Bushfire Hazard Mapping of the Perisher Range Resorts
Bushfire protection policy in NSW is dominated by a requirement to comply with the document Planning for Bushfire Protection. This document was, however prepared initially as a guideline for consent authorities and developers, and is fraught with inadequacies where the alpine areas are concerned. In order to address these problems, the NSW Department of Planning commissioned nghenvironmental to prepare detailed mapping of bushfire hazards affecting development in the Perisher Range area. This was undertaken with a view to preparing a Development Control Plan that could be deemed by the Rural Fire Service, streamlining the process for developers to identify and respond appropriately to the level of bushfire attack likely to affect buildings in the alpine area.
nghenvironmental prepared bushfire hazard maps for each of the Perisher Range resorts (Perisher Valley, Guthega and Smiggin Holes), using GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Detailed slope and vegetation maps were produced from which estimates of likely bushfire behavior in different parts of the resorts could be made. Because of the environmental sensitivity of the Perisher Range area, which is located in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park, the maps were also used to predict the types of impact that could occur as a result of clearing around the resorts to provide bushfire protection.
Bushfire Assessment and Planning
nghenvironmental have also prepared numerous Bushfire Protection Assessments for a range of proposals including subdivisions and Special Protection developments such as child care centres, hospitals and housing for the elderly and tourist developments. Bushfire protection requirements can have a significant impact on the development potential of an area of land, therefore there is often a need to work closely with the developer throughout the planning process to ensure that the proposal can meet the strict requirements of the Rural Fire Service.
