augusta margaret river bush fire advisory committee meeting

Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

For the meeting held Wednesday, 21 February 2018

Council Chambers 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River

Commencing at 6.00pm

Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 21 February 2018

Notice of Meeting

Please be advised that the next meeting of the Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee will be held on 16 May 2018, commencing at 6.00pm Margaret River Council Chambers 41 Wallcliffe Road Margaret River 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: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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: 15 November 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 Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions 7.10 State Emergency Services

8.0 General business

8.1 Update on Bush Fire Compliance - Michael O'Regan 8.2 Location change for May BFAC meeting – Chris Lloyd 8.3 Endorsement of new FCO’s for Kudardup – Scott Hamilton 8.4 Bushfire Risk Management Plan, Mitigation Activity Funding Approval

2018 – Chris Lloyd

9.0 Matters for which the meeting may be closed (Confidential Items)

10.0 Closure of meeting


1.0 Declaration of opening The meeting was declared open at 6.04pm.

2.0 Attendance / Apologies / Non-attendance 2.1 Attendance

Committee Members David Holland : Chief Bush Fire Control Officer (CBFCO) Diane Holland : Witchcliffe Bush Fire Brigade Brett Trunfull : Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer (DCBFCO) Keith Scott : Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade Rob Barnett : Wallcliffe Bush Fire Brigade Simon Hanson : Karridale Bush Fire Brigade Peter Brindley : East Augusta Bush Fire Brigade Scott Hamilton : Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade John Matten : Molloy Island Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Julia Meldrum : Councillor

Council Staff Members Chris Lloyd : Acting Community Emergency Services Manager

(CESM) Mick O’Regan : Coordinator Ranger Services

Hannah Waters : Minute Secretary Lisa Garstone : Minutes Secretary

Observers Ed Hatherley : Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Georgina Thiele : Bush Fire Ready Coordinator/South Gordon Temby : Bush Fire Ready Coordinator/North Nathan Hall : Department of Fire and Emergency Services

(DFES) Eileen Matten : Molloy Island Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Jarrod Brindley : East Augusta Bush Fire Brigade

2.2 Apologies

Annie Riordan : Director Corporate and Community Services Danny Mosconi : Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Peter Delfs : Gracetown Bush Fire Brigade Jeremy Friend : Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)

2.3 Non Attendance Andy McFarlane : Cowaramup Bush Fire Brigade Ray Gilchrist : Alexandra Bridge Bush Fire Brigade

3.0 Question time for the public Nil

4.0 Disclosure of members’ interest Nil

5.0 Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting 5.1 Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: 15 November 2017

DCBFCO: There is an error in section 2.2 Appointment of a Deputy Presiding Member. The nominations show David Holland and they should all be changed to Brett Trunfull so it reads as follows:

The Presiding Member called for nominations for the position of the Bush Fire Advisory Committee Deputy Presiding Member.


The Presiding Member received the following written nominations from:

Keith Scott nominated – Brett Trunfull

Simon Hanson nominated – Brett Trunfull

Peter Brindley nominated – Brett Trunfull

Andrew Macfarlane nominated – Brett Trunfull

Julia Meldrum nominated – Brett Trunfull

Scott Hamilton nominated – Brett Trunfull Brett Trunfull verbally accepted the nominations.

RECOMMENDATION

That the unconfirmed minutes of the Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting held 15 November 2017be updated to reflect the above change, and then be confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting. Moved: John Matten, Molloy Island Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Seconded: Keith Scott, Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade

Carried: All


6.0 Matters arising from previous minutes 6.1 Action List

Date Action Item Action Update Status Actioning Officer

15/2/17 To be implemented from 2018 if brigades desirous

1. Expression of interest for members of any brigade who would be available mid-week to assist at a hazard reduction burn should the need arise, to be emailed to the CESM for collation.

2. CESM to compile database of volunteer fire fighters who may be available to assist mid-week in the event of a hazard reduction burn.

