Agenda Item 3.3

Progress Update Telstra’s consultants (Acquirecomm) have advised that: East Warburton

- They have selected 3X potential sites in Hazelwood Road.

- Are currently negotiating with property owners regarding compensation.

- Will be meeting with Technical Stakeholders.

- Finalising the Legal agreement.

- Expect to submit a Planning Application late March 2016. Steels Creek

- They have selected a site at 305 Pinnacle Lane.

- Are arranging a lease agreement with the property owner.

- Will undertake design and engineering assessments.

- Will need to negotiate a Commercial Lease to allow access to data.

- Then will be submitting a Planning Application to Council. Recommendations: That the MFMPC:

“Note the report.”

Report Title: Mobile Phone Towers – Steels Creek & East Warb.

Agency: YRC

Officer: Glenn Hunt

Contact Number: 9294 6761

Meeting Date: 9 March 2016

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC)

Yarra Ranges

Report

Happy new year from the Risk Intelligence team!

2016 is underway and planned, regular monitoring of the VFRR-B is critical to keep the data relevant

and up-to-date. VFRR-B data supports and informs planning but is not limited to Municipal Fire

Management Plans. Several organisations, government departments and agencies rely on the VFRR-

B data to prioritise mitigation, inform policy and develop emergency management plans.

As your MFMPC set meeting dates for 2016, consider two meetings that are scheduled prior to 01

July 2016 and add ‘VFRR-B review’ to each agenda as well as notifying the Risk Intelligence team of

these dates. In the first meeting the MFMPC is required to follow the VFRR-B Review Flowchart and

Checklist to review the latest data via VFRR-B Online or download outputs from Dropbox. Members

of the MFMPC may also choose to consult with their colleagues first to identify and collate

suggested edits and act as the representative from their agency.

Once the MFMPC have completed the review they will identify that there were:

no changes and the decline letter will be sent to CFA Risk Intelligence Team Leader

minimal changes that can be completed via VFRR-B Online or

significant changes that require a facilitated review. The CFA Risk Intelligence team should

be contacted to confirm their attendance is required at the next MFMPC meeting.

The Victorian Built Environment Risk Assessment Process (V-BERAP) is scheduled to commence a

three year implementation from July 2016. It would be in the best interest of the MFMPC to review

the VFRR-B data earlier in the year to ensure that the focus is then dedicated to assessing risk in the

built environment. There will be more information about V-BERAP in coming months.

A schedule of CFA activities has been developed and approved by the State Fire Management

Planning Committee (SFMPC) to provide guidance to councils to align the review of VFRR-B,

Neighbourhood Safer Places, Community Information Guides and Fire Prevention activity to

Integrated Fire Management Planning. Even though the schedule states that VFRR-B reviews should

be completed by 31 August, our team is encouraging reviews for 2016 are completed prior to 01 July

where possible. Although still available, Risk Intelligence resources will be prioritised to implement

V-BERAP in the second half of the year.

CFA Risk Intelligence is here to support you, so please feel free to make contact via

riskintelligence@cfa.vic.gov.au if you have any questions or concerns.

“The nature of emergency-related risk changes over time. This includes shifting of priorities,

perception and culture. As a result, the risk assessment needs to be updated regularly to ensure

that it is current and the recommended priorities remain relevant”. (NERAG, V2.0, June 2014)

Agenda Item 4.2

Subject: PRINT FOR MFMPC - Update from Wandin North Primary School meeting

Meeting held at Wandin North Primary School on the 5th October, re bushfire risk to their school and options for mitigating that. I called the meeting on behalf of the Shire of Yarra Ranges Municipal Fire Management Planning committee, as the next step in responding to the Friends of Picnic Hill Bushland Reserve’s concerns over Asset Protection Zone burning regime on the site. In attendance was:- Dee (School principal), Stuart Brain (Dept of Education North East Region Manager Operations and Emergency Management), Don Tomkins (CFA Ops Officer), Sharon Merritt (CFA VMO), Dave Carr (Yarra Ranges Council – Fire Management) Dave Henry (Vic Roads) Leigh Hender (DELWP – Yarra District) One of the main objectives was to do a desk top evaluation of the combined bushfire risk surrounding the school, based on land tenure. Plus to see what the School’s plans are in relation to risk mitigation and how they will respond on bad days. Dave Henry (Vic Roads) explained that they view this stretch of Warburton Hwy as a priority, based on a report they have from Terra Matrix. As a result of this, they have carried out risk tree work and removal of elevated fuels to enable slashing along Warburton Hwy from the intersection with Maroondah Hwy and Victoria Road, just east of the School. Annual slashing is carried out along the Highway. Dave Carr (Yarra Ranges Council), explained that they have carried out roadside fuel management works along Boundary Rd and the unused road reserve of Victoria Road, to the north of Picnic Hill Bushland Reserve. The total length of Victoria Rd has been completed over the last 8 years. Annual slashing is carried out on all local roads. Dee (School Principal) explained their plans for responding to a fire emergency located within the school buildings, and also in relation to a bushfire. She was concerned that the planned burning regime in Picnic Hill Bushland Reserve will be reduced in place of conservation objectives. Further conversation pointed out that with greater reduction of risk surrounding the school, this concern should be addressed, plus the main risk to the school from Picnic Hill is bark hazard, which doesn’t necessarily need an APZ cycle. Stuart (Dept of Education) explained that there are a number of officers who support the Regional Emergency Management manager by monitoring emergency web sites for the fire season. When anyone becomes aware of an incident they pass it on. The Regional Director is the only person who can approve the closure of a school unless there is imminent danger and then the principal would contact the Emergency Management manager to consult. Bushfire risk mitigation is primarily the responsibility of the school with support from the DE&T’s Emergency Management Division and the Emergency Management manager in each region.

