the Grampians National Park is located in the south-east of the municipality while the Kara Kara State Park and Avoca River form its boundary. The north-eastern part of the municipality consists of the foothills of the Pyrenees Range while the north-western area extends into the flat plains of the Wimmera. Lake Fyans and Lake Lonsdale form the major water storages in the municipality. Areas of remnant native vegetation are limited to these areas, road reserves and watercourses.

The protection of native vegetation is managed through the Environmental Significance and Significant Landscape Overlays, which apply to significant lakes and elevated ridgelines. There is known erosion risk in the vicinity of the Kara Kara State Park east of St Arnaud which is identified through application of an Erosion Management Overlay.

10.1 North-eastern area The Greenock Historical and Kara Kara State Parks extend between St Arnaud and Moyreisk in the north-east of the area. Settlements located against these areas contain small and rural-residential lots in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas. Areas of native vegetation in the interface areas are of high and very high conservation significance.

10.2 Central area The Wimmera River traverses the central region of the municipality. Large lot subdivisions dominate this area to the north of the Wimmera River which are devoid of woodland or forest vegetation and associated bushfire hazard.

10.3 South-western area The area extending south-west of the Wimmera River contains large agricultural subdivisions before development densities increase towards the settlement boundary located along the Western Highway. These areas are surrounded by vegetation of high and very high conservation significance. The settlements contain clusters of small and rural-residential lots located in or in proximity to identified bushfire hazard areas. Grassland environments provide an interface between more significant bushfire hazard areas and surrounding settlements. These areas contain single access arrangements.

The Grampians National Park extends across the south-western corner of the municipality. The national park provides a bushfire hazard with direct interface to adjacent settlements with developed and undeveloped small and rural-residential lots. Settlements surrounded by the national park contain clusters of small and rural-residential lots in bushfire hazard areas. The valued aesthetic and natural environment associated with the park and rural interface also attracts development pressure in bushfire hazard areas. These areas include vegetation mapped as being of high and very high conservation significance.

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NORTHERN GRAMPIANS – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

57-001 Great Western Rural-residential lots in the settlement of Great Western are in and in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with patches of remnant vegetation to the east. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance in the northern portion of the area.

57-002 Glenorchy Residential lots at Glenorchy are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with remnant vegetation, primarily to the west.

57-003 St Arnaud Residential lots in the town of St Arnaud are in or in close proximity to a bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding vegetation. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

57-004 St Arnaud Reservoir

Cluster of rural-residential lots to the north of St Arnaud are in or in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with vegetation to the south-east. Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

57-005 Stuart Mill Residential and rural-residential lots in and around Stuart Mill are in the bushfire hazard area associated with surrounding state forest, Kara Kara State Park and Greenock Historical Area, and vegetation in properties.Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

57-006 Great Western Cluster of rural-residential lots, largely undeveloped, in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with scattered patches of vegetation.

57-007 Stawell Residential lots in the town of Stawell are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated primarily with Deep Lead Flora and Fauna Reserve to the north-east and scattered patches of vegetation to the south-west.

57-008 Halls Gap Limited access for residents in Halls Gap.

57-009 Deep Lead Rural-residential lots in Deep Lead area in and in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with Deep Lead Flora and Fauna Reserve to the east and patches of remnant vegetation in the area.

57-010 Roses Gap Cluster of rural-residential lots in Roses Gap, largely undeveloped, are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the surrounding Grampians National Park. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

57-011 Halls Gap Residential lots in Halls Gap are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the surrounding Grampians National Park and vegetation on properties. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

57-012 Halls Gap Residential area of Halls Gap interfaces with bushfire hazard area associated with the Grampians National Park.

57-013 Halls Gap Halls Gap Strategic Framework Plan provides for future residential development to the south-west, in an area of bushfire hazard and limited access.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

57-014 Halls Gap Halls Gap Strategic Framework Plan provides for future residential development to the north, in a bushfire hazard area.

57-015 Great Western Planning scheme provides for rural-residential development in proximity to the bushfire hazard area to the east of Great Western.

