Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - For the meeting held Wednesday, 16 August 2017 Council Chambers 41 ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire
Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes
For the meeting held
Wednesday, 16 August 2017
Council Chambers
41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
Commencing at 6.00pmAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
Notice of Meeting
Please be advised that the next meeting of the Augusta Margaret River
Bush Fire Advisory Committee will be held on 15 November 2017 in
Margaret River Council Chambers, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
commencing at 6.00pm.
This meeting is open to members of the public.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Hannah Waters,
Executive Assistant Corporate and Community Services.
Contact Number: 9780 5638
Email Address: hwaters@amrshire.wa.gov.auAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AGENDA SUBJECT
LISTING
Notice of meeting
Order of business
1.0 Declaration of opening
2.0 Attendance / Apologies / Non-attendance
2.1 Attendance
2.2 Apologies
2.3 Non-attendance
3.0 Question time for the public
4.0 Disclosure of members’ interests
5.0 Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting
5.1 Bush Fire Advisory Committee Minutes: 17 May 2017
6.0 Business arising from previous minutes
6.1 Action List
7.0 Reports from Shire Officers and Delegates
7.1 Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
7.2 Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
7.3 Shire Fire Control Officers
7.4 Community Emergency Services Manager / Shire Training Officer
7.5 Shire Executive Officer / Representative
7.6 Department of Fire and Emergency Services
7.7 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
7.8 Bushfire Ready Facilitators Report
7.9 Department of Parks and Wildlife
7.10 State Emergency Services
8.0 General business
8.1 Election of CBFCO and DCBFCO – Chris Lloyd
8.2 Notification Brigade FCO’s for 2017-19 – Chris Lloyd
8.3 Training options with eAcademy Pathways – Chris Lloyd
8.4 Group Call arrangements during Winter – David Holland
8.5 Fuel mitigation on Shire reserves – Ian Earl
8.6 Update on the Association for Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades – David Holland
8.7 Shire pre-identified IMT – David Holland
9.0 Matters for which the meeting may be closed (Confidential Items)
10.0 Closure of meetingAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
1.0 Declaration of opening
The meeting was declared open at 6.03pm
2 Attendance / Apologies / Non-attendance
2.1 Attendance
Committee Members
David Holland : Chief Bush Fire Control Officer (CBFCO)/
Chairperson
Diane Holland : Witchcliffe Bush Fire Brigade
John Matten : Molloy Island Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
Brett Trunfull : Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer (DCBFCO) /
Deputy Chairperson
Richard Moroney : Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade*
Rob Barnett : Wallcliffe Bush Fire Brigade
John Burnett : Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade*
Simon Hanson : Karridale Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Brindley : East Augusta Bush Fire Brigade
Andy McFarlane : Cowaramup Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Delfs : Gracetown Bush Fire Brigade
Ray Gilchrist : Alexandra Bridge Bush Fire Brigade – 6.08pm
*The delegate and proxies from the Wallcliffe, Rosa Brook and Kudardup Brigades
were not able to attend. A non-voting representative from each Brigade attended the
meeting.
Council Staff Members
Annie Riordan : Director Corporate and Community Services
Chris Lloyd : Acting Community Emergency Services Manager
(CESM)
Hannah Waters : Minute Secretary
Observers
Danny Mosconi : Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
Jeremy Friend : Parks and Wildlife Service (PaWS)
Georgina Thiele : Bush Fire Ready Coordinator/South
:
2.2 Apologies
Cr Ian Earl : Shire President
Andrew Newnham : Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade
Keith Scott : Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade
Martin Deckers : Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade
Gordon Temby : Bush Fire Ready Coordinator/North
2.3 Non Attendance
Nil
3.0 Question time for the public
Nil
4.0 Disclosure of members’ interest
NilAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
5.0 Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting
5.1 Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 17 May 2017
RECOMMENDATION
That the unconfirmed minutes of the Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting held 17 May 2017 be
confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting.