Agenda Item 4.2

CFA are planning to send one of their reps to the school to go over their bushfire management plan, and assist them in identifying risks and come up with mitigation options. In addition to that, Sharon will look at the fuel loads on private property to the south-west of the school, to see if there is any need to manage fuel loads. We took a walk around the school property and identified small, localised risk in terms of fluffy Messmates (bark hazard), or particular trees near buildings that would pose a risk from catching alight. Actions for DELWP and PV:-

To consider further the option to change zoning in the reserve and whether this would meet the overall intent of the meeting. In consultation with local park staff and their knowledge of the flora values in the reserve. Also to consider the option of doing a band of fuel modification works along Warburton Hwy to assist in risk mitigation if we go to Bushfire Moderation Zoning. Ground truth any control line options. Lastly, to see if there is anything further re bushfire risk we need to look at on Picnic Hill Bushland Reserve south of the Highway.

To meet with the Friends of Picnic Hill Bushland Reserve and advise them of this meeting and its outcomes. Negotiate an agreed outcome.

To follow up concerns raised by the school over the quarry and carpark area next to the school re land tenure, jurisdiction and risk management.

Dave Van Bockel Ranger in Charge – Fire & Emergency Operations Dandenong Ranges & Yarra Ranges District – Melbourne Region T (03) 9760 1504 I M 0418 361 913 E david.vanbockel@parks.vic.gov.au Parks Victoria 1A Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke VIC 3789 www.parks.vic.gov.au

Agenda Item 4.4

MFMPC Meeting 9 March 2016 Page 1 of 2

Progress Update The Living with Bushfire Community Conference 2016 (LWB16) organising committee provides the following progress update:

The organising committee has commenced meetings to plan the conference.

An Expression of Interest has been sent to community groups and leaders to recruit community representation on the organising committee.

Box Hill Institute Lilydale Lakeside Campus has partnered with the MFMPC to host LWB16 on 7 & 8 October 2016.

Box Hill Institute will host the web page. The URL will be www.boxhill.edu.au/bushfireconference2016 . The page is currently being built.

The conference logo and branding has been finalised and is ready to be shared. I will email files for agencies to share via email and social media platforms. The logo will increase brand recognition for the conference as it moves around the state on an annual basis.

An Expression of interest will go out by 16 March 2016 calling for abstracts from those interested in presenting at LWB16.

A communications and marketing plan is being developed and will be finalised and shared after the next organising committee meeting on 15 March.

Tickets prices are confirmed to be $20 per day, including all refreshments and lunch. This price has been heavily subsidised by the generosity of the MFMPC and Box Hill Institute. The low cost is designed to make LWB16 accessible to all community members.

Ticket sales will open via Eventbrite on the www.boxhill.edu.au/bushfireconference2016 web page from 7 July 2016.

Report Title: Living with Bushfire Community Conference 7 & 8 October 2016

Agency: YRC

Officer: Andrea Wright on behalf of organising committee

Contact Number: 9294 6269

Meeting Date: 9 March 2016

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC)

Yarra Ranges

Report

Agenda Item 4.4

MFMPC Meeting 9 March 2016 Page 2 of 2

Themes and topics are being finalised at the committee meeting on 15 March. Our draft theme/purpose statement for LWB16 is “working together for a safer future – preparing for current and future challenges”.

Small Business Victoria has confirmed that they can run a “crisis planning for business” workshop at the conference.

Recommendations: That the MFMPC:

1. Note this progress report, 2. Provide the organising committee with ideas for speakers,

workshops or presentations by 30 April 2016. Programming is to be confirmed by 30 May 2016.

3. Provide the organising committee with any feedback, concerns or ideas at any time via email to a.wright@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Agenda Item 5.1

Yarra Ranges Council

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC)

Report Title: Shelter Options Sub-Committee - March 2016 Update

Agency: MEMPC Subsidiary

Officer: Luke Roy (Chair)

Contact Number: 9294 6833

Report:

The Shelter Options Sub-Committee (SOSC) are due to meet in April 2016. No meetings have taken place prior to the last MFMPC / MEMPC meetings. Updates by SOSC: 1. Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) Reviews:

Belgrave Alexanders Car Park & Seville Recreation Reserve (Northern Oval) have been designated and established in line with the NSP plan. Seville site has been formally Gazetted through DEWLP in February as the land is crown land, managed by council.

