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Tamborine - Guanaba Conservation Reserves Bushfire Management Plan 2010

Map 2: Planning

Plan prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Gold Coast City Council. This document should be used in conjunction with the supporting document entitled Tamborine - Guanaba Bushfire Management Plan - Operations. Information portrayed on this plan should be verified by field personnel before undertaking actions. The life of this plan is 5 years and as such should be reviewed in 2015 or as required. © Eco Logical Australia Pty. Ltd. This map is not guaranteed to be free from error or omission. Eco Logical Australia Pty. Ltd. and its employees disclaim liability for any act done on the information in the map and any consequences of such acts or omissions. Map Datum/Projection: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Published by: Gold Coast City Council Date: 23rd June 2010 Status: FINAL Version No.: 1 ISBN:

FIRE SEASON INFORMATION

Wildfires

The local fire season is complex to characterise in that wildfires may occur at any time of the year and be driven by winds from most directions. In addi-tion, the presence or absence of summer rainfall strongly affects the likeli-hood and severity of wildfires. The fire season generally begins in August and may continue until February each year if there are no summer rains. The peak generally occurs around September, October and November when grass curing is most advanced due to low humidity and high temperature levels. For southeast Queensland, it is generally the westerly, north-westerly and north-easterly winds which are associated with the most severe fire weather. Suitably dry winds however may occur from any direction and the fire history indicates that many of the less severe events in the area have been driven by south-west to south-easterly winds. The passage of cold fronts may also produce problematic fire behaviour through wind changes to the W-SW, turning an eastern flank into a fire front. Wind changes, such as these, may result in a substantial increase in the fire area and increase danger to fire-fighters and the community.

Prescribed Burning

For ecological based burning, the relative abundance of key fire response species and their method of persistence determines the best season to burn a particular vegetation community or location. Objectives of each prescribed burn and the environmental constraints must be known before selecting the season and weather conditions under which burning is to occur. Recent climate history also needs to be considered, particularly the relative level of summer rainfall. Wherever possible the season of burn should be altered from that of the pre-vious burn. If seasonal variation cannot be achieved e.g. winter and autumn, then a variation of the month in which a site is burned should be sought.

Authorised By:

Date:

Authorised By:

Date:

CONSERVATION ZONE(CZ)

General objectives: • Maintenance of fire regimes toward upper levels of biodiversity thresholds; • Provide a spatial and temporal pattern of prescribed burning that compliments the objectives/strategies

of the Wildfire Mitigation Zones

Performance criteria: • Interval between fire is within upper 75% of the thresholds, with occasional longer periods; • Trails are maintained to acceptable levels at all times.

Zone Description Fire management considerations

C1 Sclerophyll Forest (Dry and Moist)

• Maintain trails; • Maintain power line easements; • Undertake a prescribed burning program that promotes biodi-

versity conservation. C2 Wet Sclerophyll • Maintain trails;

• Maintain power line easements; • Undertake a prescribed burning program that promotes biodi-

versity conservation. C3 Riparian Vegetation • Maintain trails;

• Maintain power line easements; • Riparian areas to receive ecological restoration to control

weeds; • Prescribed burning as per RE Specifications.

C4 Fire Exclusion - Regrowth

• Maintain trails;

• Maintain power line easements;

• Fire may only be used as a restoration tool where deemed by an ecological restoration specialist to be beneficial to restora-

tion. C5 Fire Exclusion -Sensitive

Vegetation • Maintain trails; • Exclude fire by responsive suppression during wildfire events

and sensitive prescribed burning and control line techniques in adjoining vegetation.

THREATENED FLORA MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Code Scientific Name Common Name

Status1 Management Strategy

FL1 Baloghia marmorata Jointed Ba-loghia

Vulnerable Inhabits rainforest, vine forest and wet sclerophyll forest (with rainforest/vine forest understorey). Known to be killed by high intensity fire. Exclude fire from rainforest/vine forest areas. Manage fire in other habitat areas as per RE specification.

FL2 Callerya australis Blunt Wistaria Near Threatened

Inhabits rainforest areas. Unlikely to respond well to fire. Exclude fire from rainforest areas.