Moved: Diane Holland
Seconded: John Matten
Carried: AllAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
6.0 Matters arising from previous minutes
6.1 Action List
Ray 6.08pm
Date Action Item Action Update Status Actioning Officer
15/2/17 CESM to follow up relocation of Osmington fire shed off 17/5/17: Prior to shed being removed we Ongoing Chris Lloyd
private property. are waiting to see what is happening
about the extensions to the Rosa Brook
Fire Shed. If there is a positive outcome,
progress to move the shed off the property
will be made.
If any brigades are interested in the shed
please speak to brigade.
16/8/17: Sill waiting on grant outcome
from DFES. Decision due late August.
15/2/17 Expression of interest for members of any brigade who 17/5/17: Brigades to follow up and forward Ongoing All brigades
would be available mid-week to assist at a hazard information through to CESM.
reduction burn should the need arise, to be emailed to
the CESM for collation. 16/8/17: Follow up to occur closer to the
Spring burning program.
15/2/17 CESM to compile database of volunteer fire fighters who 17/5/17: CESM to follow up once Ongoing Chris Lloyd
may be available to assist mid-week in the event of a information received.
hazard reduction burn.
16/8/17: Will email Brigades closer to the
Spring burning program to complete the
database.
17/5/17 CESM to follow up with the Shire to see if the 16/8/17: There is currently a public Completed Chris Lloyd
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s) within the website link available through DER, which
Intramaps system can be accessed through general site shows Environmentally Sensitive Areas
access. (ESA’s) which was sent to all delegates
this afternoon with instructions on how to
access the information. There may be
potential to include information about
ESA’s on the Shire’s Intramaps in the
future however, it is not currently
available.Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
16/8/17 Delegates to email Danny Mosconi if there is interest in Brigades
attending a site visit to the State Operations Centre and
CommCen in Perth. It would be an overnight trip viewing
a day, night and morning shift at the centre. A maximum
of two people can attend due to car capacity.Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
7.0 Reports from Shire Officers and Delegates
7.1 Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
The past three months has seen very few incidents requiring Brigade attendance. These
have been dealt with quickly and professionally by the Brigades involved. Most were for
escaped burn offs / calls of concern from public / illegal roadside burning.
I have re-written and updated the Brigade Training Maintenance Manuals to include the
new burn over drill, AVL etc. We have saved these to a flash drive, which includes all of
the drills as well as the videos that can help explain the drill.
We will be holding our annual Captains/FCO’s meeting at Witchcliffe on Saturday 7th
October. Invites will be sent out shortly.
Chris and I attended a ROAC meeting in July, which was held in Nannup. I will forward
on the minutes as soon as I receive them.
We were invited by OBRM to make a submission re the Waroona Special Inquiry
Recommendation 9 - Voluntary Registration of Farmer Firefighting Units. We agreed
with Option 3, which encourages FRU’s to register their appliance with the Shire and
then have it endorsed. We also advised that support from Government would be needed
to enable this to happen.
A submission was made to OEM regarding the Bush Fire Summit. Our Shire generally
supports all efforts to reduce fuel loads within our shire, and it was noted that our
Volunteer Brigades are willing to be involved. However, our Shire strongly believes that
there needs to be provision made to employ a Bushfire Mitigation Officer whose role is
to implement the BRM Plans and to undertake all of the necessary planning,
prescriptions, community consultation. There is a need to ensure that risk management
processes are imbedded into the business activities of local government and other
stakeholders. The Shire also noted that it does not support an independent Rural Fire
Service.
Brett and I were invited to a reception in Busselton to meet the Prime Minister, The
Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP. A fun afternoon was had by all!
Chris and I were invited to participate in a three-day forum titled, ‘The Burning Question:
Now & Beyond, Western Australian Prescribed Burning Forum 2017.’ The forum was
held in Busselton and attendees travelled from all states and agencies to participate. I
will give an overview of the forum at our BFAC meeting.
I have been fortunate enough to attend all the Brigade AGM’s that have been held so
far. I really enjoy meeting with you all as it gives me an opportunity to get feedback on
any issues that are of concern to your brigade members as well as being able to pass
on my thanks for their efforts.
Please keep yourselves safe and thank you for your dedication and support.
Additional notes:
I have updated the Shire Training Maintenance program to include the new
Comprehensive Crew Protection procedures. These have been loaded onto a
flash drive for your use, can you please take back to your Brigades
‘The Burning Question’ Forum that Chris, Danny and I attended in Busselton
was about prescribed burning with a major focus on how we could provide
assistance to policy makers in developing a common operating procedures with
emphasis on community education.
