Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee Bush Fire Risk ...

Penrith Bush Fire 

Management Committee 

Draft 

For Public Exhibition 

Bush Fire 

Risk Management Plan 

Prepared by the Bush Fire Management Committee; pursuant to section 52 

of the Rural Fires Act, 1997 

PENRITH BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE DRAFT BUSH FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN 

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Table of Contents 

Chapter 1 Introduction Page 

1.1 Background.........................................................................................1 

1.2 Scope of Plan......................................................................................2 

1.2.1 Area.......................................................................................................2 

1.2.2 Purpose.................................................................................................2 

1.2.3 Period of Operation...............................................................................2 

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Plan ........................................................3 

1.4 Implementation ...................................................................................3 

Chapter 2 Summary of Bush Fire Risk 

2.1 Introduction.........................................................................................5 

2.2 Bush Fire Issues within the Penrith Council area..........................5 

2.2.1 Bush Fire History..................................................................................5 

2.2.2 Climate..................................................................................................5 

2.2.3 Vegetation and Fire Behaviour.............................................................6 

2.2.4 Ignition Pattern and Sources ................................................................7 

2.2.5 Bush Fire Hazard..................................................................................7 

2.3 Community Assets.............................................................................8 

2.3.1 Key Community Assets ........................................................................8 

2.3.2 Assets Requiring Special Protection..................................................10 

2.3.3 Community Profile...............................................................................10 

2.4 Environmental / Ecological Assets ................................................10 

2.4.1 Key Environmental / Ecological Assets..............................................10 

Chapter 3 Bush Fire Risk Description 

3.1 Introduction.......................................................................................14 

3.2 What is Bush Fire Risk? ..................................................................14 

3.3 Bush Fire Risk Assessment Methodology....................................14 

3.4 Bush fire Risk in Penrith Council area...........................................15 

3.4.1 Bush Fire Risk Description.................................................................15 


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Chapter 4 Bush Fire Risk Management Strategies 

4.1 Introduction.......................................................................................16 

4.2 Bush Fire Risk Management Priorities..........................................16 

4.3 Bush Fire Risk Management Options............................................16 

4.4 Bush Fire Risk Management Strategies for Penrith Council area 

............................................................................................................17 

4.5 Bush Fire Hazard Management.......................................................29 

4.5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................29 

4.5.2 Bush Fire Hazard Management Zones for Penrith Council area.......29 

Chapter 5 Implementation 

5.1 Introduction.......................................................................................30 

5.2 Responsibility for Implementing the Bush Fire Risk Management 

Plan.....................................................................................................30 

5.3 Operational Matters Influencing Implementation of Programs...31 

5.3.1 Environmental Assessment................................................................31 

5.3.2 Section 66 Notice to Reduce Bush Fire Hazards ..............................33 

5.3.3 Issue of Permits to Burn.....................................................................33 

5.3.4 Use of Appropriate Fire Regimes.......................................................34 

5.3.5 Smoke Management...........................................................................35 

5.3.6 Catchment Protection (Protection of Soil and Water Values)............36 

5.3.7 Pest and Weed Management.............................................................36 

5.3.8 Hazard Reduction & the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997..37 

5.3.9 Excluded Lands ..................................................................................39 

Chapter 6 Monitoring and Review 

6.1 Introduction.......................................................................................40 

6.2 Monitoring and Review....................................................................40 

6.2.1 Implementation of the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan by Land 

Managers............................................................................................40 

6.2.2 Implementation of the Bush Fire Risk Plan by the Fire Fighting 

Authorities............................................................................................42 

6.3 Bush Fire Risk Management Plan Effective in Reducing the 

Communities Risk to Bushfires......................................................42 

6.3.1 Effectiveness of Bush Fire Management Committees .......................44 

6.3.2 Local Issues to be Monitored..............................................................44 

6.4 Review of the Bush Fire Risk Plan.................................................44 


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Appendices 

A Explanation of Bush Fire Risk Classes.........................................45 

B Explanation of Bush Fire Management Zones..............................46 

C References........................................................................................47 

Maps 

Map 1 Tenure Map 

Map 2 Slope Map 

Map 3 Vegetation Map 

Map 4 Bush Fire Hazard Map 

Map 5 Community Assets Map 

Map 6 Community Assets Threat Map 

Map 7 Community Assets Risk Map 

Map 8 Environmental / Ecological Assets Map 

Map 9 Environmental / Ecological Assets Threat Map 

Map 10 Environmental / Ecological Assets Risk Map 

Map 11 Bush Fire Hazard Management Zones 

Map 12 Bush Fire History Map 


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Authorisation 

In accordance with Part 3 Division 4 of the Rural Fires Act 1997, this Plan has been prepared by 

the Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee and has been endorsed by the Members of that 

Committee on behalf of the authorities they represent at the meeting of the . 