21/2/18: Action to be marked as complete. Brigades can forward details through to CESM as required

Completed All brigades

17/11/17 Brigades can forward any feedback about the new Permit to Burn books/template through to Mick O’Regan, Coordinator Ranger Services for collation and consideration.

21/2/18: To be discussed during general business item 8.1

Completed FCOs

21/2/18 Rosa Brook Brigade request: Is it possible for the CESM and or the CBFCO to write to the Wine Association to encourage vineyard owners and contractors, to have firefighting resources available when using machinery in the vineyard during the “Prohibited Burning Period” that could potentially start a fire,e.g. slashers, vine trimmers etc.

CESM and CBFCO

21/2/18 Rosa Brook Brigade request: Ask ComCen to better interrogate 000 callers that report a “grass fire” to determine if a vineyard is involved. This will allow Brigades to activate Light Tankers as a priority over Heavy Appliances as Light Tankers are more appropriate for fires in vineyards.

CESM and DFES AO Leeuwin

21/2/18 Bush Fire Ready Facilitator North to advise brigades on the outcome of negotiations with Rotary relating to donation of helmets and PPE to East Timor

Gordon Temby

21/2/18: Brigades are encouraged to take photos/video of all gear at station so they have evidence should any theft occur.

All brigades


7.0 Reports from Shire Officers and Delegates 7.1 Chief Bush Fire Control Officer

The past three months has been very busy with training, planned burning as well as a number of incidents requiring Brigade attendance. These have been dealt with quickly and professionally by the Brigades involved, with only the West Bay fire needing ongoing attention over a protracted period

We held our second ever Brigade Training Officers meeting at Wallcliffe on January 16 this year. My thanks to Chris for organising this event. The meeting was attended by delegates from most Brigades as well as two DFES representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to provide support and to learn from training officers any issues regarding training within each Brigade. I was asked to develop a further training module based on pole top fires for Brigades to use

Chris and I attended a LEMC exercise and meeting in February. The exercise was a tabletop scenario based on a number of fires starting within the Shire at the same time. It was designed to determine what the high priority community assets are and then to prioritise them for protection

I was invited to meet with the DFES Assistant Commissioner for Country Operations, Mr Graeme Swift when he came down to view the additions to Gracetown Station and also to meet with volunteers at the SES building in Margaret River. I appreciate the opportunity to show off this Shires facilities as well as the dedication of our volunteers whenever possible and I am sure we left a positive impression

We had the largest fire since 2011 at West Bay in Augusta start on 29 January 29. At the time of writing this report, the Kudardup Brigade is still organising patrols on the boundary of this fire that burnt through 147 Ha and came very close to destroying many homes. It is a testament to the endeavour and skill of all involved that the losses were confined to this relatively small area with the unfortunate loss of one house. A number of very pleasing observations came from all involved which shows the capacity of this Shire to manage large incidents

I met with two gentlemen from the Singapore Civil Defence Force who were invited by DFES to tour our region. They were very interested in our systems of response as well as the great work done by a predominately-volunteer workforce

Please keep yourselves safe and thank you for your dedication and support.

7.2 Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer

Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate all that turned out at the West Bay fire and all the other smaller fires. The professionalism at all these fires is a reflection of the time that is put into training and preparation by all brigades. It is also pleasing to see the use of safe work practices on the fire ground with only a couple of minor incidents. It is a credit to all, the way the agencies are able to work together to achieve a common goal

We had our strategy meeting on 23 January for next financial year’s budget. All brigades seem to have a reasonably good understanding of the new system for distributing the ESL grant money. It is always interesting when we go around the table looking at what brigades are applying form, and it gives everyone some good ideas. Hopefully all orders will arrive in good time

I also attended a meeting with the assistant Commissioner for Country Operations. It was gratifying to know that DFES is interested in our opinion and how our Shire works

7.3 Shire Fire Control Officers

Wallcliffe It was all quiet until the Augusta fire

We would like to go on record congratulating all involved with managing the Level 2 fire at a Shire level and also congratulate all those who showed what is possible when so many organisations come together with a common purpose