A number of people at the forum were advocating for the establishment of a
Centre of Excellence dedicated to bush fire prevention and the development of
innovative solutions, better ways of doing the things we do and ultimately
developing a common operating procedure for all agencies moving forward. A
decision is yet to be made whether the Centre of Excellence should be located
in a physical building or developed electronically through a website and or
portal.Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
7.2 Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
I attended a meeting with the Margaret River Wine Association to discuss mitigation
works during the growing season. All of the groups are talking and communicating better
and things are progressing slowly. Future meetings will be set up with the intent of
resolving the issue by next autumn.
7.3 Shire Fire Control Officers
Molloy Island
Most volunteers have packed up their bongos and have travelled north to
warmer pastures
No training other than vehicle tests including the distress alarm test has been
conducted
We have been approved for the Western Power Grant, which will be allocated
to a new transfer pump and six dress uniform jackets for use when attending
courses and official duties
Karridale
Currently in winter mode with no training
Three members did a nationally certified chainsaw course with Kudardup BFB
(run by A Plus training/ Peter Tutt) which was excellent and highly
recommended for all BFB’s
A few members have been doing DFES E-Academy courses
At our AGM the 2 current FCOs were re-nominated
o Karridale- John Teahan
o Hamelin- Simon Hanson
Witchcliffe
We have had a very quiet 3 months since the May meeting.
We had one call on the last Sunday in July when a tourist called in a fire to 000 at the
cross of Bussell Highway and Forest Grove Roads near Lake Cave. I acknowledge a
very sensible approach by Perth Comms given the current wet weather and it was
reported to the CESM in the first instance rather than initiating the shire group call. The
CESM contacted the Chief, as it was our local patch. We went to investigate half
expecting to find nothing but actually finding several spot fires along a 600m stretch of
road reserve. Surprisingly the fire had over a metre in flame height and significant
smoke going over the road at one location. However, it was an illegal burn of the road
reserve so we activated the brigade by SMS and fully extinguished it and reported it to
the Shire. It was a good chance to dust off the winter cobwebs and include three new
members who, very excitedly, turned out to their first fire.
Training continues fortnightly at brigade level and some of our members have used the
quieter period to upskill and ventured out to complete Trainer Assessor Training (1)
Level 1 IC (1) Leadership Fundamentals (2) BA training (1) First Aid Training (4).
Gracetown
No callouts since the last meeting
Vehicles are getting serviced
Training continuing on an irregular basis due to shed renovations
Shed extensions well underway and should be finished by beginning
September. All looking good with the extra space and facilities
Wallcliffe
At the AGM Bob Baker relinquished the captaincy and was replaced by Rob
Barnett. Rob will now become our delegate and FCO Wallcliffe subject to
Shire approval. Dave Kelly is our proxy delegate
Rod Dilkes resigned as FCO Kilcarnup and has been replaced Ian Dowling,
subject to Shire approval
It being a quiet time of year the brigade has focused on training, maintenance
and training courses for members
Our 2.4 and 3.4 are now fitted with crew protection
Due to circumstances with a late vintage no Spring burns were undertakenAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
We now have a Hydrant Booster Pump installed at our Station as a training
tool. It can be used for familiarization of booster pumps, and also has a hot
entry practice station set up so if any of the brigades would like to join us for
training or use the station for training let us know
Rosa Brook
Regular training has continued over winter, with steady attendance
A few members have also competed further pathway units
Maintenance works have now been completed to the cross over to the road
The valves on the water tanks have also been replaced
Cowaramup
We held our AGM on 22 June 2017. All FCO's and office bearers remain as
previous year apart from the Appliance Officer, Chris Lloyd. Chris stood down
due to large work load as Acting CESM
John Curtin is the new Appliance Officer
The Cowaramup 3.4 urban has gone to be refitted with crew protection. A
replacement 3.4 has been delivered and I believe it should take six weeks to