Recommended 

X insert signature X insert signature 

Chairperson NSW RFS Officer 

Councillor Dion Bailey A/Superintendent John Pearson 

Penrith BFMC Penrith BFMC 

NSWFB Officer Penrith City Council Officer 

Superintendent Brian Johnston Garry Rumble 


NPWS Officer Waste Services NSW 

Col Davidson Allan 


RTA Officer ComLand Limited 

Peter Murphy David Aynsley 


DEOH Nature Conservation Council 

Rob Pointer Shane Grundy 


Approved 

On behalf of the 

NSW Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee 


iv

Amendment List 

Amendment Entered 

Number Date Signature Date 


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1.1 Background 

Chapter 1 Introduction 

The Rural Fires Act, 1997 requires the Bush Fire Coordinating Committee (BFCC) to establish A 

Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) in each local government area containing a rural 

fire district, or fire district with a bush fire risk. One role of the BFMC is to prepare a draft 

Bush Fire Risk Management Plan for its area of responsibility. 

Bush Fire Risk is defined as the chance of a bush fire igniting, spreading and causing damage 

to assets of value to the community. Assets of value to the community include life, property 

(including buildings, stock, crops and forests) and our natural and cultural heritage. 

Bush Fire Risk Management involves identifying the level of risk posed by bush fires to assets 

and establishing strategies to protect these assets from the adverse effects of bush fires. The 

purpose of bush fire risk management is to protect the community and its values from the 

adverse affects of wildfire. The outcome sought, is to achieve better integration of community 

preparedness and prevention strategies as key elements of bush fire management. 

This draft bush fire risk management plan (BFRMP) has been prepared by the Penrith Bush 

Fire Management Committee in accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997. The Penrith Bush 

Fire Management Committee comprises representatives of major land management agencies, 

the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Road and Traffic Authority, Transgrid, Air Services 

Australia, ComLand Limited, Waste Services NSW, Corrective Services Orchard Hills Defence 

Establishment, Penrith City Council, volunteer rural fire brigade members, fire fighting 

authorities, and community representatives. 

The plan identifies the level of bush fire risk across the Penrith Council area and establishes 

strategies, which the responsible land managers will implement to manage the bush fire risks 

identified. 

The strategies established in the bush fire risk management plan address the bush fire hazard, 

the vulnerability of assets to fire, the safety of the community and fire fighters, the protection of 

the land and environment from fire, and recognise that biodiversity can be managed through the 

application of appropriate fire regimes upon the landscape. 

In accordance with the Regulations to the Rural Fires Act 1997, the draft bush fire risk 

management plan will be exhibited for a period of not less than 42 days during which time 

submissions are invited from the public. 

As such, members of the public, whether as private individuals or as members of community 

interest groups, are invited to comment on the plan. Submissions should be in writing, and as 

detailed and specific as possible; however any comments, no matter how brief or general are 

welcome. All comments received will be referred to the Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee with 

the plan for their final deliberation and approval. 

Prior to finalising the plan, the Bush Fire Management Committee is required to consider the 

submissions to plan and prepare a review for consideration by the Bush Fire Co-ordinating 

Committee. Under the Act, the Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee may approve the plan, 

amend the plan or reject the plan in the light of public submissions. 

If significant changes are made to the plan after public exhibition, the draft plan will be placed 

on further exhibition prior to its final adoption. 

The closing date for comments on this plan is: .? 

Comments should be forwarded to: 

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Executive Officer 

Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee 

C/- NSW Rural Fire Service, Penrith 

PO Box 60 

Penrith 

NSW 2751 

Additional information or inquires on any aspect of the plan can be obtained from the above or 

by telephoning 02 4731 1199. 

