Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee
Attachments
For the meeting to be heldWednesday, 18 November 2020
Margaret River Council Chambers41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
Commencing at 6.00pm
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DFES LSW REGIONAL OPERATIONS CENTRE 27 AUGUST 2020
MINUTES – 03/2020
ITEM 1 PRESENT
Allan Guthrie, LSW Chair & CBFCO City of Busselton
Phil Brandrett, Superintendent LSW
Greg Feeney, Chief Superintendent Country South
Chris Payne, DBFCO City of Busselton
Todd Ridley, CESM Shire of Manjimup David Holland, CBFCO Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
Adam Jasper, CESM Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
Donna Virgo, A/DO Nelson
Greg Kennedy, CBFCO, Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
Hugh Browne, AVBFB Zone Rep
Ben Anderson, BRPC, Shires of Manjimup, Boyup Brook and Dardanup
Todd Johnson, DBFCO City of Busselton
Ron Bingham, DBFCO Shire of Boyup Brook
Max Walker, CBFCO Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
Brad Wren, DBFCO Shire of Manjimup Leigh Fletcher, A/CESM Shire of Nannup
Jess Cooper, CESM Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
Ryan Butler, DBCA P & W South West Region
Lyndon Pearce, CESM Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
Russell Wells, Bushfire Centre of Excellence (Guest)
Rebecca Lewtas, Administration Officer (Notetaker)
APOLOGIES
Paul Ryan, Assistant Commissioner Country
John Patman, DBFCO Shire of Nannup
Greg Hodgson, FPC Chris Doherty, DBFCO Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
Andrew Hunt, A/CESM City of Busselton
Blake Moore, CESM City of Busselton
Remo Pessotto, CBFCO Shire of Manjimup
Peter Bamess, DBCA P & W Warren Region
Attachment 7.1.1
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Robin Mellema, CBFCO Shire of Nannup
Tristan Mead, CBFCO, Shire of Boyup Brook
Oscar Negus, DBFCO City of Busselton Brad Barr, FIFWA
ITEM 2 WELCOME
Meeting opened at 1000hrs
The Chair, Allan Guthrie welcomed everyone. Also welcome to Russell Wells, Bushfire Centre of Excellence.
ITEM 3 ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Recommendation: that the minutes of the previous meeting (26 June 2020) be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Ron Bingham Seconded: Brad Wren
CARRIED
3.1 ACTION ITEMS
ITEM 4 BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
• App for TFB’s, etc. for the general public to access – PB will speak later on this item
ITEM 5 RURAL FIRE DIVISION
Russell Wells, Bushfire Centre of Excellence
• Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS): o National Project commenced over three phases (Feasibility,
Development and Implementation) in 2014, with the system and ratings developed from 2016 – 2019.
o Project is now commencing the implementation phase. DFES is initiating a change management program to oversee the implementation of the AFRDS in WA.
o Stakeholders such as the Bureau of Meteorology, DBCA and WALGA are heavily engaged in the change management program. A survey has been sent to LGs to complete and assist with considering future needs.
o The new AFDRS is expected to be rolled out across Australia by June 2022. The new system includes more comprehensive methods of calculating fire danger and is based on 8 fuel types instead of 2.
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• Volunteer Bush Fire Service Training Advisory Group (VBFSTAG): o VBFSTAG currently being formed and will have 1 x representative from
each region, nominated by respective ROAC/DOAC along with 2 x AVBFB representatives for the State.
o VBFSTAG is chaired by Superintendent Training, BCoE, and predominantly deals with Bushfire CoE. Recommendations can be forwarded from VBFSTAG into the all-services Volunteer Training Advisory Group (VTAG), chaired by Chief Superintendent Learning and Development.
(See Appendix 1)
ITEM 6 REPORTS
6.1 DFES Superintendent Lower South West
Phil Brandrett
COVID-19
• Region is reviewing our capacity of active volunteers that may attend alarm calls to aged care and health facilities where entry requires mandatory flu vaccine
• Reviewing and updating our continuity plans to ensure they can be adaptable to a second COVID wave
• Operational Area Support Group (OASG) fortnightly meetings still ongoing coordinated by South West Health (Bunbury)
LSW Structure
• The region welcomes the new CESM Bridgetown-Greenbushes – Lyndon Pearce. Lyndon is a long serving member of Yornup Bushfire Brigade, an FCO & Deputy Chief. He has served time in the ADF and WA Police Service before working at the Greenbushes Talison Mine site as a Process Trainer where he has developed his trainer assessor skills to improve safety systems within the mine. He has also been a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at the mine.