three months to complete
Training continues on Thursday nights and the second Sunday of each month
with good numbers attending
All is quiet at the brigade due to the time of the year
East Augusta
No Callouts
Our 1.4 received its annual service at the Shire depot. There are ongoing
issues with the map reading light, poor cab lighting and the work platform radio
Our AGM was held in July and all executive positions remained the same with
the exception that Frank Bartoll was elected treasurer. Sheelagh Snow
resigned after 13 years in the position
Training continues monthly over winter and fortnightly vehicle maintenance
checks are being carried out
Kudardup
Good turn out to training
We have received our new light tanker
At our last training session we found the diesel pump to be very impressive
We have been advised we may receive our new truck sometime in the next 3
months
We have held our AGM
Alexandra Bridge
We have held our AGM and there has been a change in our Training Officer
position
I will stay on as Deputy FCO
Tony Mostert has been nominated as an FCO and will be completing his FCO
course 16 & 17 September
7.4 Community Emergency Services Manager / Shire Training Officer
Prevention
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River Bushfire Risk Management Plan 2017-2022 was
endorsed by council on June 14 2017. This now imbeds the risk management process
into the business activities of the Shire. In particular, it supports the process in which
the planning of treatments and prioritisation of works is completed. The aim is to have
a treatment schedule and asset risk register completed prior to October 2017 to present
to council. This may be in the form of a 5-year schedule.
Mitigation Works
The Water Corporation, Shire BFB’s and Augusta VFRS completed a burn in Augusta
on Water Corporation Land which was the only burn completed in the shire on State
land in Autumn.Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
A meeting with the Wine Growers Association was held on Tuesday 15th August.
Local Government has mitigation plans in development for Spring 2017 Shire Reserve
Burn Program. Most of these will be a rollover from reserves that were not burnt last
Spring and Autumn. DFES and PaW have been active in establishing and maintaining
existing breaks in preparation for their upcoming Spring programs. Gracetown recently
had some works conducted by DFES with the aim of conducting a Hazard Reduction
Burn at the top of the hill (Langley Cres) to provide a low fuel zone up against residential
assets. Unfortunately, this was not completed due to weather.
Preparedness
Training
The first of two first aid courses with St John’s in Margaret River was completed on 5 th
August where 14 BFB members completed the training. Another course of about 16
members is booked for Saturday the 26th August. 30 members per year will have the
opportunity to complete this training which will be recorded on eAcademy also.
WAERN basic radio training going ahead on August 23rd at Wallcliffe station. Please
inform members and register through eAcademy as per normal.
FCO course to be run by Nathan Hall on 16 & 17 September at Wallcliffe station –
please encourage those who are suitable to apply.
Intro to Firefighting planned for 28 October at Witchcliffe Station – again please
encourage those who suitable to apply through eAcademy.
Rural Urban Interface and IMT exercise planning commenced for 12th November 2017.
The area chosen to conduct this exercise will coincide with targeting the DFES Areas
of Community Engagement Focus (ACEF) with the assistance of Steph De Bruin.
Pre-season FCO/Captains forum planned for October 7th 2017, Witchcliffe Station. More
details to follow shortly.
PPE Orders
PPE Orders for last financial year reached a cost of $36,000 spent across the Shire’s
ten brigades. We have the same amount allocated this financial year and the next order
will be called for in September 2017; however, there are some additional items still in
stock at the Shire if urgently required.
Local Government Grant Scheme (LGGS) and Shire Budget
The LGGS budget application for 17-18 which was submitted to DFES was returned
and the Shire received an additional $5,000 on top of last year’s operational budget of
$220,000.
A significant proportion will be used to cover over expenditure with the increased
services Nathan Hall has been able to provide over the last two years and which
includes internet service to all the bushfire stations and 7 new Samsung tablets. These
will be handed out once relevant software uploaded and information session completed
(most likely at the pre-season forum).