1.2 Scope of the Plan. 

1.2.1 Area 

The plan covers the local government area of Penrith City Council, and includes public, 

private and Commonwealth lands. 

1.2.2 Purpose 

The plan is a strategic level document which: 

• identifies the level of bush fire risk across the Bush Fire Management Committee's area 

• identifies strategies which will be implemented to manage the bush fire risks identified 

and 

• identifies the land managers responsible for implementing the BFRMP. 

1.2.3 Period of Operation 

Once approved by the Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee this plan will have a life of five (5) 

years. It is anticipated that the plan will be refined within the 5-year time frame as necessary 

and in accordance with the provisions of section 52 of the Rural Fires Act 1997. 

Annual bush fire risk management programmes will be developed by the responsible land 

managers to implement the plan. 

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1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Plan 

1.3.1 Aim 

The aim of the Penrith bush fire risk management plan is to provide for the co-ordinated 

prevention and mitigation of bush fires for: 

(a) the protection of life, property and the environment within the community; and 

(b) the protection, maintenance and wherever possible the enhancement of the natural 

and cultural values of the area through the management of appropriate fire regimes. 

To give effect to this aim, the committee has developed appropriate risk management 

objectives and strategies. 

1.3.2 Objectives 

The objectives of the Penrith Bush Fire Risk Management Plan are to: 

• reduce the risk of bush fire damage to life, property and the environment; 

• ensure that the community is well informed on bush fire protection measures and 

prepared for bush fire events; 

• ensure that public and private land owners and occupiers understand their bush fire 

management responsibilities; 

• minimise the risk to the safety of firefighters and the public by reducing the potential for 

severe bush fires; 

• encourage community participation in managing the bush fire risk; 

• reduce the impact of bush fire smoke on the community; 

• effectively manage bush fires for the protection and conservation of the natural, cultural, 

scenic and recreational features of the area; 

• reduce the effects of bush fire to water quality within the Nepean Hawkesbury Catchment 

1.3.3 Bush Fire Risk Management Strategies 

This plan contains a number of strategies that are directed at addressing the risk to 

community and environmental assets. This is generally achieved through addressing those 

factors which comprise the risk being the bush fire hazard (principally the fuel), the sources 

and pattern of ignitions and the vulnerability of the assets at risk. 

1.4 Implementation 

Implementation of the BFRMP is the responsibility of the owners or occupiers (land 

managers) of the land on which the bush fire risk is situated. The Rural Fires Act imposes 

this responsibility on both public and private land managers. 

Land management agencies such as the Penrith City Council, Roads and Traffic Authority 

(RTA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Air Services Australia (ASA), ComLand 

Limited, Defence Establishment Orchard Hills (DEOH), Penrith Lakes Development 

Corporation (PLDC), Waste Services NSW, and Corrective Services, will need to develop 

specific programs for implementing the BFRMP strategies applicable to their land. In the 

case of private property, it is the responsibility of Penrith City Council to develop a program 

for communicating the BFRMP strategies to private land managers and ensuring that the 

strategies are implemented by the land managers. 

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Land management agencies will need to develop fire management plans to meet their own 

land management objectives whilst maintaining consistency with this bush fire risk 

management plan. 

Land managers will progressively implement the plan over the period of the plan (5 years) 

with annual reporting requirements being undertaken to monitor progress. 

The success of the plan will be monitored through the Bush Fire Management Committee 

annual reporting procedures to the Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee. 

1.5 Environmental considerations 

In exercising its functions under the Rural Fires Act, including the preparation of a bush fire 

risk management plan, the Bush Fire Management Committee is required to have regard to 

the principles of ecologically sustainable development (referred to as ESD). 

The principles of ESD include the *precautionary principle in relation to the interpretation of 

scientific advice, inter-generational equity which seeks to ensure future generations have 

access to natural resources, the conservation of biodiversity and ecological processes and 

the recognition of the value of environmental resources. 

*Precautionary Principal – namely, that if any threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack 

of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent 

environmental degradation. 

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2.1 Introduction 

Chapter 2 Summary of Bush Fire Risk Factors 

Identification of the level of bush fire risk within the Penrith Council area involved analysis of 

the following key components: 

• The bush fire issues within the Penrith Council area area; 

• Assets with socio-economic value to the community 

• Assets with environmental or cultural heritage value 

This chapter briefly describes each of these components and outlines how they influence the 

bush fire risk. 