Mitigation
Two BRMO’s for the LSW Shires have submitted the following report:
UCL/UMR Mitigation Funding Allocation
• The 2020/2021 State budget was capped at $4.5m. • The regional spreadsheets have been reviewed with priority awarded to
Extreme and Very High risk rated treatments. • LSW planned works will need to be reviewed to align with the approved
budget allocation.
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• 2020/2021 Requested $300,000 – Approved Allocation $239,550. • All DFES contractors will need to provide current Certificate of Insurance prior
to commencement of works. • BCOE approved training Video provided by BRMO’s on “Mop Up” procedures
to be part of the new “Introduction to Bushfire” course. Note: LSW Volunteers from Manjimup and Boyup Brook were utilised in this video.
DFES Quoted costs per Shire, reprioritisation will be required, due to reduced funding.
• Augusta-Margaret River $111,500 • Boyup Brook $39,051 • Bridgetown-Greenbushes $26,100 • City of Busselton $47,000 • Donnybrook-Balingup $29,400 • Manjimup $95,150 • Nannup $5,000
Cadets
• Nominations for the DFES Youth Programs Senior Cadet Leadership camp closed on 17 August 2020 with 42 nominations received from across the state. There were 20 successful nominees.
• Cadets will learn hand on emergency services skills in a challenging environment outside their normal comfort zone. This is a great opportunity for proactive young leaders to learn some new skills, meet other cadets from around our state and develop their leadership potential.
• The following cadets from the LSW region have been successful in gaining a place and have been notified by email.
o Brielle Hunt Dunsborough BFB o Harrison Scott Nannup BFB o Jennifer Sperrer Kangaroo Gully BFB o Sophie Boswell Bridgetown High School Emergency Service Cadet
Corp o Kieran Kotulla Mullalyup BFB
FES Conference
Friday & Saturday, 16th & 17th October. Nominations are open.
Forums
• VFRS Office Bearers forum Nelson District 12th September • Interagency Pre-season Forum (WAPOL, DFES, DBCA, SJA) 3rd December
6.2 DFES Chief Superintendent Country South
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Greg Feeney
• Questions? Nil
6.3 Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades
(Representative) Hugh Browne
No report
6.4 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions
6.4.1 Warren Region
(Read by Ryan Butler)
• Prescribed Burning o Planning for the upcoming 2020/21 annual burn program has
been completed at regional level and is being prepared by districts for implementation once conditions are suitable. The burns are for a variety of purposes including townsite protection, silviculture, biodiversity management and broad scale fuel reduction. Notable burns include Cascades, directly adjacent to Pemberton Giblett adjacent to the Karri valley Resort and the Keystone burn adjacent to the Walpole Townsite.
o There continues to be ongoing debate with sections of the community regarding the benefits of prescribed burning. The Department will continue to engage with these groups and advocate the importance of this activity in bushfire mitigation.
o The Regional Fuel Management Plan under the Departments Bushfire Risk Management Framework has been completed and is awaiting endorsement.
6.4.2 South West Region
Ryan Butler
(See appendix 2)
6.5 Plantation Manager
Brad Barr
No report
6.6 Volunteer Advisory Group (VAG)
6.6.1 Volunteer Pathways Advisory Group (VPAG)
(No Report)
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ITEM 7 BUSHFIRE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
David Holland, Representative for LSW ROAC
(See appendix 3)
• Re: old fire units. Get vehicles back to region as response vehicles, not emergency vehicles (remove blue & red lights, replace with yellow)
• Could be used on incident ground for sector commander • Brad Delavale project in fleet – plan to grow. Intent of the new Collie
facility to house these appliances. ITEM 8 BUSHFIRE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE - VOLUNTEER BUSHFIRE
SERVICE TRAINING ADVISORY GROUP (VBSTAG) Allan Guthrie (See Appendix 1)
• Representative required from each ROAC
ITEM 9 BUSHFIRE MITIGATION
9.1 BRPC Capes
Andrew Hunt – no report
9.2 BRPC South
Ben Anderson
Bush Fire Risk Management Plans: • City of Bunbury Plan endorsed May 2020 • Shire of Cranbrook BRM Plan is about 10% complete.
Since Last Meeting: • Shire of Cranbrook started in the Bushfire Risk Management Program July
2020. • Finished helping LG’s to submit MAF applications for 2020-2021 Round 1. • Acquitted Shire of Nannup’s MAF 2019-2020. • Assist shire of Harvey (BRPC) with MAF application 2020-2021 Round 2.