Approved Plant & Equipment items >= $1,200 to $5,000 include:
East Augusta, Cowaramup & Rosa Brook – Static Pumps
Kudardup & Rosa Brook – Shelving
All Brigades – Breaker Bar sets
East Augusta, Alexandra Bridge – Televisions
Witchcliffe – Water Transfer Pump & Pressure Tank
Molloy Island & Alexandra Bridge – Refrigerators
Molloy Island – Split System Air con including installation
Gracetown – projector Epsom – Whiteboards x 2
The results of capital items which included proposed extensions to Kudardup,
Cowaramup and Rosa Brook fire stations should be released over the next 4 weeks
hopefully.Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
Emergency Water Tanks
An audit on all of the Shire’s emergency water tanks has been completed and I am
awaiting on a report to identify repairs or upgrades to the tanks, which are to be
conducted over winter ready for summer.
Grant funding through the NDRP grants was unsuccessful to upgrade the existing 10
Mile Brook water tank, which is now surplus to Water Corporation needs.
Negotiations/discussions still ongoing to agree on the future by the Shire, DFES, PaW
and the Water Corporation. Some challenges have been identified as PaW are the asset
owner due to it being located on their tenure however, a final decision is still pending.
Response
Since the May BFAC meeting the Shire’s brigades have responded to 9 incidents. A
breakdown of these brigade responses are attached to this report. A few of these were
attributed to False Call – good intent burn offs, some others were suspicious road
reserve fires.
Thank you to the brigades who have promptly provided their incident reports, can I
please encourage all brigades to submit their reports as soon as possible following an
incident to assist with,
Local Government Grant Scheme (LGGS) applications
Insurance and incident reporting
Suspicious fire /Arsonist reporting
Gazetted fire brigade boundaries are currently under review. A map is being developed
which will be specific for each brigade/FCO area. The intent is to have large maps
laminated for training, response and other brigade activities. There are also plans to
develop A3 flip books of close up maps for each brigade to identify information such as
hydrants, water sources, critical infrastructure or special risk assets and other useful
details. Laminated means there is the opportunity to draw over the top of it and send
fire shapes or other useful information to your brigade and/or the IMT.
Recovery
Please remember that peer support services from the Shire and DFES are available
should a member from your brigade or their family require assistance. Mental Health
illness is a reality and only through the support of family & friends (our volunteering
community included) can people needing help start down the path to recovery.
Remember to ask…….. ARE YOU OK?
General
Thank you for those brigades who have invited me to the BFB AGM’s that have been
conducted since I commenced acting CESM at the end of May. It is a great way to meet
everyone and learn about each brigade as well as have the opportunity to help in any
way I can with your operations, facilities and other items. To those who did discuss
issues with me please send a reminder email for me to follow up on those things,
hopefully I can work with you to achieve a good outcome.
As you probably know the CESM position has been advertised and a suitable applicant
will be appointed over the next couple of months. Thank you to all those who have
supported me while acting in the role it has been a great experience so far!
7.5 Shire Executive Officer / Representative – Annie Riordan, Acting Chief
Executive Officer
Council have approved the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. Thank you to
Chris for all of your work. He has been recognised by the Shire and DFES for
his work and the high quality of the plan
The Shire and DFES have drawn up a new MOU for the CESM role and it is
currently DFES waiting for the Commissioner to sign off
The CESM role is currently being advertised, closing 23 August. We are
aiming to have a quick turn around and hope to have a preferred candidate by
early SeptemberAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
I attended a joint meeting to discuss the Bush Fire Risk Coordinator position.