2.2 Bush Fire Issues Within the Penrith Council area 

This section outlines the bush fire history of the Penrith Council area, and broadly identifies 

the climatic, vegetation (fuel), and ignition factors, which influence the bush fire problem in 

the area. Refer to map.12 

2.2.1 Bush Fire History 

Prior to 1948, bushfires regularly occurred in the pastoral and forested areas of the Penrith 

Council area. From 1948 hazard reduction commenced and a fire trail network was 

progressively established. Major wildfires have now been virtually excluded from large parts 

of the Penrith Council area. 

Significant fire seasons have occurred in the Penrith Council area area in 1968, 1977, 1981, 

1990, 1993/94, 1997/8 and 2000. These seasons coincided with extended drought periods, 

and fires burning in these seasons burnt extensive areas. Other smaller fires, which had the 

potential to develop into major fires, have been contained within three to four hours. In recent 

times, the clearing of bush land to provide for development in the rural areas has seen the 

breaking up of the continuous line of bush land, which has supported fires in the past. The 

introduction to the district of market gardening has seen land usage change from grazing to 

crops. Sand Mining occurs in the North Western sector of the Penrith Council area providing 

breaks for fires threatening from the adjoining Blue Mountains National Park. 

2.2.2 Climate 

(a) General 

The climate in the Penrith Bush Fire District is warm subtropical with a well defined 

summer/autumn rainfall peak (January to March) and a dry winter and spring. The 

temperature and rainfall conditions vary across the Penrith Council area. The rainfall can be 

unreliable during the normal late winter/spring period. Winter and early Spring frosts 

generally cause the grasslands to cure rapidly. 

Average monthly summer temperature – High 28 

Average monthly winter temperature – Low 4.5 

Average monthly summer rainfall 64mm 

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Average monthly winter rainfall 13mm 

Average annual rainfall total


(c) Pastoral lands, grasslands and open woodlands – Fire behaviour in these 

vegetation types is dominated by the influence of grass fuels. Fires occur most readily 

once grass is cured beyond 70%. In heavy grass fuels, fires may be intense but will 

only persist for a short time, and hence are less hazardous relative to forest and heath 

fires. Grass/woodland fires are open to the influence of wind and typically have high 

rates of spread (relative to forest and heath vegetation). Grass fire behaviour is 

reduced dramatically by reducing the height and continuity of grass fuels – most often 

achieved by grazing. 

(d) Severely disturbed forests – Dry sclerophyll forest which has had the under storey 

removed and has had thinning of the canopy. Low to moderate fuel levels (up to 15 

t/ha) and relatively open canopies allow sunlight and wind to quickly dry available fuels 

giving these forests the potential to support low to moderate intensity bush fires. 

2.2.4 Ignition Patterns and Sources 

Preventing the ignition of bush fires by human activities, particularly on days when severe 

weather conditions prevail, is an important strategy for managing bush fires. To put effective 

ignition management programs in place, it is important to understand the patterns and major 

sources of ignition in the area. 

The five major ignition causes in the Penrith Council area are: 

• Illegal burning off 

• Incendiarism 

• Escapes from Legal Burning off 

• Car Dumping 

• Lightning 

Illegal burning off ignitions are mainly concentrated in rural areas. Activity largely occurs from 

mid to late spring. 

Incendiarism is unfortunately an increasing trend, and is most common in the grassland and 

forested areas adjacent to townships, particularly Glenmore Park, Hickeys Lane, Mount 

Pleasant, Erskine Park. Ignition records for the area show that the incidence of incendiarism 

is increased during school holidays. Increasing visitation and urban growth are thought to be 

the main contributing factors to increased incidence of incendiarism. 

Escapes from legal burning off are mainly in rural areas of the City, occurring in similar areas 

to illegal burning activity. Activity is also largely in mid to late spring. 

Car dumping is a major cause of ignitions in the Vacant Crown Land areas around 

Londonderry, Castlereagh and Berkshire Park. This activity occurs right throughout the year 

representing serious potential for bush fires during the Summer months. Bush fires also 

occur during the Winter months particularly during dry winters. 