We attended the fire at Cape Mentelle


Kudardup We had a callout to an out of control burn off on Hillview Road last November

The only other callout all season was the recent West Bay Creek fire

Two controlled burns were completed in November

We have been training regularly over summer with good attendance

Two new members have joined with potentially a few more after the recent fire

Hopefully by the time this meeting is held we will have our new truck. New truck has arrived and is great

The shed extension is progressing painfully slow however the pad is now complete. The doors are being moved tomorrow

We have had four new members join since the fire

Gracetown

Training is being held each Monday fortnight, with good member turnout

The brigade had several members involved in the West Bay fires

There have been two openings of new shed. The first one held in December with local dignitaries, spouses, partners and members. The second was held in January with the Assistant Commissioner Graham Swift and his team. The shed is now well and truly opened

Karridale

Brigade members have been quite active with regular training and maintenance

Shed now has functioning water filter / UV system

Turnout to the West Bay fire was impressive with most members responding and filling initial response or following shifts. We were impressed by general skill level of all firefighters

East Augusta

Members and their family celebrated East Augusta’s 30th anniversary on 27 December (est. 1/6/1987). Vic Roberts and Ann Austin received certificates of appreciation from the Shire

Attended fires in Scott River and West Bay

There is an ongoing issue with the work platform radio on the 1.4, the manual hose reel is not locking and the left rear-view light panel and welds on the rear access step were damaged at the West Bay fire

The Captain attended the strategy subcommittee meeting re ESL funding

Training officer and Lieutenant attended the inaugural training meeting

East Augusta has created a Facebook page

Training continues on a fortnightly basis and weekly maintenance runs for the 1.4 and the HSV

Molloy Island

Getting the word out in relation to the 5 minute talk was very successful with 60 residents (not including brigade members) attending the presentation

Following the presentation we have obtained three new brigade members

We were called out and assisted with the West Bay Creek fire during the initial deployment, ongoing patrols and blackout duties

Our new air-conditioner has been installed and we have just purchased a backup 9 Kva generator with kind donations from the Molloy Island social group

Witchcliffe It has been a busy few weeks with the West Bay Creek fire in Augusta and

then our own fire at a property at the end of Wickham Road the following week. The Wickham Road fire was about 3 hectares in size and included 2 hectares of vines. We appreciated the support from both Rosa Brook and Wallcliffe brigades to contain and mop this is up quickly. Likewise we were more than happy to assist Kudardup at their prolonged West Bay Creek fire. I love the way we all work together within the shire and also with other agencies like DFES and DBCA


Late November was a busy month for community activities for our brigade. We attended the Gourmet Escape, conducted some Bush Fire Lessons at the Margaret River Independent School and covered the whole school through three age related sessions. We then had the pleasure of being invited to join them at their obstacle course fun day in December. It is always fun to squirt some water around for them as they complete the fun run course

Our annual newsletter has been produced and has being mailed out this week

It is with mixed emotions of both sadness and excitement that we will be saying farewell to Matt Holland at the end of March as he moves his family up to Carnarvon to take on the role of CESM for the combined shires of Carnarvon, Shark Bay and Upper Gascoyne

Matt joined our brigade in 2005 as a 13 year old cadet in the days when that was easy to do. He became a full fire fighter member at the age of 16 and has served with us for the past 10 years in various roles from his first role as our communications officer right through to currently being our VFRS Captain. He has undertaken training at every opportunity he could right through to becoming a DFES trainer assessor for the shire. He will be greatly missed within both the brigade and the shire

We have moved our AGM forward to the end of March so that we can honour Matt’s service to the brigade before he leaves and to wish Matt and Aniko and the children all the best for the future as he embarks on a new career in Emergency Services. If you would like to see him before he leaves please feel free to come along to our AGM on the 28 March at 7pm and join us for dinner after the meeting

Rosa Brook

Rosa Brook suspended training while the station was undergoing renovations. The renovations are nearing completion