At present, the role is not being backfilled while Chris is Acting CESM. DFES
have forwarded a submission to the state government seeking funding for the
position to be continued
7.6 Department of Fire and Emergency Services
The Burning Question Prescribed Burning Forum was held last week in
Busselton. All LGs in the LSW were invited. TBQ is National Forum looking
at information sharing regarding fuel reduction across the country
Membership Review of Local Government BFS. Under the Bush Fires Act
1954 s.42 (2), a Local Government shall keep a register of Bush Fire Brigades
and their members in accordance with the regulations. Under s.42 (2a) of this
Act, a Local Government is to notify the FES Commissioner if any changes to
these details occur. Chris has been asked to begin this annual process and
will need your assistance
AIIMS Capability Review - we are reviewing the capabilities of each LG with
regards to AIIMS competencies/qualifications. This is important so we know
what level of support we would need to provide during an incident. Chris and
myself will sit down with the CBFCO in the near future to review who would
be considered experienced enough to perform a particular role and who has
the qualification to perform that role
As you may be aware, the State Government has expressed a commitment
to create a more efficient public sector and deliver better services to the
community. With this in mind, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC),
at the direction of Minister for Emergency Services the Hon. Fran Logan MLA,
is currently undertaking a review of DFES. This is to assess the Department’s
future roles and functions, and ensure we are aligned to the government’s
agenda
A working group has been established for this purpose, with the first meeting
having taken place in late July. Recognising that fire and emergencies affect
many different areas of government, the group includes representatives from
DFES, DPC, the Public Sector Commission, the Department Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions (including the Parks and Wildlife Service), the
Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Office of Bushfire Risk
Management, and the Departments of Treasury, and Planning, Lands and
Heritage
The objectives of the group are to:
o make recommendations on the future structure of DFES, particularly in
relation to the possibility of a Rural Fire Service and the role of OEM
(resulting from the Ferguson Inquiry);
o to incorporate outcomes of the recent Bushfire Mitigation Summit; and
o to provide advice on the management of the Emergency Services Levy
o The FES Commissioner ifs the DFES representative on this group
We are in the process of planning a RUI drill on the 12th November this year
to take place in west Margaret River. This will be the only DFES/LG drill
organised together, however, if local brigades want to conduct their own drills
with neighbouring brigades I am happy to provide a sample session plan that
you could use to assist in the planning of the drill
The Margaret River (west) area and Augusta have been identified as Areas of
Community Engagement Focus (ACEF) by the LSW staff. These two areas
are seen as high priority within the region and Steph de Bruin will concentrate
Community Engagement activities in these two areas over the next two years
The Augusta Margaret River Community Emergency Services Manager
(CESM) vacant position was recently advertised and I will be working with the
Shire to appoint a suitable applicant as soon as possible
7.7 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
No report
7.8 Bushfire Ready Facilitators Report
Bushfire Ready Facilitator – NorthAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
All my contacts in the northern part of the shire have been asked to update their email lists
and to contact me if they want me to conduct any Bushfire Ready meetings in their areas
leading up to the bushfire season.
At this stage, nobody has contacted me, so I am therefore asking the BFAC delegates to
think about their areas and to contact me if they think a meeting would be of benefit in their
brigade areas. I do not mind conducting meeting at brigade stations if that is convenient.
Our Community Engagement Officer, Steph de Bruin, has informed us that the Margaret River
area has been recently selected as an Area of Community Engagement Focus [ACEF]. A
meeting will be held on 8 August, so DFES staff or I will have more to say about this initiative
at the August BFAC meeting on the 16th.
Bushfire Ready Facilitator – South
Danny has covered everything
Regarding community engagement, we are looking at simplifying it and engaging more
directly face to face.
7.9 Parks and Wildlife
Even through the name of the department has been changed you can still
refer to us as Parks and Wildlife
We were able to capitalise on dry weather at the start of the June and in 10
days achieved a huge reduction in the fuel load on the eastern edge of the
shire and towards the south of Nannup
Our focus this spring will be the Margaret River town site, north and south of
town
We will be looking at strategic burns through Forest Grove and Boranup
7.10 State Emergency Services
No report
8.0 General business
The Chairperson suspended standing orders at 6.48pm and handed the meeting over to Chris Lloyd,
Acting Chief Bush Fire Control Officer to conduct the elections for the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
and the Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
8.1 Election of CBFCO and DCBFCO – Chris Lloyd
Please see Attachments:
8.1.1 David Holland – Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
8.1.2 Brett Trunful – Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
The CEO delegates authority to Chris Lloyd, Acting Community Emergency Services
Manager to conduct an election of the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and Deputy Chief
Fire Control Officer in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 and section 38a
(1) of the Bush Fires Act 1954.
As previously advised all prospective nominees for the position were to forward their
resume through prior to the 2 August 2017 for distribution as an attachment to the
agenda for this meeting.
For the position of Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, one nomination and resume was
received by David Holland.
RECOMMENDATION
That David Holland be nominated Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
Moved: John MattenAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
Seconded: Peter Brindley
Carried: All
For the position of Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, one nomination and resume
was received by Brett Trunfull.