FL4 Cupaniopsis newmanii Long-leaved Tuckeroo

Near Threatened


FL5 Cyperus semifertilis Missionary Nutgrass

Vulnerable Generally found in wet sclerophyll forest. Fire ecology for this species is not known. Maintain fire intervals of parent RE's. Avoid too frequent fire.

FL6 Endiandra floydii Gorge Laurel Endangered Inhabits rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. Unlikely to respond well to fire.

FL7 Eucalyptus curtisii Plunkett Mallee Near Threatened

Fire ecology not known. Maintain fire as per RE specifications. Retain a mosaic of burnt/unburnt areas. Avoid too frequent fire.

FL8 Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia Red Boppel Nut Vulnerable Inhabits rainforest areas. Unlikely to respond well to fire. Exclude fire from rainforest areas.

FL9 Leucopogon recurvise-palus

Endangered Found in dry sclerophyll forest and heath. The fire ecology of this species is not fully understood. Maintain fire regime at upper level as per specification for subject RE's. Avoid too frequent fire.

FL10 Macadamia integrifolia Macadamia Nut

Vulnerable Inhabits rainforest and rainforest edge areas. Highly susceptible to fire damage. Exclude from fire.

FL11 Macadamia tetraphylla Four-leaf Macadamia Nut

Vulnerable Inhabits rainforest and rainforest edge areas. Highly susceptible to fire damage. Exclude from fire.

FL12 Plectranthus suaveolens Near Threatened

Found in rocky exposed areas. The fire ecology of this species is not fully understood. Maintain fire regimes as per specification for subject RE's. Avoid too frequent fire and high intensity fire.

FL13 Randia moorei Spiney Gardenia

Endangered Inhabits rainforest areas. Unlikely to respond well to fire. Exclude fire from rainforest areas.

FL14 Rhodamnia maideniana Smooth Scrub Turpentine

Near Threatened


FL15 Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii Ravine Orchid Endangered Inhabits rainforest riparian areas. Unlikely to respond well to fire. Exclude fire from rainforest areas.

FL16 Thesium australe Austral Toadflax Vulnerable Often found in grassy woodlands. This species is known to germinate well after fire. Maintain fire as per RE specification for subject vegetation. Avoid too frequent fire. Maintain a mosaic of burnt/

FL17 Zieria collina Mt Tamborine Zieria

Vulnerable Inhabits rainforest and rainforest edge areas (wet sclerophyll forest). Unlikely to respond well to frequent fire. Maintain upper level fire frequencies for habitat areas (excluding rainforest) as per RE specification. Retain a mosaic of burnt/unburnt areas within known habitat.

FL18 Zieria montana Mountain Zieria Near Threatened

A rainforest/wet sclerophyll species. Unlikely to respond well to frequent fire. Maintain upper level fire frequencies for habitat areas (excluding rainforest) as per RE specification. Retain a mosaic of burnt/unburnt areas within known habitat.

Note: Species selected from Gold Coast City Council Data where species record located on study reserve or within 1km of any study reserve 1Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999.

REGIONAL ECOSYSTEM FIRE INTERVALS

Regional Ecosystem Vegetation Description

Broad Community

Vegetation Management

Act Status Fire Interval Fire Management Notes

12.11.1 Evergreen notophyll vine forest and/or Lophostemon confertus closed forest on metamorphics

Rainforest / Vine forest

Least concern Exclude fire May need active protection from wildfire in extreme conditions

12.11.2 Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis tall open forest on metamorphics often with vine forest understorey

Wet sclerophyll forest

Least concern 20->100+yrs Long interval high intensity fire preferred. Fire interval likely to maintained by wildfire

12.11.3; 12.11.3a

Eucalyptus siderophloia and E. propinqua open forest on metamorphics

Moist sclero-phyll forest

Least concern

Vine forest understorey (20->100+yrs); Shrubby understorey (12-25yrs); Grassy understorey (4-12yrs); High intensity fire (20->100+yrs)

Low to moderate intensity. Summer to winter. Needs disturbance to maintain RE structure

12.11.5; 12.11.5a 12.11.5k

Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus crebra open forest on metamorphics

Dry sclerophyll forest

Least concern Grassy understorey (3-6yrs); Shrubby understorey (7-25yrs)

Low to moderate intensity. Summer to winter. Burn with spot ignition and sufficient soil moisture to achieve a mosaic of burnt/unburnt areas.