On the Horizon:
• Mapping Assets for shire of Cranbrook. • Mapping medium to low risk assets in BRMS for the City of Bunbury &
Dardanup. • Carry on mapping low / medium assets in BRMS for the shires of Boyup
Brook, Donnybrook-Balingup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes & Manjimup. • Assisting with planned burn prescriptions for Dardanup, Bunbury.
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• Assisting Leigh (CESM Nannup) to enter treatments for MAF 2020-2021 round 2.
Lower South West: Funds Received $ 869,308 - Total Treatments 121 – MW Total Ha = 91.9 – Total Km = 40.7 – PB Total Ha = 661.6
South West: Funds Received $ 787,948 - Total Treatments 75 – MW Total Ha = 50.2 – Total Km = 12.5 – PB Total Ha = 46
Summary Funds Received $ 1,672,056 - Total Treatments 196 – MW Total Ha = 142.1 – Total Km = 53.2 – PB Total Ha = 707.6
9.3 BRMO LSW
Joy Hamlyn
(Tabled report; read by Phil Brandrett, Superintendent)
ITEM 10 LSW TRAINING
Donna Virgo
(Tabled report; read by Phil Brandrett Superintendent LSW)
2020 Regional Training Calendar
Please see current courses available to BFB volunteers for the remainder of 2020, on eAcademy2.0. If you have any training needs or require DFES trainer assessors, please contact either your DFES Manager/CESM or me.
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LSW 2020 Regional Training Plan COVID-19 Resumption of Training Plan 1 May 2020
DFES LSW Training courses were reviewed due to the ceasing of face to face training due to COVID-19. We are only conducting essential fire training for brigades that are under profile. We are focusing on mandatory training for VFRS and if places are available, BFB volunteers will be able to attend to meet maximum participant numbers. Some courses have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for 2021 due to availability of trainer assessors.
2021 Training Needs Analysis
Please discuss your training needs at the brigade level with your CESM/BFB training Coordinator. DFES LSW staff are in the process of completing their VFRS and SES Training Needs Analysis and will compile the 2021 training calendar by December 2020. The courses will then be created and available for nomination on eAcademy 2.0 three months prior to the course start date.
ITEM 11 OPERATIONAL ITEMS
11.1 Aircraft being supplied for this season? Aircrane is only challenge atm – from USA, challenges with restrictions of COVID-19
11.2 Large air tanker – still under negotiations 11.3 Fixed wing – BAU 11.4 Line scanner will be available 11.5 Mid-band radios link – will not be switched off (Joint ROAC 2019
item)
ITEM 12 OPERATIONAL AND SAFETY CIRCULARS
(See Appendix 4 - 10)
ITEM 13 CHIEF’S REPORTS
13.1 Augusta-Margaret River – David Holland
Operational Incidents/issues:
• 1 Responses since last meeting: 0 Landscape Fires / 0 call of concern from public, 1 Structure fire 0 other/rubbish/vehicle/special service.
Training Courses conducted:
• Bushfire Safety Awareness. (updated content)
Administration / Procedures
• The 2019/20 Mitigation Activity Fund has now been finalised. The 2019/2020 Mitigation Activity Funds were mainly used for mechanical works as planned burning activities were greatly reduced due to the impact of Covid-19.
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• New application for 2020/21 has been submitted and has been approved by the Rural Fire Division. Shire of AMR risk register has been completed with planning and treatments being developed for these assets, based on the rating achieved, i.e. the assets with the highest risk rating will be treated with a higher priority.
• Due to the Covid 19 issues, Brigades stopped all training and meetings. Turnout procedures were developed to ensure that only a minimum number of crew numbers would respond to an incident in the first instance. With the easing of Covid restrictions, Brigades have mostly returned to normal practices now, however with enhanced hygiene practices.
• We were pleased to welcome Quentin Blunsdon to the position of Deputy Chief for the Shire at our BFAC that was held last week. He replaces Brett Trunfull who served in that position for nearly seven years.
Appliances / Facilities:
• Appliance replacement program for this year to include, Wallcliffe 3.4 and Light Tankers for Witchcliffe, Wallcliffe and Rosa Brook. Wallcliffe have received their 3.4. The Light Tanker replacement program has settled on a new design to replace the existing appliance type and the rollout of these vehicles is expected to occur later this year.