Lightning activity in the Penrith Council area is mainly associated with late spring and 

summer thunderstorm activity, which is normally (but not always) accompanied by rainfall. 

Lightning activity does not represent a significant ignition source within this Penrith Council 

area. 

2.2.5 Bush Fire Hazard See Map 4 – Bush Fire Hazard 

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The Bush Fire Hazard map depicting the hazard potential of the Penrith Council area is 

displayed on Map 4 attached. Approx10 % of the Penrith Council area has been classified 

high bush fire hazard, 4% moderate bush fire hazard and 86 % low bush fire hazard. 

The Hazard Maps were produced using the Eastern Bushland database, (NPWS) and slope 

data broken into three classes, (level


Settlement in Penrith’s rural areas is concentrated in the villages of Mulgoa, Wallacia, 

Luddenham, Londonderry and Agnes Banks, or otherwise dispersed across rural properties. 

Some closer settlement patterns in the form of rural-residential developments can also be 

found at Wallacia (‘Northumberland Green Estate’), Orchard Hills (‘The Vines Estate’), Mt 

Vernon and Cranebrook. 

(b) Primary Production 

Primary industry in Penrith is dominated by mining, horticulture and agriculture. Metal, sand 

and gravel are the major extractive industries. Penrith accounts for 80% of all Sydney’s 

building sand. Vineyards, turf, market gardening, cut flowers and nurseries are the 

predominant horticultural industries. Poultry farms, cattle and horse studs are dominant, and 

reflect produce worth $110 million per annum at the farm gate. 

The key rural production areas lie to the north and south of the Penrith urban areas. In the 

north, activities occur predominantly on 2-4 ha lots around Llandilo, Londonderry and 

Berkshire Park. Llandilo has a significant number of properties under agriculture/market 

gardens and several poultry farms. North of Londonderry rural uses are divided between 

poultry farms, dog kennels, horses and horticulture. At Berkshire Park properties are mostly 

under agriculture/market gardens. 

Rural use of land in the south is more widespread and diverse, with the majority of the larger 

holdings used for pastoral purposes. These occur on the low-lying to undulating land 

stretching from Mulgoa to the eastern City boundary, generally south of the water supply 

pipeline. There are also a number of poultry farms, mainly concentrated at Luddenham and 

Mt Vernon. Other activities include market gardens, horses, nurseries, and poultry. 

Council has resolved to undertake a review of its Rural Lands in the coming 12 to 18 months. 

A key outcome of this review will be an accurate “snapshot” of the current types and 

locations of rural activities and primary production. This information is supplied for the 

purposes of this management plan, however it may not be current and should be checked 

with the Department of Agriculture. 

(c) Timber production 

No significant timber production occurs in this area. 

(d) Industry 

Metal fabrication is the principal manufacturing activity in the City. Other major activities 

include packaging, glass products, electronics, animal vaccine production, construction, 

machinery distribution, concrete products, specialist manufacturers and wool products. Other 

significant activities include the service industry, retail and wholesale sectors, education and 

tourism. 

Penrith’s industrial zones support a variety of established businesses. The main industrial 

zones are located at Emu Plains, North Penrith, South Penrith, St Marys and Dunheved. 

Land at the southern edge of Erskine Park (Erskine Park Employment Lands) is zoned for 

industrial purposes but has yet to be taken up. 

(e) Transport Routes 

The area is served by a significant rail and road network. Sydney’s main western rail line is 

the focus of Penrith’s core residential areas and carries 70 interurban and 200 suburban 

passenger train movements per day, as well as around 82 freight train movements per day. 

Penrith LGA contains some 126 km of arterial roads including Great western Highway, M4 

Motorway, Elizabeth Drive, Mulgoa Road, Castlereagh Road, The Northern Road and Mamre 

Road. 

(f) Services infrastructure (gas, electricity etc) 

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• Electricity High Voltage transmission lines traverse the Penrith Council area, with several 

substations located both in the rural and urban areas. 

• Natural Gas, Natural Gas lines traverse the Penrith Council area. 

• Water pipeline, the main supply pipeline from Warragamba Dam crosses the south of the 

Penrith Council area. 