We have attended two incidents, the West Bay Creek and Wickham Road fires

Rosa Brook Brigade managed to man five shifts at the West Bay incident with only two people doubling up for this incident

We had a minor incident at the West Bay fire, our truck was driven into a septic tank, it seems everyone at the event took pictures

Alexandra Bridge

Not in attendance

Cowaramup

Not in attendance

7.4 Community Emergency Services Manager / Shire Training Officer

Prevention

Mitigation Works

Nil Prescribed Burns Completed since spring 2017

Several mechanical treatments have been implemented by the Shire, particularly around the Pony Club on Roxburgh Rd in preparation for burns in the upcoming autumn and spring of 2018

Mitigation Activity Funding approved for the Shire by the Office of Emergency Management for $183,000 worth of mechanical works. This was a result of the work completed on the Bushfire Risk Management Plan over the last couple of years. This work is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2018 and is currently for State Land only

Preparedness

Training

Training Officer Meeting held at Wallcliffe Station on January 16 2018. The Chief, Deputy and I organised a training officer meeting for BFB trainers but the DFES VFRS brigade training officers were also invited. The purpose was to ensure that all training officers were aware of the support network and to share ideas. This will aid in keeping training sessions fresh, innovative and relevant. Our guest Donna Virgo also shared training delivery techniques to ensure that different learning styles are catered for at brigades


All brigades are training consistently and overall we were impressed with the quality and variety of training being conducted

Cross brigade and inter agency training sessions were also promoted and it was a great opportunity for training officer’s to catch up and organise sessions such as this

Training Calendar for 2018 has been published, please jump on eAcademy to register on courses

PPE Orders

The new BR5 helmets have been ordered, please continue to phase out the old style helmets. New members are also receiving BR5 helmets once training completed. 5 visors per brigade are available and a reminder that brigades can request torches (up to 10 per year to replace or for new members)

Local Government Grant Scheme (LGGS) and Shire Budget

The LGGS strategy meeting was held on January 23, 2018 at Witchcliffe station. I am currently finalising the application which is due early march for submission

An update on the budget was provided to Captains and Treasurers on each of the brigade’s expenditure for small items eligible under ESL

Brigade T-shirts will be eligible items under ESL next financial year. If Brigades would like new T-Shirts with BFS Logo, Shire Logo and Brigade name on back, I will include the cost for 1 to 2 shirts per member in the LGGS application

Media Campaign Project – Bushfire Preparedness

We met with Rosa Brook to discuss concerns about raising community awareness surrounding the need for bush fire preparation (to be bush fire ready). The creation of a social media clip and print media campaign were discussed. I encourage brigades to forward suggestions to myself for consideration. It is an initiative that has been developed through consultation with other brigades as well as the Shire, DFES and the wider community

Bushfire Risk Workshop held on 13/02/2018 – State Risk Project

The risk workshop was held at the Shire which involved all key agencies and stakeholders that could be impacted by a bushfire event. The Office of Emergency Management facilitated the day and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services prepared and delivered a credible scenario to set the scene in order to complete the risk statements. It was a successful day and hopefully a report with the results will be made available shortly

Response

Since the May BFAC meeting the Shire’s brigades have responded to 24 incidents.

18 Landscape Fires / 4 calls of concern from public / 1 structure / 1 other / rubbish / vehicle

West Bay Fire 29 January most Significant (PIA presentation)

Cowaramup Olio Bello and Bussell Hwy I-zone responses

Witchcliffe Wickham Rd O-zone response

Rosa Brook O-zone response

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

Recovery

The Shire Recovery Team was enacted in the West Bay Fire and performed

well. An internal committee meeting was held at the Shire where experiences


and learning’s from the event were shared. A couple of actions came as a result

of the event which the Shire will rectify to improve response

The Evacuation Centre in Margaret River (Cultural Centre) will be under re-

development from the 23 March 2018. Courts 1 & 2 in the Recreation Centre

itself will be the nominated evacuation point

General

Thank you to all who were involved in the West Bay Fire it was a great result for the

community and once again displayed the professionalism of our Bush Fire Brigades and

Shire Response Teams. Working collaboratively with the agencies also paid off once

again, and these agencies are full of praise for your efforts. Keep up the good work!