• Received confirmation that new Karridale 3.4 build has started
Bush Fire Risk Planning / Mitigation
• Shire reserve list was disseminated to all brigades for prioritising. Funding was allocated to the priorities that were deemed appropriate.
• The 2019/2020 Mitigation Activity Funds were mainly used for mechanical works as planned burning activities were greatly reduced due to the impact of Covid-19.
• The 2019/20 Mitigation Activity Fund has now been finalised and acquittal process is underway. New application for 2020/21 has now been submitted and is awaiting approval from Rural Fire Division. Shire of AMR risk register has now been completed and planning and treatments are being developed for those assets based on the rating achieved.
13.2 Boyup Brook – Tristan Mead (Read by Ron Bingham)
• 2 major house fires (town) – completely destroyed • Replacement of McAlinden 2.4. • Specifications. Settled for new appliance
13.3 Bridgetown-Greenbushes – Greg Kennedy
• Nomination for GK accepted by shire • Lyndon Pearce is new CESM for the shire • 2 requests for assistance – house fire & an appliance (loaned a 2.4) • Mitigation funding – spraying underway • Brigades AGM’s
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• FCO training & refreshers • New designs for stations • 2 HS appliances – Kanga gully & Greenbushes
13.4 Busselton – Allan Guthrie
• We have been granted nearly %500k for mitigation work. • Two big burns planned
o Big Rock 75Hc – planned for Autumn. This has already had flash fuels reduced in July to hopefully make it easier to manage the burn.
o Meelup 230Hc – planned for Spring. o Both of these have high fuel loads and are within close proximity to
densely populated areas. This could be a major concern. All brigades will be needed to assist.
• 20 other smaller burns are also planned. o These above burns are all providing that the appropriate environmental
approvals are granted. • Training has recommenced with the brigades. • A continuing problem in the areas are the fact that Grass Trees are being
randomly lit along road verges at various times of day and night. • Blake Moore CESM, Todd Johnston (DBFCO) and I have attended all
brigade’s AGM’s this past few months. We have discussed such things as Crews for fires, Welfare of members, Downloading and using the Bart system. We discussed the 6 new training packages that Peter Stark and Todd Johnston have got off the ground and we would like the brigades to have done some of these before the fire season starts, particularly the Burn Over and Communications packages.
13.5 Donnybrook-Balingup – Max Walker
• Since last meeting at Margaret River we have had two fire reports. o Private burn SW Hwy Argyle – owner told to phone comms before
lighting. o Tractor fire – Collie Preston Road – electrical fault, $25,000 damage.
• Last week Munro Fire Station was broken into again. Hand-held radio and some tools were stolen.
• Beelerup Fire Station opening on 19th September 2020.
13.6 Manjimup – Remo Pessotto (Read by Brad Wren)
• 2 fires – side of road in Northcliffe & mill fire in Pemberton • Shire commencing AGM’s • Amalgamation of Middlesex & Jaree – now called Diamond BFB
13.7 Nannup – Robin Mellema (Read by Leigh Fletcher)
• Currently reviewing BRMP. It will be reflective of BVR Plan
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• AGM’s commencing • LGGS submission response. • Expecting 2 HS appliances
ITEM 14 GENERAL BUSINESS
14.1 Acknowledgement - Sandy Porteous from Hester Brook BFB has passed away.
14.2 ToR for VBSTAG – nominations. DH recommends a staffer. Could it be a CESM?
ACTION: Russell Wells to investigate & advise Allan Guthrie if CESM can be on the committee. Next meeting
14.3 Are the joint ROAC’s advantageous?
• To be discussed at next meeting (joint)
14.4 Deployment to USA being requested
ITEM 15 NEXT MEETING: (Joint ROAC – LSW hosting) 22nd October 2020 – Venue - Donnybrook
Meeting closed: 11:39hr
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CURRENT ACTION SHEET
As at 25th June 2020 – Meeting 2/2020 (Stay Margaret River)
DATE SERIAL ITEM NO. ACTION/RECOMMENDATION LGA/CBFCO DFES STAFF DUE
DATE/STATUS 25/06/2020 2 2.1 Thank you letter to Ashley Kidd (retiring
DCBFCO, Shire of Nannup) and Michael Campbell (retiring CBFCO, Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes) for their services to the community & their respective LGA’s.
Administration Officer
Completed
25/06/2020 7 7.1 Feedback – consolidation of Emergency Services Act. David Holland to liaise with Lauren (DFES/Premier & Cabinet liaison) to seek further information.
AMR CBFCO 27/8/20: Draft to be presented for comment; feedback taken on board.