12.11.9 Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest to woodland on metamorphics


Of concern Grassy understorey (3-6yrs); Shrubby understorey (7-25yrs)

Low to moderate intensity. Summer to winter. Burn with spot ignition and sufficient soil moisture to achieve a mosaic of burnt/unburnt areas.

12.11.10 Notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii on metamorphics


Least concern Exclude fire May need active protection from wildfire in extreme conditions

12.3.1 Gallery rainforest (vine forest) on alluvium


Endangered Exclude fire May need active protection from wildfire in extreme conditions

12.3.7 Eucalyptus tereticornis, Melaleuca viminalis, Casuarina cunningha-miana riparian fringing forest

Wet sclero-phyll forest

Least concern Exclude fire Manage surrounding vegetation to minimise impact of fire on this vegetation

12.3.11 Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. sidero-phloia, Corymbia intermedia open forest to woodland on alluvium


Of concern Grassy understorey (3-6yrs); Shrubby understorey (7-25yrs)

Low intensity. Summer to late autumn. Spot ignition in cooler or moister periods to encourage a burnt/unburnt mosaic

WILDFIRE MITIGATION ZONE (WMZ)

General objectives: Reduction of fuels in strategic locations near assets at high risk or where fire ignitions and fire incursions are most likely to occur. Mitigation of widespread wildfire to reserve boundaries and fire sensitive vegeta-tion communities (such as rainforest).

Performance criteria:

• Satisfaction of recommended fire intervals, preferentially at lower interval • Fuel loads always at or below moderate using Overall Fuel Hazard guide for more than 75% of each zone;

• Subject to suppression resources being available, all wildfires occurring during periods of low-high FDR are con-trolled within zone;

• Trails are maintained to acceptable levels at all times.

• Treat fire tolerant weed infestations using appropriate weed management techniques prior to and after prescribed burning.

Zone Location \ Purpose Fire management considerations Fire intervals for prescribed burn-ing

WMZ 1

Pleasant Parklands: to maintain powerline easement

• Encourage and allow maintenance contractors to undertake regular pow-erline easement maintenance as per requirements.

NA

WMZ 2

Gladrose Reserve: to maintain powerline easement

• Encourage and allow maintenance contractors to undertake regular powerline easement maintenance as per requirements.

NA

WMZ 3

Birds Road Reserve: to maintain powerline easement


NA

WMZ 4

Mystery Road Reserve: to provide a strategic block of lower fuels adjacent high risk development

• Undertake hazard reduction burning as per schedule;

• Selective shrub/sapling removal using manual methods;

• Maintain trails as per map 1; • Avoid exposing soil due to erosion and

stability risks.

3-6 years

WMZ 5

Mystery Road Reserve: to maintain powerline easement


• Maintain trails as per map 1;

NA

WMZ 6

Mystery Road Reserve: to provide a strategic block of lower fuels adjacent high risk development



• Avoid exposing soil due to erosion and stability risks.

3-6 years

WMZ 7

King Parrot Reserve: to maintain powerline easement


NA

WMZ 8

King Parrot Reserve: to provide a strategic block of lower fuels adjacent high risk development



• Maintain trails as per map 1; • Avoid exposing soil due to erosion and

stability risks.

3-6 years in Dry Sclerophyll Forest. 4-12 years in Moist Sclerophyll Forest

WMZ 9

Stewart Road Parklands: to maintain powerline easement


NA

THREATENED FAUNA MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Code Scientific Name Common Name Status1 Management Strategy

BIRDS

FA 1 Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk Near

Threatened

Inhabits most forest types but favours mesic vegetation, especially tall closed forests, including rainforest. Avoid prescribed burning near active nest trees and in mesic vegetation types. In drier vegetation types burn according to RE specification and to achieve a burnt/unburnt mosaic across the habitat.