57-016 Stawell North-western boundary of Stawell interfaces with bushfire hazard area associated with the Deep Lead Flora and Fauna Reserve.

57-017 Stawell Stawell Strategic Framework Plan provides for future residential development in proximity to a bushfire hazard area and near grasslands that are a known bushfire hazard.

57-018 St Arnaud Western boundary of St Arnaud interfaces with bushfire hazard associated with remnant vegetation.

57-019 Black Ranges Land generally in the Rural Conservation Zone located at the foothills of the Black Ranges. Land contains dispersed residential development adjacent to bushfire hazard associated with the Black Ranges.

11.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – PYRENEES SHIREPyrenees Shire is located in the centre of the region and has an area of about 3433 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 6900, the majority of which live in Beaufort, Avoca and a number of smaller rural townships and settlements such as Snake Valley. Beaufort is approximately 50 kilometres west and Avoca is approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Ballarat. These townships have populations of about 1050 and 950 respectively.

Rural-residential development has occurred on the periphery of Beaufort, Avoca, Snake Valley and some of the smaller townships and settlements in the Shire. Agriculture is the main industry in the municipality, while the plantation and forestry sectors provide significant contributions in the southern regions. Viticulture is a growing sector that provides associated benefits for the municipality’s tourism industry.

The steep hills and ridges of the Great Dividing Range traverse the centre of the municipality. The range separates the catchments for the Avoca and Wimmera Rivers to the north and the Mount Emu Creek to the south. The Pyrenees Ranges, with its steep hills and ridges, is the dominating feature of the north. The southern area extends out to undulating basalt plains containing a series of natural lakes and wetlands.

Areas of remnant forest vegetation are limited to the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range surrounding Beaufort, state forests in the north-west (Mount Cole), central areas around Waterloo and Beaufort and in the south-east (Snake Valley). The protection of native vegetation is managed through environmental land management overlays which apply to the water supply catchments and numerous watercourses.

11.1 Northern area The northern area of the municipality contains heavily vegetated areas associated with the Pyrenees Ranges, Mount Cole, and flora and fauna reserves. Settlements are often located on the fringes of these areas and contain residential or rural-residential lots which directly interface with bushfire hazards.

Settlements adjoining the Pyrenees Ranges contain clusters of rural-residential lots serviced by single access roads. These areas contain a direct interface with the bushfire hazard associated with vegetation of high and very high conservation significance vegetation.

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11.2 Central area The Great Dividing Range extends north-east across this area and contains scattered plateaus with small rural settlements. Settlements contain rural-residential lots which directly interface with corresponding bushfire hazard areas. Grassland environments provide an additional bushfire hazard interface between forested environments and surrounding settlements. Beaufort is located to the south of the Great Dividing Range and is surrounded by state forest and isolated plantations. Clusters of small and rural-residential lots are disbursed throughout the region with direct interfaces with bushfire hazard areas. These and other rural-residential settlements that are located in proximity to bushfire hazard areas are frequently serviced by single access roads.

11.3 Southern area The southern area of the municipality is dominated by a large lot subdivision pattern in a predominantly grassland environment. Rural settlements are separated from plantations and other patches of remnant vegetation. Townships located towards the south-eastern corner of the municipality contain undeveloped rural-residential lots in or in close proximity to vegetated bushfire hazard areas.

PYRENEES – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

59-001 Evansford Rural-residential lots on the Waubra-Talbot road and at Evansford are in a bushfire hazard area associated with reserves to the north, patches of vegetation in the area and a plantation. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-002 Burnbank Grasslands in this area, bound by the Lexton-Talbot road and Sunraysia Highway, are a known bushfire hazard.

59-003 Lexton Residential lots in the township of Lexton and surrounding rural-residential lots are in a bushfire hazard area associated with patches of vegetation and the reserve to the west.