Next Meeting (August 2020)
25/06/2020 7 7.1 Tablets to be installed in Appliances. David Holland to take suggestion to BOC.
AMR CBFCO 27/8/20: Business case is being developed.
Next Meeting (August 2020)
25/06/2020 13 13.3 DFES Media & the reviewing of Emergency WA website. David Holland to raise with BOC the unusual weather events for this time of year & the communications around these events.
AMR CBFCO 27/8/20: Extension of Fire Season.
Next Meeting (August 2020)
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 2
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Appendix 3
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Appendices 4 - 10
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Maintenance of Road Verge Vegetation on Local Access Roads within Bushfire Risk Areas
Shire of Augusta Margaret River 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River 6285 | T (08) 9780 5255 | F (08) 9757 2512 | amrshire.wa.gov.au
Information Sheet - Maintenance of Road Verge Vegetation on Local Access Roads within Bushfire Risk Areas
August 2020
Guideline – Maintenance of Road Verge Vegetation on Local Access Roads within Bushfire Risk Areas.
Introduction During bushfire emergencies the local road network plays a vital role in allowing the safe egress of residents and tourists and provides access for emergency services.
People living within high bushfire risk areas must have a bushfire survival plan and, if they are planning to evacuate during a bushfire emergency, they must do so early, well before any fire impacts the roads upon which they are travelling.
However, experience demonstrates that this is not always the case and there will almost certainly be circumstances where the public will use the road network during fire emergencies. Additionally, emergency services will be using the road network to effect rescues and undertake suppression activities. It is crucial that we maintain our road network in a manner that provides a level of bushfire resilience appropriate to the bushfire risk rating of the locality in which they are constructed and/or servicing.
Improving the resilience of our road reserves by appropriate vegetation management may lead to a reduction in the overall Risk Rating assigned within our Bushfire Risk Management System to assets abutting the roadway, by improving the Vulnerability Rating assigned to these assets.
Objectives The objectives of managing road verge vegetation are:
• Containing the spread of fire within the road verge by reducing the available fuel loads.• Managing the safety of road users by increasing the resilience of the road to bushfire impact.• Provision of control lines for fire suppression activities by providing a minimal fuel loading area
to provide safe anchor points.
Treatment Types A range of treatment options may be used to achieve the objectives of this Guideline. Options include:
• Mechanical treatments. Removal of fallen trees and branches. Removal of hazardous trees andtree limbs that are dead, diseased, defective and have the potential to fall onto and block theroad during a bushfire event. Removal of fine fuels, grasses and shrubs.
• Fuel reduction burning. Introduction of prescribed fire to reduce surface and near surface fuels.• Chemical treatments. The application of herbicides for localised control of weeds by hand or
small machinery.
Attachment 7.4.1
Maintenance of Road verge Vegetation on Local Access Roads within Bushfire Risk Areas
Shire of Augusta Margaret River 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River 6285 | T (08) 9780 5255 | F (08) 9757 2512 | amrshire.wa.gov.au Shire of Augusta Margaret River 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River 6285 | T (08) 9780 5255 | F (08) 9757 2512 | amrshire.wa.gov.au
Identifying Environmental, Cultural and Heritage Values While the overriding priority for the implementation of mitigation strategies is the protection of human life, vegetation treatments should be selected with regard to relevant environmental, cultural, heritage and amenity values. When selecting treatment locations and types, the practitioner should undertake a range of actions to ensure that the treatments align with Federal, State and Local Government laws and regulations and with organisational and community expectations. These actions may include:
• Undertaking a desktop survey for the occurrence of threatened or endangered flora and fauna within or near the treatment area.
• Inspecting the treatment areas with suitably qualified persons to assist with determining environmental, cultural, heritage and amenity values.
• Obtaining any permits required to undertake the treatments. • Designing the treatments so that the level of impact falls below that which requires the granting
of environmental permits. • Implementing treatments in a manner that reduces the environmental impact. • Liaising with local landowners/occupiers with respect to the works.