RECOMMENDATION
That Brett Trunfull be nominated Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
Moved: John Matten
Seconded: Peter Delfts
Carried: All
Thank you to both David and Brett for their continued service, dedication and the time
contributed towards the CBFCO and DCBFCO roles.
The meeting has handed back to the Chairperson, David Holland and Standing Orders were reinstated
at 6.50pm.
8.2 Notification Brigade FCO’s for 2017-19 – Chris Lloyd
The Brigades have forwarded the following nominations for Fire Control Officers through
to the Acting Community Emergency Services Manager for the 2017-19 period.
Brigade Fire Control Officer/s
Alexandra Bridge Alexandra Bridge - Tony Mostert*
Nillup - Ray Gilchrist
Cowaramup Cowaramup – Ian Earl
Miamup – Billy Pascoe
Treeton – Geoff Jenkins
Burnside – Tim Garstone
Wirring – Shane Ablett
East Augusta East Augusta – Peter Brindley
Gracetown Gracetown – Peter Delfts
Karridale Karridale - John Teahan
Hamelin Bay - Simon Hanson
Kudardup Kudardup - Martin Dekkers
Molloy Island John Matten
Brian Combley
Rosa Brook Osmington – Keith Scott
Rosa Brook – Shaun Palmer
Rosa Glen – Andrew Newnham
Wallcliffe Wallcliffe - Rob Barnett
Kilcarnup - Ian Dowling
Prevelly – Bob Baker
Rapids – David Kelly
Witchcliffe East Witchcliffe - Diane Holland
West Witchcliffe - Diane Holland
Forest Grove - Larry Brennen
*Subject to successfully completing the FCO course scheduled 16-17 September 2017.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Bush Fire Advisory Committee nominate the following Fire Control Officers for the next two
years:
Brigade Fire Control Officer/s
Alexandra Bridge
Cowaramup
East Augusta
Gracetown
Karridale
Kudardup
Molloy IslandAugusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
Rosa Brook
Wallcliffe
Witchcliffe
Moved: Andy Mac Farlane
Seconded: Diane Holland
Carried: All
8.3 Training options with eAcademy Pathways – Chris Lloyd
After attending a few AGM’s I have received feedback from some of the brigades that
there is a lack of flexibility in the pathway structure through the training modules. The
pathway has been set up to ensure that trainees have the correct level of qualifications
prior to progressing through additional training.
If anyone in your Brigade is experiencing problems, it is best to approach the regional
office to talk about the issues and a tailor made solution. There may be some
circumstances where a work around can be arranged and then endorsed by the
Superintendent.
8.4 Group Call arrangements during Winter – David Holland
The committee discussed amending the group call arrangements for winter. Due to the
very wet season and the low number of calls, the last couple of calls from Comm’s have
been directly assessed by the CBFCO and or the CESM and a plan of action initiated
as opposed to instigating the group call arrangements as per the operating procedures.
The committee were happy with this arrangement and for the CBFCO, DCBFCO and
CESM to use their local knowledge to initiate the appropriate action in the individual
cases during the winter period.
8.5 Fuel mitigation on Shire reserves – Ian Earl
Proposed motion:
That the Bush Fire Advisory Committee recommends that the Shire develops a five-
year treatment schedule to implement the Bushfire Risk Management plan that was
endorsed by the Shire.
CESM: Now that the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan has been endorsed by Council
we are looking at developing an agreed schedule of mitigation works on Shire reserves,
based on previous consultation to be carried out. A lot of work has already been
completed based on feedback from the consultation this would be a more formalised
schedule of works to reduce fuel loads.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Bush Fire Advisory Committee recommends the Shire develops a five-year treatment schedule
specifically for Shire reserves, as part of the implementation of the Bushfire Risk Management Plan as
endorsed by the Shire.
Moved: Simon Hanson
Seconded: Peter Delfts
Carried: All
8.6 Update on the Association for Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades – David
Holland
Diane Holland, John Matten and I attended a meeting in Bridgetown to discuss the
proposed review of the constitution for Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades.
After its initial release, there was a lot of negative feedback with several sections. The
meeting was very productive and even though there were contentious issues, everyone
was treated with respect.