59-004 Amphitheatre Residential lots and nearby rural-residential lots at Amphitheatre are in proximity to bushfire hazard areas associated with the flora and fauna reserve to the north and patches of vegetation to the south. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-005 Glenpatrick Cluster of rural-residential lots at Glenpatrick in the bushfire hazard area associated with the surrounding Pyrenees Range. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-006 Snake valley Residential lots in the township of Snake Valley and surrounding rural-residential lots are in and in proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with reserves to the south and vegetation on properties.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

59-007 Beaufort / Main Lead / Raglan / Chute / Waterloo

Multiple bushfire considerations including clusters of small and medium size lots in a dispersed settlement pattern in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with the adjacent Great Dividing Range. Settlement pattern developed in a linear form along Main Lead road with connecting single access roads servicing surrounding dwellings.Northern and southern boundaries of Beaufort interface with bushfire hazard.Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

59-008 Nowhere Creek Cluster of larger rural-residential lots in a dispersed settlement pattern surrounding Nowhere Creek are in and adjacent to bushfire hazard associated with the reserve to the north. Area includes access constraints.Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-009 Landsborough Residential lots in the township of Landsborough and surrounding rural-residential lots are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with the flora and fauna reserve to the east.

59-010 Barkly Rural-residential lots around Barkly, although largely undeveloped, are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area primarily associated with the St Arnaud Range National Park to the north-east.

59-011 Moonabel Residential lots in the township of Moonambel and nearby rural-residential lots.Cluster of rural-residential lots at Moonambel in close proximity to bushfire hazard area. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

59-012 Redbank Residential lots in Redbank and surrounding rural-residential lots are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with the adjoining state forest to the south and St Arnaud Range National Park to the west.Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-013 Percydale Largely undeveloped small rural lots south-east of Percydale are in the bushfire hazard area associated with the reserve to the west. Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-014 Avoca Residential lots in the township of Avoca are in or in close proximity to bushfire hazard area associated with the reserve to the east and patches of remnant vegetation in the town. Existing vegetation includes areas of vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

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IDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

59-015 Homebush Cluster of generally undeveloped rural-residential lots at Homebush are in proximity to bushfire hazard areas associated with patches of remnant vegetation.Existing vegetation includes areas of high and very high conservation significance.

59-016 Avoca Eastern boundary of Avoca interfaces with bushfire hazard associated with vegetation reserve.

59-017 Beaufort Clusters of small lots in Beaufort which are adjacent to bushfire hazard area to the north and south-east of the township.

59-018 Glenpatrick Single constructed road services cluster of dwellings at Glenpatrick in bushfire hazard area.

59-019 Avoca Avoca Strategy Plan provides for residential development towards an area of bushfire hazard associated with remnant vegetation to the east.

59-020 Snake Valley Dwellings rely on single access roads for egress in a bushfire hazard area.

12.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – WEST WIMMERA SHIREWest Wimmera Shire is located in the west of the region and has an area of about 9000 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 4600, which largely resides in Edenhope and Kaniva with the rural areas and small townships accounting for the balance of the municipality’s population.

Typical of the Mallee, agriculture is the predominant land use and industry, with a focus on cereal, legume and oil seed cropping, with some grazing activities in the north and hay production in the south. The municipality contains significant areas of pine plantation in the southern areas.

The municipality also contains large areas of public land associated with the Little Desert National Park in the north, Dergolm State Park in the south and a multitude of state forests in between. The southern area of the municipality contains numerous lakes, wetlands and watercourses. Flora and fauna communities vary throughout the Shire, ranging from woodlands and wetlands in the south and desert scrublands in the north.

12.1 Northern areaThe Little Desert National Park extends across the northern part of the municipality. Large lot subdivisions dominate the area to the north of the national park which contains limited settlements, woodland or forest vegetation and associated bushfire hazard.

12.2 Southern areaSettlements in the southern area are scattered throughout the agricultural landscape and surrounding large areas of state park and pine plantations. The settlements contain clusters of developed and undeveloped small and rural-residential lots located in or in proximity to these bushfire hazard areas and grassland bushfire hazard.

The Glenelg River extends through the south-western corner of the municipality. The river and its riparian corridors extend through settlements with lots in close proximity to bushfire hazard areas.

