With the increasing frequency and severity of bushfires in recent years, it is imperative that Council understands the risks of bushfire and how they can be managed.
Project Background and Objectives
Council has prepared the Alpine Shire Bushfire Planning Study to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of bushfire hazard, risks and planning responses within Alpine Shire. The objectives of the assessment are to:
- evaluate the historical bushfire data, fire weather conditions, topographical features and vegetation types within Alpine Shire;
- determine the level of bushfire risk across the Shire with a specific focus on urban areas and provide a summary of the findings;
- identify and understand the potential impacts of bushfires on buildings, infrastructure and human life in the Alpine Shire region with a particular focus on growth and development areas outlined in the Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy, 2024; and,
- recommend appropriate design considerations, planning strategies and bushfire protection measures to enhance the resilience of the township and its interface with surrounding areas.
This assessment provides valuable insights and strategic recommendations to enhance our bushfire management strategies and mitigate the potential risks associated with this natural hazard.
The Bushfire Planning Study ensures:
- protection of human life by identifying high-risk areas within the Shire that can be used to develop effective evacuation plans, establish robust early warning systems and implement appropriate measures to protect lives during bushfire events;
- that future planning considers bushfire risk by informing the Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024 and the future Alpine Shire Rural Directions Strategy. This will ensure that key townships and growth areas are assessed for bushfire risk and can accommodate projected population growth;
- increased property protection by identifying areas with the highest risk of property damage, which will allow Council to develop strategies to improve property resilience to bushfire
- enhanced environmental conservation by identifying areas of ecological importance that require targeted management strategies to mitigate the impact of bushfires; and,
- improvement of the safety of tourists and visitors by developing effective bushfire management strategies, which will encourage continued visitation while supporting local business.
Project Study Area
The Bushfire Planning Study applies to the whole municipality. The study assesses landscape-scale bushfire risk for each township.
Current and Next Steps
The Alpine Shire Bushfire Planning Study 2024 was endorsed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 27 August 2024.
Council officers will consider and implement the findings of the Bushfire Planning Study through the Strategic Planning Work Program.