Gruyere Recreation Reserve was approved subject to prescriptions on surrounding land Residents were unwilling to sign the necessary prescriptions as the grasslands are part of their livelihood. The majority of the summer would see these sites cut and maintained, but not during initial stages of FDP when curing hay. Site may be used by some residents informally as a result.

Gladysdale Primary School was assessed to meet the requirements with a number of prescriptions on surrounding land holders. Principal now reviewing DEED of Consent requirements with Department of Education. Expected that this NSP will not be established during the current fire season.

Upper Yarra Dam (main car park) has been withdrawn from the NSP Portal as 24x7 access cannot be guaranteed due to security concerns. This is a shared location with Parks Victoria and a Melbourne Water treatment facility.

No NSP’s have been reported as “used for bushfire shelter” during the current FDP. 2. NSP work happening with MAV and EMV regarding terminology, with a proposal awaiting

sign-off to change from "Bushfire Neighbourhood Safer Place - Place of Last Resort" to a more simplified language - "Bushfire - Place of Last Resort". This also links in with proposed changes to signage both at the location and directional signage for townships. This is currently sitting with EMV and the minister. Suggestions are that existing sites would not change signage – but new sites would include new signage once endorsed. Yarra Ranges Council holds a number of unused signs “in stock”.

Agenda Item 5.1

3. Community Fire Refuges (CFR) Review

Millgrove Community Fire Refuge was officially opened by the minister on Dec 13, 2015. To date, the site has not been activated as a CFR. The CFR is primarily purposed as the Wesburn/Millgrove Fire Station.

John Mealia and David Baker that were looking after the CFR sites and project deliveries have both left EMV.

Lavers Hill will be the 5th CFR site in the state and a joint CFA/SES building, and no plans for any other CFR’s have been suggested for Victoria.

No CFRs have been reported as “used for bushfire shelter” during the current FDP.

Recommendation for MEMPC: Nil.

Agenda Item 6.2

Progress Update Telstra’s consultants (Service Stream) have advised that:

- The Telstra mobile telecommunications facility (Mobile Phone Tower) is to be located at 3045 Warburton Hwy, Millgrove.

- Service Stream is currently in the procurement stage for the

construction of the facility and is expected to start works on site by June 2016.

- Completion of construction and commissioning of the facility should be

around September 2016.

- Please do not hesitate to contact us in the middle of the year to review progress of this site.

Recommendations: That the MFMPC:

“Note the report.”

Report Title: Mobile Phone Tower – Millgrove

Agency: YRC

Officer: Glenn Hunt

Contact Number: 9294 6761

Meeting Date: 9 March 2016

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC)

Yarra Ranges

Report

Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board

ABN 28 598 558 561

South East Metro Region Office Eastern and Southern Districts 100 Atherton Road Oakleigh Victoria Australia 3166

Telephone: +61 3 9665 4525 Facsimile: +61 3 9563 4201 www.mfb.vic.gov.au

Page 1 of 2

March 2016

MEMPC Yarra Ranges Shire Council P.O. Box 105, Anderson Street Lilydale, VIC 3140

MFB Agency Report

Recent Statistics

July 2015 to January 2016.

MFB has attended 54 calls in Yarra Ranges from July 2015 to January 2016. Types of calls attended:-

2 Structure fires

13 Non structure fires

9 Medical responses

19 Incidents

1 Hazardous material

5 False alarms

Page 2 of 2

Community Engagement

Fire Ed – on duty MFB firefighters provide free fire safety education to prep and year 6 primary school children. The MFB deliver the program to 3 schools within the City of Yarra Ranges.

V-BERAP Project

The Victorian Built Environment Risk Assessment Process - (V-BERAP) Guideline defines a robust built environment emergency risk management process for structure fire and hazardous materials in Victoria. Some benefits include:

Comprehensive risk management process, underpinned by ISO31000 and

National Emergency Risk Assessment Guideline (NERAG)

Supported by data and evidence

Improved understanding of drivers of risk by all stakeholders

Targeted and tailored risk treatment management across all stakeholder

groups

Comparable risk assessment across different hazard types

Treatment planning, management and stakeholder accountability

Focuses attention towards real risk rather than perceived risk and focuses on

treatment management rather than risk assessment for the purposes of plan

development

Since the last report V-BERAP has been endorsed as the definitive risk assessment tool for structure fire in the built environment and a V-BERAP pilot has been completed in The City of Whitehorse with the outcomes endorsed by the MEMPC. V-BERAP pilot workshops are still proceeding in other LGA’s and should be completed by June 30 this year V-BERAP/VERMS is in the latest MFB corporate plan and we are committed to rolling it out to the state by 2018/19. The project team are about to engage a supplier to develop the IT solution (VERMS) The CFA have committed to supporting the process with funding and resource allocation and the MFB Community Development team and CFA Risk Intelligence team have formulated a close working relationship with data sharing arrangements. Regards, Tony McCoy | Commander Community Resilience | Eastern District South East Metro Region Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board 100 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, VIC, 3166. T: (03) 9665 4435 | M: 0438 556 401 | QD: 57463