7.5 Deputy Shire President

The Shire President has reiterated how grateful and thankful she was for all those who

attended the fire in Augusta. I would also like to extend my thanks for all of your efforts.

Thank you.

7.6 Department of Fire and Emergency Services Area Officer Leeuwin - Lower Western Region Report

West Bay Creek Fire The DFES regional staff would like to pass on their congratulations to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and its Bushfire Brigades for their excellent job in managing and coordinating the level 2 West Bay Creek bushfire DFES would also like to acknowledge the support provided by surrounding local government Bush Fire Brigades and personnel from Parks and Wildlife for providing assistance at the incident that had the potential of significant impact on the local community

DFES 400 MHz Project As part of the recent 400 MHz spectrum changes completed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) are required to make changes to UHF radio systems This project is currently being delivered to the Lower South West Region with the project expected to go live by the end of March 2018

DFES Community Engagement Framework

This framework provides a new tool in ‘Engaging the Community’ and delivers further support in working with local communities. Both of these publications are available at: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/publications/Pages/default.aspx or on the Volunteer Portal

Meritorious Service Awards 2016 Waroona / Yarloop Bushfire Two types of meritorious service awards are open for nominations - the Certificate of Commendation and the Certificate of Distinction. The Certificate of Commendation is the highest DFES award for service of meritorious nature or outstanding actions. To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication to duty or significant act of bravery at the 2016 Waroona / Yarloop Bushfire

The Certificate of Distinction is the second highest DFES award for service of a meritorious nature or outstanding actions. To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has made a significant contribution to the organisation through their outstanding role at the 2016 Waroona / Yarloop Bushfire. Applications are open until the 6 April and nomination forms can be obtained from DFES or the Volunteer Portal

Circular Update

Driving Emergency Vehicles DFES has published a circular reminding fire fighters regarding the recommended requirements of Driving Emergency Vehicles, particularly the maximum speed specified in Section 9, of 20 kph over the posted speed limit, and the exceptions that may apply in the event of life involvement. More information is available in SOP 3.3.1 on the Volunteer Portal

https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/publications/Pages/default.aspx


Siting of Appliances

During a recent operational incident firefighters responded to a rural structure fire and crews sited the pumping appliance on the front yard of the property adjacent to the house fire. Whilst initially the siting of the appliance was considered to be at an appropriate location and distance from the house fire, the accumulated effect of radiant heat over the duration of their attendance caused heat damage to the front of the appliance, damaging the decals and plastic mouldings

Mitigation Activity Fund I would like to acknowledge the work completed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and its staff in securing $183,225 of funding in the recently announced Mitigation Activity Fund. This funding will be a significant assistance in reducing bush fire risks within the Shire

Singapore Fire Fighter Visit

On the 31 January two Singaporean fire fighters toured the Lower South West Region and met some of the local volunteers whilst visiting the helitacs in Busselton, Yallingup Coastal fire station and surrounds, inspection of the West Bay Creek fire and a cruise along the Blackwood River with the Augusta VMRS The Singaporean fire fighters were also collecting information on bushfire fighting appliances and volunteerism within the communities

AC Country Visit On the 17 January Assistant Commissioner Graham Swift visited the Lower South West region and was able to make stops at Busselton VFRS, Vasse BFB, the new BFB and VMR buildings in Gracetown and at the Margaret River SES facility. Thank you to the volunteers who were able to attend and discuss current matters with the Assistant Commissioner

Machinery of Government In April 2017, the State Government launched a Public Sector Renewal program. The main purpose of this program is to achieve significant reform and cultural change across the public sector with the long-term goal of improving the sector's efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and affordability. What is changing for DFES? There are three main components to the changes:

Structural - the first change involves reducing the number of reporting arrangements from six (including OEM and OBRM) to four. Governance and Strategy, Capability, and OEM will be combined into a new Command – Strategy and Emergency Management.