Selection of Treatment Types and Locations Treatment locations must be within or abut assets identified within the Shire’s Bushfire Risk Management Plan as having a High, Very High or Extreme risk rating. The exception to this is when a road has been identified as servicing an at-risk community or providing a primary or secondary evacuation route. The treatment selection process should be as consultative as practicable. A plan detailing the scope of works, location, objectives and type of treatments shall be prepared. This may be in the form of a Prescribed Fire Plan. If fuel reduction burning is selected as a treatment type, a Prescribed Fire Plan (may be a generic plan) is to be developed that outlines the prescribed fire parameters under which a burn can take place, including maximum rate of spread, flame height, resource requirements, etc. Volunteer Fire Fighter safety is the highest priority. Where a prescribed burn may extend within private property due to the location of the internal fire break, the landowner must be consulted and grant approval for the works to be undertaken. For all works on or near a roadway, an appropriate Traffic Management Plan shall be developed and implemented.
Related Documents • Shire of Augusta Margaret River Bushfire Risk Management Plan • Infrastructure Policy 12 Bushfire Risk
Attachment 7.7.1
SAFETY Safety Procedures
Brief ground crews prior of pending ops Clear drop zone at 1 minute in-bound call Confirm drop zone is clear Ground crews re-enter on Ground Controller (GC) confirmation GC maintain contact with AAS throughout
Ground Crew Safety Brief
If you are caught in the drop zone: Move away from the fire line Don’t run or panic Watch out for ‘widow makers’ Place hand tools well clear Ensure your helmet is on and secured Watch your footing Wash thoroughly with cold water if you are hit Hazards Stags. Power lines. Winds. Smoke/low visibility. Terrain. Other aircraft
OPERATING CHANNELS Suppression
Busselton (Eastern half) – 640 (Duplex) Busselton west & Augusta Margaret River – 610 (Duplex) Donnybrook, Nannup & Bridgetown – 638 (Duplex)
Air Intelligence VHF 369
CALLSIGNS ‘[Incident] Ground Control’ ‘Bomber [Number]’
‘Air Attack [Number]’ ‘Helitak [Number]’
‘Air Intel’ STANDARD CALLS 5 minute inbound Acknowledge. Confirm strategies hazards
and use of foam
1 minute inbound Acknowledge and clear drop zone
FG3.5 BUSHFIRE GROUND CONTROL 1
V1.7
GROUND CONTROL OPERATING CHANNELS AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER
• North – 610 (duplex) • South – 610 (talkaround)
BOYUP BROOK • West – 638 (duplex) • East – 638 (talkaround)
BRIDGETOWN GREENBUSHES
• 638 (duplex)
BUSSELTON • East – 640 (duplex) • West – 610 (talkaround)
DONNYBROOK BAILINGUP
• 638 (duplex)
MANJIMUP • Manjimup – 622 (duplex) • Northcliffe – 545 (duplex) use talkaround if
unable • Walpole – 545 (duplex) to contact repeater
NANNUP • North – 638 (duplex) • South – 638 (talkaround)
FGX.X BUSHFIRE GROUND CONTROL LSW
VXX
Direct Attack Indirect Attack Combined Attack
Full Drop Restricted Drop
Roll Up Tag On
Tag On and Extend Spilt Load Drop
Line Building
Half On-Half Off
Early Drop Late
Drop
Gap
FG3.5 BUSHFIRE GROUND CONTROL 2
V1.7
CONTROL Anchor point Reference point to start or end a drop
Drift Lateral movement of a drop due to crosswind
Dummy Run Simulated run by AAS to indicate run to pilot
Lead-In Water Bomber to follow the AAS
Drop Length Distance of single drop on the ground
Head End Most forward end of the load on the ground
Tail End The aft end of the load on the ground
Load Width Width covered by a load on the ground
Recce A low pass to assess target area
TASKING Tag-on Connect the tail end of the load to a given point
Roll Up Connect the head end of the load to a given point
Parallel Drop Place load beside and touching a specific reference
Half On – Half Off Drop half the load covering the reference, half outside
Split Load Part load released, part load retained
Hold Hold the load and await further advice
Reload and Stay Return to base and cease bombing operations
Reload and Wait Return to base and await further instructions
Reload and Return
Return to base, reload and return to the fire
FEEDBACK Bullseye Indication of a drop placed exactly where required.