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WEST WIMMERA – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

71-001 Dergholm Cluster of small rural lots in the township of Dergholm are in and in proximity to a bushfire hazard area associated with Roseneath Reference Area to the west and Dergholm State Park to the east. A number of properties in the areas are also vegetated.

71-002 Chetwynd Cluster of small rural lots in Chetwynd, which are largely developed as farmland, and are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with reserves to the north and west and riparian vegetation.

71-003 Scrubby Lake Cluster of generally undeveloped rural-residential lots that are in or in proximity to a bushfire hazard area. In the southern portion of the area, the lots include vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

71-004 Apsley Residential lots in the township of Apsley are in a bushfire hazard area associated with the reserve to the south and scattered remnant vegetation in the township. To the west of Apsley, the land is largely undeveloped small and rural-residential lots in proximity to the bushfire hazard area. The south-western portion of the area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.

71-005 Lake Charlegrark Although largely undeveloped, there are a number of small rural lots around Lake Charlegrark. Council is experiencing some development pressure in the area.The area is largely grasslands, with some vegetation to the south of the lake. Grasslands are a known bushfire hazard.

71-006 Edenhope Residential lots in the north-west of Edenhope are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area to the west of the town, primarily associated with a reserve.

71-007 Douglas Residential lots in the township of Douglas are in proximity to the bushfire hazard area associated with the reserve to the north-west.

71-008 Harrow Residential lots in the township of Harrow are in the bushfire hazard area associated with patches of vegetation both in and adjacent to the town, and riparian vegetation along the Glenelg River to the east.

13.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – YARRIAMBIACK SHIREYarriambiack Shire is located in the north-west of the region and has an area of approximately 7158 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 7600 which largely resides in rural settlements.

Agricultural and broad acre cropping are the main land uses in the municipality. Yarriambiack contains significant areas of remnant Mallee vegetation in the Big Desert Wilderness Park, Wyperfeld National Park, Paradise Flora and Fauna Reserve, Outlet Creek, Wathe Flora and Fauna Reserve and Albacutya Reserve.

The extensive flat agricultural areas of the municipality were historically cleared of remnant vegetation limiting significant flora and fauna values to the parks, waterways, reserves and road reservations. Grassland, scrubland and riparian corridors are the primary bushfire hazard areas in the Shire.

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13.1 Northern areaThe Wyperfeld National Park extends into the northern area of the municipality. Lake Albacutya and a series of smaller reserves are located along the southern boundary of the national park. Open agricultural areas with infrequent linear corridors of remnant vegetation exist throughout the landscape. Settlements in the area are not generally in proximity to bushfire hazard areas.

13.2 Southern area Vegetated areas in the southern portion of the Shire are generally limited to watercourse and road reserves. Grassland and areas around lake environs are known bushfire hazards which provide an interface between rural-residential settlements and more significant bushfire hazards.

YARRIAMBIACK – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLEIDENTIFIED AREA CODE LOCATION IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION

78-001 Murtoa Grasslands and area around Lake Marma (under dry conditions) are a known bushfire hazard to Murtoa.

78-002 Yaapeet Residential lots in Yaapeet are in grasslands and scrublands, which are known bushfire hazards.

78-003 Hopetoun / Rosebery /Beulah / Brim / Lah / Warracknabeal / Kellalac

The Yarriambiack Creek traverses north to south through the centre of the Shire in parallel with the Henty Highway. The creek corridor includes riparian vegetation and is surrounded by grassland and cereal crops which are known bushfire hazards. Several settlements interface with the creek and associated bushfire hazard.

78-004 Patchewollock Grasslands and scrublands which are known bushfire hazards provide an interface between dwellings at Patchewollock and Dattuck Reference Area to the south.

ISBN 978-1-921940-40-8

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Planning and Community Development Melbourne, April 2012.

© The State of Victoria Department of Planning and Community Development 2012.

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne.

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

The content of the Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment is provided for information purposes only. No claim is made as to the accuracy or authenticity of the content. DPCD does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice in the RBPA.

www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning

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