Senior Executive Services reduction - DFES will be reducing the number of Senior Executive Service positions from twelve to nine.

Operations alignment - All operational frontline services will be brought under the banner of Operations Command.

There are no known foreseeable impacts/changes on operational firefighting. The status of a “Rural Fire Service” is a decision and an announcement of the Western Australian State Government. No further announcement or decision is expected until after the 2017/18 fire season.

Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone involved in the West Bay Creek fire, particularly to the CBFCO, DCBFCO and CESM. What a way to welcome you to the role Chris. I wanted to pass along my congratulations to the Shire for the great recovery effort. The Shire, DBCA and DFES are showing everyone else on how well the agencies work together and what can be accomplished when everyone works well together.

7.7 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Not in attendance


7.8 Bushfire Ready Facilitators Report

Bushfire Ready Facilitator – North A very successful "Street Meet" was conducted on Sunday, 12 November

2017 on Mansfield Avenue, Margaret River. There was a lot of positive feedback from the community. Thanks to Steph, Chris, Nathan, Mike and Dave for helping out on the day

I conducted another two "Bushfire Ready" meetings before Christmas using the new "5 Minute Chat" format. One in Brotherton Place in the Wilderness sub division with 12 attendees and the other in Zani Place in the Kevill subdivision with around 30 attendees. Both meetings picked up the "5 Minute Chat" principle and followed up with additional information from the "tool box"

DFES Community Preparedness Directorate continues to send out "Monthly Themes". A new format is under development and will be released in the near future

Bushfire Ready Facilitator – South Attended Molloy Island’s Fire Chat workshop on the Island on 13 January.

John Matten, Steph DeBruin and Chris Lloyd informed the 50 plus residents on how to be prepared in the event of a bushfire. The workshop was followed by a BBQ supported by BFR funding. This event was supported by the MI bushfire volunteers and street coordinators. MI gained three new members from this community engagement session

Attended the town markets over the Christmas period talking with residents and visitors about bushfire preparedness

Spoke with community members post the West Bay fire and handed out bushfire preparation toolkits. The community were very appreciative of the support they received

Monthly themes disseminated from DFES Community Engagement office are being incorporated into Augusta’s community paper, The Pelican Post. Street coordinators, bushfire members and members on the BFR contact list are also receiving these notices

Following the West Bay Fire we have received more interest from the community in being bush fire ready

7.9 Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Not much to add to the reports that have already been presented tonight

We are currently preparing for the autumn burn program and hoping to avoid clashes with wine industry

7.10 State Emergency Services Not in attendance

8.0 General business

8.1 Update on Bush Fire Compliance - Michael O'Regan The Shire has three officers that carry out fire compliance inspections. Out of approximately 9,000 properties, 5202 initial inspections were carried out last year. Please see Attachment 8.1.1 for the full Firebreak Statistics. I am currently working closely with Chris to develop a community education strategy highlighting the difference between asset protection zones and hazard separation zones. The emphasis on education was highlighted following negative feedback received during the inspection period. We have been impressed with the implementation of the new PinForce software Rangers now have linked through their tablets. The software uses satellite tracking and show lot numbers, location, size and shape of land. It is of great benefit to the Shire as it also reports on how many inspections have been created and completed on any given day, which can be reported to the CESM or DFES. CESM: I would like to acknowledge all the work Mick put into the community engagement sessions following the West Bay Creek fire.


The committee briefly discussed the Permit to Burn books/template. Members agreed that providing a permit has not gone past the original expiry date, the same form can be used to extend the permit period by initialling all date and time changes. CBFCO: The state government have advised that they will be trialling an online permit system in the next few months. Specific details are yet to be confirmed.

8.2 Location change for the May BFAC meeting – Chris Lloyd The May BFAC meeting will be moved to Margaret River Council Chambers due to the relocation of the Augusta Library to Augusta Council Chambers during the removal of asbestos from the Library roof. Reminders will be sent prior to the meeting noting the change in location.