FA 2 Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-

Cockatoo Vulnerable

Found in a variety of habitats, preferentially feeding on Allocasuarina trees. Nests in tree hollows and breeds between March to August. Undertake cool mosaic burns as per RE specification. Avoid burning and manual vegetation modification of high density patches of Allocasuarina trees. Protect tree hollows.

FA 3 Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked

Stork Near

Threatened

Inhabits freshwater wetlands and adjacent areas. Exclude fire from these areas and manage surrounding vegetation as per RE specification. Minimise disturbance to known habitat areas.

FA 4 Menura alberti Albert's Lyrebird Near

Threatened

Mostly found in rainforest habitats or tall open (wet sclerophyll) forest. Exclude fire from rainforest areas and manage other RE's as per specifications. Minimise disturbance to understorey and ground cover in known habitat areas.

FA 5 Podargus ocellatus subsp.

plumiferus Marbled Frog-

mouth Vulnerable

Prefers rainforest habitat or tall open (wet sclerophyll) forest with a rainforest understorey. Exclude fire from rainforest areas and manage other RE's as per specifications. Minimise disturbance to understorey and ground cover in known habitat areas.

FA 6 Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl Near

Threatened

Prefers mesic vegetation (rainforest to wet sclerophyll) often where a dense understorey persists. Nests in hollows of tall emergent eucalypts. Exclude fire from rainforest. Burn other RE's as per specification. Protect known nest sites. Minimise disturbance to understorey and ground cover in known habitat areas.

FA 7 Sterna albifrons Little Tern Endangered Inhabits a variety of landscape types but prefers sheltered coastal areas. Exclude fire from these areas and manage surrounding vegetation as per RE specification. Minimise disturbance to known habitat areas.

REPTILES

FA 8 Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephen's Banded

Snake Near

Threatened

Occurs in a variety of vegetation types ranging from rainforest to dry sclerophyll forest. Dependant on tree hollows, loose bark, vines or ground timber. Exclude fire from rainforest. Prescribed burn RE's as per specification to retain a mosaic of burnt/unburnt area, preferably using lower intensity during conditions of good soil moisture to protect habitat elements.

Note: Species selected from Gold Coast City Council Data where species record located on study reserve or within 1km of any study reserve 1Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999.

FLORA AND FAUNA REFERENCES Qld Government website:

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/wildlife/threatened_plants_and_animals

Simpson and Day - Birds in Backyards website:

http://birdsinbackyards.net/species

DECC threatened species website:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals

Plant Net:

http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Federal Conservation advice:

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species

Qld Department of environment. Survey of threatened plant species in south east Qld Biogeographical region. 1998

Cameron, M (2006). Nesting habitat of the glossy black-cockatoo in central New South Wales. Biological Conserva-tion. 127 (4): 402-410

PROTECTION ZONE (PZ)

General objectives: Protection of life and property

Reserve Code

Reserve Name

PZ

Code

Minimum Width1

Width on Reserve2

Management is-sues3

T02 HENRI ROBERT DRIVE RESERVE

a 20 5 R, LHV, OCV

b 20 15 R, LHV

T03 KING PARROT RESERVE

a 60 50 S, LHV

b 50 35 S

c 50 10 S

d 20 10 S

e 48 36 S

f 45 30 S

g 50 8 S

h 30 10 S

i 40 40 S

j 38 6 S

k 36 11

T06 MYSTERY ROAD RESERVE

a 40 15 S

b 40 2 S

c 40 30 S

d 45 35 S

T08 HOLLINDALE FAMILY PARK

25 25 R, OCV, TF, LHV

T12 EAGLE HEIGHTS CONSERVATION AREA

30 20

T14 CABALLO ROAD RESERVE

31 5 S, R

T17 PLEASANT PARKLANDS

a 25 5 SFR

b 20 17

c 20 20 SFR, R, LHV

d 26 21 LHV

e 20 10 LHV

f 20 18 SFR

g 20 15 SFR, LHV

h 20 10 SFR, R, OCV, LHV

i 20 15 R, SFR, OCV, LHV

j 20 15 R, SFR, OCV, LHV

k 20 4 SFR, R, OCV, LHV

l 20 15 R, SFR, LHV

m 20 15 R, SFR, OCV, LHV

n 20 3 LHV, R

T18 SHELLY PLACE RESERVE

20 10 MR, SFR, LHV, R

T20 CHARLES CROSSING ROAD WEST PARK

a 20 10 MR, SFR, LHV, R

b 20 10 MR, SFR, LHV, R

Performance criteria:

• Asset survivability improved

• Increased collaboration, community awareness and preparedness through implementation of bushfire safety education programs

PROTECTION ZONE (PZ) - NOTES

Protection Zone Design Parameters:

• Combustible materials such as piles of wood, household rubbish, composted garden clippings and other materials should be removed from backyards;

• No trees should be removed on slopes over 18 degrees;

• Trees greater than 150mm in diameter measured at chest height are not to be re-moved. All fine fuel (<6mm in diameter) on these trees are to be pruned to the trunk and removed to at least 2m above ground level;

• Trees smaller than 150mm in diameter at chest height are to be removed unless they are mesic species and/or the trees provide a sparse scatter of individual saplings that will aid the long term replacement of mature canopy trees and they do not form a contiguous pathway particularly in the mid-storey, to the interface of the asset (e.g. dwelling);

• Trim branches where the tree canopy overhangs or is within 5 metres of a dwelling or a building where that building is within 2 metres of a dwelling;

• Large build-ups of litter such as leaves, twigs (less than 6 mm in diameter) and bark should be removed from the ground surface regularly during the fire season, however, no soil should be left exposed;

• Lawns and native grasses are to be kept short (<10cm) through mowing or slashing and green when possible;

• Retain clumps or islands of shrubs rather than continuous shrub layers and remove all shrubs within 2m of any building;

• Do not remove shrubs where removal would leave the ground cover exposed; and

• Do not remove hollow bearing trees or fallen logs greater than 200mm in diameter.

Note: PZ’s are not shown where the PZ can be provided entirely off-reserve;

1. Protection Zone (PZ) widths based on Gold Coast City Council Planning Scheme (GCCCPS). PZ to be measured from the closest part of the house towards the hazard. PZ consists of a 10m inner protection zone in addition to an outer protection zone of 10m plus 1m for every degree of slope if downslope and 0.5m per degree if upslope. 2. Protection Zone widths based on GCCCPS are designed for new developments where they are placed on the land subject to the development and are complemented by a dwelling that can be constructed to comply with AS 3959 ‘Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas’. It is important to note that the majority of existing dwellings in the study area would not comply with this standard. As such, the provision of a portion of the PZ on the reserve is recommended for some areas (if consistent with reserve management objectives) and widths are shown in this column. It is understood that council will undertake a risk, constraint and feasibility analysis to determine which PZs to maintain and to what specification. Given that many of the existing dwellings do not comply with the standard AS3059, the Protection Zones may not be the appropriate width or able to be provided for (given management issues/constraints), such as to prevent house ignition by ember attack, radiant heat and flame contact during a worst case scenario bushfire. For such areas, it is recommended that a property fire assessment is undertaken to specifically assess the need for additional protection measures. 3. Management Issue Codes are as follows: MR = Existing PZ meets or exceeds requirements S = Slopes in excess of 18 degrees. Clearing or maintenance of PZ may lead

to erosion or soil stabilization issues. OCV = ‘Of Concern Vegetation’ in the vicinity. Clearing should not be

undertaken without a thorough environmental assess assessment to assess possible impacts on the protected vegetation community.

TF = ’Threatened Flora’ record in the vicinity. Clearing should not be undertaken without a thorough environmental assessment to assess possible impacts on the protected species.

RA = Restoration Area. Check to make sure that PZ clearing is not inconsistent with restoration objectives for the site.

R = Riparian vegetation (i.e. sensitive vegetation). SFR = Short Fire Run. Existing fire run affecting the property is less than 50m.

Thus the hazard is assessed as lower than what otherwise would be the case.

LHV = Low Hazard Vegetation. Vegetation formation is unlikely to cause a significant risk to property given its characteristics and likely bushfire behavior i.e. wetland, riparian, or structure modified vegetation.

LRV = Low Risk Vegetation. The vegetation is an isolated patch (>100m) of less _ than 1ha and as such is assessed as low to no risk.

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