Early Drop was (or is planned to be) short of the anchor point
Late Drop was (or is planned to be) beyond the anchor point
Gap A weak or missed area in a retardant line
FG3.5 BUSHFIRE
GROUND CONTROL 3
V1.7
PRINCIPLES
Crew Safety • Brief ground crews • Clear fireline prior to authorising drop
Ground Control
• Appoint • Brief strategies, hazards and use of
foam Water Supply • Plan a water supply for air ops Comms • Include aerial suppression in comms
plan • Establish and maintain comms with
AAS/HS and IMT TASK DATA Aerial Suppression
Response Criteria Op Radius Public Safety • Primary Response
Area 120km
• Regional Operations >200km
Fire Behaviour Assets at Risk
Crew Safety Air Intelligence
Decision-Making • Initial Areaof Operations 120km
• Regional Operations >200km
Risk/Threat Planning
FG3.11 AIR OPERATIONS SUPPRESSION V1.0
GROUND CREW SAFETY BRIEF
Understand the aerial suppression strategy and how it affects your sector Maintain communications with the GC
Move off the fireline when directed to by the GC Return to the fireline when the ‘All Clear’ is received from the GC
If caught in the drop zone: • Ensure your helmet is on and secured • Move away from the fireline • Do not run or panic • Watch your footing Place hand tools well clear • Watch out for falling branches and debris • If hit by foam - wash thoroughly with cold water IDENTIFY HAZARDS TO PILOTS
Powerlines Turbulence or changing winds Stags/Tall trees Erratic or extreme fire behaviour
Towers Areas with low visibility
Other aircraft Terrain – especially steeply rising ground
FG3.11 AIR OPERATIONS AIR SAFETY V1.0
Parts of the (Yellow) Radio
To Talkaround
This is a Managed Function for use by Level 2 & 3 Radio Operators and Ground Controllers or when directed by the
Incident Controller
Activate Talkaround
Select the channel you require
Press Menu
Select ‘Radio Settings’
Select ‘Functions’
Select ‘Talkaround’
Select ‘On’
Press ‘Back’ until you return to the main screen
The talkaround symbol shows in the top left hand corner of the display
Deactivate Talkaround
To turn Talkaround off, you can
Change the channel, OR
Press ‘Menu’
Select ‘Radio Settings’
Select ‘Functions’
Select ‘Talkaround’
Select ‘Off’
Press ‘Back’ until you return to the main screen.
Radio Control Head Function Keys F1 – Dual Receive/Dual Transmit
Press once to select Dual Receive Mode
Press a second time to select dual transmit mode
Press a third time to return to Dual receive mode
Press and hold F1 to return to single Receive/Transmit mode
F2 – Shows GPS information
F3 – Toggles the band Changes between Bands – VHF & UHF when in Dual Receive/Dual Transmit Mode (F1)
Large Icon displayed identifies Fore Ground Band Channel
Small Icon displayed identifies Back Ground Band Channel
F4 – Scan This function is NOT to be used by Level 1 Radio Operators This is a Controlled and Managed function only to be used by Level 3 radio Operators
Microphone Control Head Function Keys
F1 – Dual Receive/Dual Transmit
Press once to select Dual Receive Mode
Press a second time to select dual transmit mode
Press a third time to return to Dual receive mode
Press and hold F1 to return to single Receive/Transmit mode
F2 – Shows GPS information
F3 – Toggles the band Changes between Bands – VHF & UHF when in Dual Receive/Dual Transmit Mode (F1)
Large Icon displayed identifies Fore Ground Band Channel
Small Icon displayed identifies Back Ground Band Channel
F4 – Scan This function is NOT to be used by Level 1 Radio Operators This is a Controlled and Managed function only to be used by Level 3 radio Operators
F5 and F6 keys Not assigned/programmed
Zone
Function Keys Zone / Group Selector
A Button – Talk around
Converts Duplex to Simplex
Channel
Zone / Group
Channel Group
B Button - High/Low
Power Setting
Switches between High and Low Power
1 DEC (DBCA) 501 - 553
2 WAERN 101 - 353
C Button – Direct
Channel Select
Press ‘C’ then enter 3 digits for the channel you require.
3 Simplex 354 - 369
D Button - Scan
Press once to scan current zone Press twice scan all zones Press again to cancel scan
4 WAERN 371 - 400
* Selcall number set
5 DEC (DBCA) 601 - 653
# Selcall Send
Augusta Margaret River LGA.Bush Fire Advisory Summer 2020
Attachment 7.10.1
BWD_057 Harrington, 2300ha
BWD_135 Milyeannup 8,800ha
Blackwood District Forest Fuel Ages
Planned burns around Margaret River
Spring 2020
Autumn 2020
Questions
DFES General Circular No: 196/2020 File: D15793
2 November 2020
SURVEY: DFES MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2021-2023
Your mental health and wellbeing matters!
To help promote positive mental health outcomes, DFES is developing a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023.
The intention of this Strategy and Action Plan is to support all DFES employees and emergency services volunteers from recruitment through to retirement, and will focus on:
• Prevention – activities that help reduce risk and minimise harm in relation tomental health.