8.3 Endorsement of new FCO’s for Kudardup – Scott Hamilton

Martin Dekkers has advised that he would like to resign as the FCO for Kudardup as of April 2018. Due to brigade member availability, the brigade succession plan has two FCO’s noted. Matthew Nield to cover East Kudardup and myself, Scott Hamilton to cover West Kudardup upon successful completion of the FCO course.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Bush Fire Advisory Committee: 1. Endorse Matthew Nield as a Fire Control Officer for Kudardup. 2. Upon successful completion of the Fire Control Officer course, Scott Hamilton be endorsed

as the Fire Control Officer for Kudardup West. 3. Upon Scott Hamilton’s successful completion of the Fire Control Officer course, Matthew

Nield be endorsed as the Fire Control Officer for Kudardup East. Moved: Scott Hamilton – Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade Seconded: Molloy Island Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

Carried: All

8.4 Bushfire Risk Management Plan, Mitigation Activity Funding Approval

2018 – Chris Lloyd One of Andrew Hunt’s first tasks as the Bush Fire Risk Coordinator was to complete a mitigation activity grant application, based on the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. The application was successful and 183,225 of grant funding has been awarded to carry out mechanical works. The grant funding is limited to works being completed on state land and focuses on land classified under very high or extreme risk. Works are spread around the Shire although there is a large percentage of works to be completed in Augusta. Stakeholder engagement will be conducted prior to the commencement of works. All work is to be completed by 30 June 2018. Nathan Hall: Congratulations to Chris and Andrew for the work completed to ensure that application was submitted within the short timeframe allowed.

8.5 General discussion

The Wallcliffe Brigade received a $2,000 donation from River Fresh IGA, which they donated to assist with stocking, equipping and maintenance of the Bushfire Welfare Support Trailer. https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/news/media-releases/1082/welfare-trailer-donation-received-with-thanks/ CBFCO: I would like to commend the Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade for preserving their members for the long-term management of the fire and letting other brigades and agencies act as first responders. Gordon Temby: We have been approached by Rotary in relation to sending old helmets and PPE to East Timor and negotiations are underway. DFES have provided support as long as all logos are removed. We are aware that helmets and other equipment have a finite life span. I am waiting to hear back from Rotary so if Brigades can store any surplus PPE until I have clarification on details of collection and distribution.

https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/news/media-releases/1082/welfare-trailer-donation-received-with-thanks/

https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/news/media-releases/1082/welfare-trailer-donation-received-with-thanks/


Coordinator Ranger Services advised the committee that he would like to test the Animal Welfare Plan and will be setting up a tabletop exercise in the near future. The committee briefly discussed animal welfare during the West Bay Creek fire. The committee briefly discussed the recent thefts at some of the fire sheds (fortunately, not local sheds) and security.

8.6 Appreciation for Brigades The Shire wanted to show its appreciation to those involved in controlling the fire at West Bay Creek. The CESM and Deputy Shire President presented certificates of appreciation to Incident Controllers of the West Bay Creek fire:

David Holland, CBFCO

Brett Trunfull, DCBFCO

Martin Dekkers, FCO of Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade

The CESM and Deputy Shire President presented certificates of appreciation to:

Augusta Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service

Margaret River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service

The CESM and Deputy Shire President presented certificates of appreciation and $100 gratuities to the following brigades:

East Augusta Bush Fire Brigade

Karridale Bush Fire Brigade

Kudardup Bush Fire Brigade

Molloy Island Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

Rosa Brook Bush Fire Brigade

Wallcliffe Bush Fire Brigade

Witchcliffe Bush Fire Brigade

The certificates and gratuities will be forwarded to Alexandra Bridge Bush Fire Brigade, Gracetown Bush Fire Brigade and Cowaramup Bush Fire Brigade.

9.0 Matters for which the meeting may be closed (Confidential Items) Nil

10.0 Closure of meeting The meeting was closed at 7.02pm

augusta margaret river bush fire advisory committee meeting

Documents