❓ A parliamentary question probes the environmental impact and community consultation surrounding firebreak construction near Frank Hann National Park, with the government defending the practice as necessary for wildfire management and supported by the community.
AnsweredQoN 2283Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What on-ground management actions have been taken to reduce the risk of wildfire around the Frank Hann National Park?
(2) Is it true that a series of strategic fire breaks have been constructed, from State Vermin Fence number 1 to 90 Mile Tank on the north side of the Lake King/Norseman Road, extending south to the Cascades area?
(3) Do these firebreaks require the chaining of native vegetation up to approximately 30 metres width for a distance of many tens of kilometres?
(4) What is the total area of native vegetation disturbed by the construction of these firebreaks?
(5) What is the environmental impact of their construction and what environmental approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority have been sought and/or obtained?
(6) How do firebreaks act to reduce the spread of wildfire when the regrowth that occurs after chaining produces a denser vegetation cover than existed prior to firebreak construction?
(7) Is it true that the construction of these firebreaks uproots lignotubers and leaves them lying on the land surface, thereby creating hazards for fire fighting vehicles trying to move through these firebreaks as a result of the post-chaining regrowth being so prolific as to often hide these large (up to 50cm) lignotubers?
(8) What community consultation has taken place with nearby farmers and other residents over this method of attempting to manage the fire hazard within the Frank Hann National Park?
(9) If consultation has occurred, what has been the reaction of farmers and other residents to these actions of the Department of Conservation and Land Management?
(2) Is it true that a series of strategic fire breaks have been constructed, from State Vermin Fence number 1 to 90 Mile Tank on the north side of the Lake King/Norseman Road, extending south to the Cascades area?
(3) Do these firebreaks require the chaining of native vegetation up to approximately 30 metres width for a distance of many tens of kilometres?
(4) What is the total area of native vegetation disturbed by the construction of these firebreaks?
(5) What is the environmental impact of their construction and what environmental approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority have been sought and/or obtained?
(6) How do firebreaks act to reduce the spread of wildfire when the regrowth that occurs after chaining produces a denser vegetation cover than existed prior to firebreak construction?
(7) Is it true that the construction of these firebreaks uproots lignotubers and leaves them lying on the land surface, thereby creating hazards for fire fighting vehicles trying to move through these firebreaks as a result of the post-chaining regrowth being so prolific as to often hide these large (up to 50cm) lignotubers?
(8) What community consultation has taken place with nearby farmers and other residents over this method of attempting to manage the fire hazard within the Frank Hann National Park?
(9) If consultation has occurred, what has been the reaction of farmers and other residents to these actions of the Department of Conservation and Land Management?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 March 2004
Responded by
Minister for the Environment
Response time
97 days
(2) Some of the strategic firebreaks that were constructed to help contain the wildfires did extend along a portion of the Lake King-Norseman road on the northern side. Whilst the majority of the works were located on UCL adjacent to the Frank Hann National Park, some breaks were also constructed in the national park. (3) Yes. The width of the strategic firebreaks constructed averages about 30 metres, but varies from 20 metres to 35 metres depending on the topography and vegetation. (4) The estimated total distance of strategic firebreaks constructed in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 bushfires is 306 kilometres. Based on an average treatment width of 30 metres this equates to 918 hectares on all land tenures. The total area burnt by the two wildfires (mostly UCL) was 488,000 hectares. (5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(3) Yes. The width of the strategic firebreaks constructed averages about 30 metres, but varies from 20 metres to 35 metres depending on the topography and vegetation. (4) The estimated total distance of strategic firebreaks constructed in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 bushfires is 306 kilometres. Based on an average treatment width of 30 metres this equates to 918 hectares on all land tenures. The total area burnt by the two wildfires (mostly UCL) was 488,000 hectares. (5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(4) The estimated total distance of strategic firebreaks constructed in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 bushfires is 306 kilometres. Based on an average treatment width of 30 metres this equates to 918 hectares on all land tenures. The total area burnt by the two wildfires (mostly UCL) was 488,000 hectares. (5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(9) Answered by (8).
(3) Yes. The width of the strategic firebreaks constructed averages about 30 metres, but varies from 20 metres to 35 metres depending on the topography and vegetation. (4) The estimated total distance of strategic firebreaks constructed in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 bushfires is 306 kilometres. Based on an average treatment width of 30 metres this equates to 918 hectares on all land tenures. The total area burnt by the two wildfires (mostly UCL) was 488,000 hectares. (5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(4) The estimated total distance of strategic firebreaks constructed in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 bushfires is 306 kilometres. Based on an average treatment width of 30 metres this equates to 918 hectares on all land tenures. The total area burnt by the two wildfires (mostly UCL) was 488,000 hectares. (5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(5) The chaining operations are usually conducted under dry soil conditions so that most of the vegetation is broken or bent rather than uprooted, and there are unlikely to be any long term environmental impacts. Some short term visual impact does occur. Monitoring by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) indicates that no loss of plant species diversity has occurred, as regeneration from seed sources or from resprouting occurs rapidly after the area has been burnt. Environmental Protection Authority approvals are not required. (6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(6) The firebreaks act as an aid to firefighters by reducing flame length and intensity at strategic locations so that both direct fire attack and/or back burning operations can be undertaken more effectively. This method increases safety for firefighters by altering fire rates of spread and intensity and by providing safer and quicker access and escape routes for firefighters and equipment. The treated areas continue to be effective in containing the spread of fire and therefore assisting firefighters for periods of up to eight years. (7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(7) Some lignotuber disturbance does occur but this is not generally widespread as plant stems tend to be broken or bent over in the majority of cases. It is not recommended fire fighting practice to traverse these chained firebreaks in conventional fire fighting vehicles. (8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(8) These operations on UCL and near Frank Hann National Park were undertaken during periods of emergency fire suppression activities coordinated by FESA and local bushfire brigade organisations. This strategy was adopted by the Incident Management Team, and was discussed with and supported by CALM. Neighbours and the farming community, many of whom make up the volunteer bushfire brigades, generally support the establishment of these strategic firebreaks as the best possible strategy available to reduce threats of the wildfires to human life, property and nature conservation values. (9) Answered by (8).
(9) Answered by (8).
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