• Sewerage treatment plants (located at Penrith and North St Marys) 

2.3.2 Assets Requiring Special Protection 

• Corrective Centres (John Moroney Centre at Londonderry and Emu Plains Prison Farm). 

• Castlereagh Waste Disposal Centre 

• Other Waste disposal sites (5 privately operated non-putrescible landfill sites located at 

Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Mulgoa and Londonderry). 

• The southern perimeter of Glenmore Park due to its proximity to the adjoining Mulgoa 

nature Reserve. 

• Emu Heights and Leonay due to their proximity to the adjoining Blue Mountains National 

Park. 

• Northern perimeter of the Village of Londonderry. 

• M 4 Motorway, during the Spring, and extended dry periods causing grasses to cure 

beyond 80%. 

• ADI Limited’s Test Evaluation and Centre residing on ComLand’s property at Forrester 

Road because of its Defence Department works and the proximity of the surrounding 

bushland. 

2.3.3 Community Profile 

Given the geography of the Penrith Council area , a number of communities are potentially 

vulnerable to high levels of bush fire risk. Localities such as Mulgoa, Glenmore Park, 

Londonderry, Emu Heights, and Leonay, which are adjacent to National Parks are vulnerable 

to major bushfire risk. 

While the majority of aged care facilities are located within the urban areas of Penrith and St 

Marys and are not subject to major bushfire risk, the aged care facilities at Erskine Park and 

Wallacia may require special attention in the event of localised fires causing significant 

smoke hazard. 

2.4 Environmental/Ecological Assets See Map 8 - Environmental / Ecological 

Assets 

This section provides a summary of the key ecological assets and assets with cultural and/or 

historical heritage within the Penrith Council area. For the purposes of the bush fire analysis, 

this plan has classified the community assets of the Penrith Council area into the groups 

outlined below. 

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Environmental / Ecological Assets include: 

• natural assets - features or areas such as landscapes, catchments and ecological 

communities; and 

• cultural assets - areas of prehistoric or historic significance dating from Aboriginal and 

European occupation. 

2.4.1 Key Environmental/Ecological Assets 

(a) Places of Aboriginal Significance 

Refer to NPWS for a list of places of Aboriginal significance in the Penrith Council area. 

Other sources to be checked include: "Aboriginal Resources Planning Study: City of Penrith"” 

Rhoads and Dunnett (1985) and “Cumberland Plain Regional Aboriginal Heritage Strategy: 

Stage 1” (NPWS). 

Whilst no direct reference is made to any Aboriginal site or place within the text they are 

considered during the risk and threat analysis and the results reflect their existence. 

(b) Historic Heritage 

A full list of adopted heritage items and heritage conservation areas (including maps) can be 

found in “Penrith Heritage Conservation LEP 1991” and “Penrith Heritage Study Inventory 

1987”. 

(c) Threatened Species, Populations, Communities and Critical Habitat 

Threatened Flora and Fauna 

This Plan has regard for the principles of ESD. An important objective of ESD is to protect 

the full range of native species present and to maintain viable regional populations of these 

species. Protection must have regard to the activities carried out on the land and measures 

to be taken that will influence such activities. 

Penrith Flora and Fauna Study 1997 compiles existing information relating to fauna and 

flora in the Penrith Council area. The Study also summarises the main activities, including 

bushfire management, which could threaten biodiversity and natural habitats in Penrith 

Council area, and makes recommendations about how to manage those activities. Appendix 

H and I in the Study provide assessment guidelines for considering activities that may affect 

biodiversity. 

Within the Penrith Council area a diverse range of fauna and flora species are found. A total 

of 374 native vertebrate species occur or are likely to occur, comprising 17 fish, 32 

amphibians, 46 reptiles, 57 mammals and 222 birds. In addition, 29 introduced fauna species 

have been recorded (10 fish, 1 amphibians, 0 reptiles, 6 mammals and 12 birds). 37 

threatened fauna species occur or are likely, being about 10% of the total (excluding fish). 

These threatened species are reliant on the retention of native vegetation for their continued 

existence. 

There is a high diversity of native plants in the area with over 500 native species in four 

broad vegetation types. This includes 13 plant species listed as Rare or Threatened 

(ROTAP) at a national level of which one species is presumed extinct. There are 38 species 

which are considered to be of conservation significance in western Sydney and at least 

another 139 species which are vulnerable or inadequately conserved in western Sydney. 