• Mitigation – activities that help support you through your recovery journey ifyou are impacted by poor mental health.
• Promoting Thriving – activities that help optimise your wellbeing, grow yourpotential…allowing you to do more than just ‘survive’.
Your input will help us to get it right.
DFES Employees Please click here to answer 10 questions. This should only take 5 minutes. Alternatively, please enter the following URL in to your web browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFESEmployeeMHStrategySurvey
Emergency Services Volunteers Please click here to answer 10 questions. This should only take 5 minutes. Alternatively, please enter the following URL in to your web browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFESVolunteerMHStrategySurvey
Your participation is voluntary. All responses are confidential. Thank you in advance.
For more information, please contact Charlotte Hunter, Wellness Programs Coordinator on 9395 9874 or [email protected]
NANCY APPLEBY DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND SAFETY
Attachment 8.1.1
Target Audience: All DFES Staff and Volunteers
A B C D Vol O.I.C. is to communicate content to all relevant personnel under their command, discuss implications, and sign appropriate box above.Once completed Circulars shall be filed on station and forwarded to Information Resources at the end of each financial year.
OC-70-20 Issue Date: Valid Until: Contact: Bushfire Risk Management Branch
Page 1 of 1 Oct 2020 Oct 2021 [email protected]
OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR 71/2020
File: D18528
OCTOBER 2020
NEW PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN TEMPLATES – BASIC BURNS
Key MessageAll DFES staff and volunteers engaged in prescribed burning activities are to review andmake themselves conversant with SOP 3.5.17 – Prescribed Burning. Wheneverrequirements of these new templates are met, they must be utilised.
Why are we changing?The current basic prescription (PFP) template along with supporting documentation hasrecently been reviewed. Several improvements were identified and have been incorporatedinto this new Burn Plan (BP) document package. The new documents include a printableand editable PDF version.
What has changed?Because of the review outcomes, the following documents will be retired:
• DFES Basic Prescribed Fire Plan for use when burning-UCL-UMR and;• DFES Basic Prescribed Fire Plan for use when burning-Private-Property and;• DFES Prescribed Burn Reconnaissance Form.
What does this mean for me?Where a full prescription is not required, the following templates have been designed as atool for all DFES staff engaged in prescribed burning activities to use. These templatesensure a range of considerations are addressed during the planning phase, enablinginformed decision making. All volunteers engaged in prescribed burning activities are alsoencouraged to adopt these templates.
• DFES Burn Plan (BP) – Basic Prescription (For burns 5 hectares or less)• DFES Burn Plan (BP) Cover Sheet and;• DFES Burn Plan (BP) Reconnaissance Form
Where do I get further information?If you require further information, contact the UCL/UMR team at [email protected]
CRAIG WATERSDEPUTY COMMISSIONER OPERATIONS
Links: https://shared.dfes.wa.gov.au/forms/BushfireRiskManagementForms/DFES-Burn-Plan-Basic-For-Burns-5-hectares-or-less-Editable.pdf https://shared.dfes.wa.gov.au/forms/BushfireRiskManagementForms/DFES-Burn-Plan-Cover-Sheet-Editable.pdf https://shared.dfes.wa.gov.au/forms/BushfireRiskManagementForms/DFES-Burn-Plan-Reconnaissance-Form-Editable.pdf
Attachment 8.2.1
Community InvitationThank a Volunteer DayAn invitation to celebrate the contributions of our local volunteers The Shire of Augusta Margaret River would like to thank local volunteers for their contributions to the community. Please join us for a celebratory event in their honour, featuring the announcement of the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Refreshments, food and entertainment (including a YAC kid’s zone) will be provided at this free, family-friendly and wheelchair accessible event.
Prize DonationsLocal businesses are welcome to show their appreciation to volunteers by donating prizes for the award winners and the ever popular door raffl e.
Gratitude MessageWould you like to share a message of gratitude to our volunteers? Please email Community Development Offi cer Kim Rosenfeld on [email protected].
Event details:
Thursday 10 December 2020 6pm to 8pm
Margaret River HEART47 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
Please RSVP by Thursday, 3 December 2020
For further information or to RSVP contact Community Development Offi cer, Kim Rosenfeld on 08 9780 5233 or email [email protected].
PO Box 61, Margaret River WA 6285T (08) 9780 5255 F (08) 9757 2512
amrshire.wa.gov.au
Supported by the
Attachment 8.7.1