Some of the main issues addressed included:
Changes to the name of the Association (left as is, not to include reference to
an RFS)Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
The proposition that full membership be open to organisations not involved in
emergency response or firefighting. These organisations will be eligible for
“associate membership” and have no voting rights.
All member Brigades will have one vote
The Association would like to raise funds to engage an external company to
complete an audit of all members (Brigades) as their information is currently
lacking
Please note, once the constitution has been finalised and endorsed by the Department
of Commerce all Brigades will automatically become members. Your Brigade can then
decide on whether they want to be a part of the Association.
8.7 Shire pre-identified IMT – David Holland
Danny spoke about the DFES list of members who have suitable qualifications and
experience to assist this shire and potentially other shires in the event of a bush fire. I
recently sent the Brigades an email requesting feedback on member qualifications,
experience and advice on their desire to do the role as listed or to learn another role
within the structure. Could you please ensure that your Brigade response to the email
request and send the information through to me.
8.8 Brigade Update
Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade
We are concerned about the fuel loads around Augusta. We would like to see action
taken more immediately than the 5-year plan that is in the works. Of particular concern
is Donovan Street around the hospital. The brigade is keen to get more done and
potentially use it as a training tool. Can you please advise if the Brigade can do these
works.
CESM: There are several plans for that area. It is unfortunate we have not had the right
conditions or cooperation to be able to achieve it. From the Shire’s perspective, we have
achieved close to 8ha area of hazard reduction burning to reduce fuel load in Augusta.
We understand it is a high-risk area and it is a priority. We will continue to work through
the Bushfire Risk Management Plan with the community, DFES and Parks and Wildlife
services. Brigades can request works (Mechanical and/or Hazard Reduction Burns) on
Shire reserves and the CESM, CBFCO, DCBFCO will assess and give permission
where appropriate. The necessary paperwork and request process need to be followed.
Karridale Bush Fire Brigade
We recently attended the Chainsaw Operation Course and I cannot recommend this
highly enough. Di Burnett did an awesome job. It was informative and an exceptionally
good course. All attendees received a national certification.
DFES
At the last BFAC meeting, the potential for two people to accompany me on a road trip
to the state operations centre in Perth was raised. It would be an overnight trip to
observe a day, night and morning shift within the centre. Attendees could provide
operators with information and specific conditions within Margaret River. If there is still
interest please email me and I will come up with a date for the trip.
Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade
Is there a process aside from community engagement to educate community on fire
danger? The reason I bring it up is it seems that if you protest loud enough you can get
away with not completing mitigation works.
DFES: This was brought up at the forum last week. All agencies need to get better at
community engagement about mitigation. We are looking into using an electronic tool
to map fires that have occurred in an area over the past ten years. We will then run a
flight simulation over the area showing the community the outcome should a significant
fire go through. We hope that this will raise further awareness of the danger of not
completing mitigation works.
CBFCO: The Shire does enforce its firebreak notice and Rangers will arrange for the
works to be completed as required.Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 August 2017
CESM: There is a communication strategy in the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan.
One of the roles of the Coordinator is to consult with and educate the community on the
importance of mitigation activities and subsequent community benefits.
Molloy Island Bush Fire Brigade
The first part of our new floating pontoons have arrived and once installed will enable
better access and egress at the shoreline. When completed it will be similar to the jetty’s
out at the Augusta Boat Harbour and that it can be used for evacuation if required. Once
installation is complete, we will arrange a trial evacuation drill to test them.
We have been successful in receiving a grant from the Western Power Grant Scheme.
Gracetown Bush Fire Brigade
We received advice that our Brigade was successful in receiving a grant from the
Western Power Grant Scheme.
Cowaramup Bush Fire Brigade
We are still waiting on advice about the grant application we submitted for the Western
Power Grant Scheme.
Acting Chief Executive Officer
The new Ranger Coordinator, Michael O’Regan (Mick) commences with the Shire on
the 30 August. Mick comes with a wealth of experience as both a Ranger at various
local governments and currently the Coordinator Ranger Services at the Shire of
Broome.
9.0 Matters for which the meeting may be closed (Confidential Items)
Nil
10.0 Closure of meeting
The meeting was closed at 7.37pmYou can also read