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In 1996, the NSW Government enacted legislation to conserve biological diversity and 

threatened species. Over 500 threatened species are listed, including plants, amphibians, 

reptiles, birds and mammals. Many listed species occur in Penrith. 

The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 requires consideration of endangered 

species and their habitat in the determination of any activities, and imposes additional 

requirements on determining authorities, including councils. 

Species of threatened fauna are likely to use all areas of remnant native vegetation at one 

time or another. Therefore, the provisions of the Act should be applied to all proposals where 

remnant native vegetation exists. 

The Threatened Species Unit of NPWS should be consulted for information about any 

proposed Recovery Plans for endangered species and endangered ecological communities 

listed in Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. 

Planning at the strategic level (as is the purpose of this plan) aims to protect human life and 

property values whilst minimising detrimental impacts on the environment of intense fire and 

too frequent or infrequent prescribed and wildfire fire. 

Where prescribed fire is used as one of the tools to achieve this, the aim is to burn: 

• sufficiently frequently to prevent general fuel accumulations which would present major 

hazard in potentially high intensity wildfires, and 

• at intervals far enough apart to ensure the continued survival of plant species and 

habitat for wildlife. 

This can best be achieved through a broad cyclical mosaic of hazard reduced areas across 

those parts of the District where fuel reduction is to be practised, (predominantly dry eucalypt 

forest types) with the added knowledge that most broad area fuel reduction in fact leaves a 

patchwork of burnt and unburnt sections. 

The extent of area identified for more frequent treatment (areas in hazard management 

zones one and two) is commensurate with the level of bush fire risk in the District (i.e. bush 

fire risk to specific community and environmental asset areas). These zones are strategically 

located to achieve the appropriate level of asset protection whilst minimising the area to be 

treated, thus assisting to minimise environmental impact. 

(d) Significant Vegetation Communities 

Bush Fire Risk Management in the Penrith Council area is also affected by the operation of 

the following planning instruments: 

• SEPP 19 Urban Bushland 

• SREP 20 – Hawkesbury – Nepean River 

• Draft Penrith LEP – Flora and Fauna Conservation 

• Penrith Heritage LEP (2 Items of Significant vegetation) 

• Penrith Register of Significant Trees and Gardens 

• Penrith Remnant Native Vegetation Inventory 

• Regionally significant Vegetation (as listed in any relevant Regional Vegetation 

Management Plan) 

(e) Catchments 

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The following areas are significant for their water catchment value: 

The Penrith Council area covers part of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment area. An 

important objective of fire management in the District is to minimise the occurrence of intense 

fires over broad areas which may produce large quantities of ash and expose soils to 

erosion, providing significant potential for the sedimentation/contamination of natural 

waterways and town water supplies. 

(f) Wetlands 

The following wetlands, of State, regional or local significance occur in the District: 

Werrington (refer to Heritage Inventory Item W6 in Penrith Heritage Study Inventory 1987) 

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Chapter 3 - Bush Fire Risk Description 


This chapter describes the level of bush fire risk to community and ecological/environmental 

assets across the Penrith Council area. It also provides a brief explanation of what is meant 

by the term bush fire risk, and how the level of bush fire risk across the Penrith Council area 

was determined. 

3.2. What is Bush Fire Risk? 

Bush fire risk is defined as the chance of a bush fire igniting, spreading and causing damage 

to assets of value to the community. 

Three main factors that contribute to the bush fire risk: 

1. The potential severity of the fire (or bush fire hazard). The bush fire hazard is 

influenced by the vegetation, slope, and weather conditions. 

2. How close the bush fire hazard is to an asset (or bush fire threat). The further an asset 

is located from a bush fire hazard, the less likely it is to be damaged or destroyed by the 

bush fire. 

3. The capacity of an asset to cope with, and recover from the expected bush fire (or 

vulnerability). Different types of assets have different abilities to cope with fire. 

3.3 Bush Fire Risk Assessment Methodology 

The method used to identify the level of bush fire risk across the Penrith Council area is 

outlined below. More detailed information about the methodology can be obtained from 

Coordinating Committee Bush Fire Risk Management Planning Guidelines. 

Step 1. Identify the Bush Fire Hazard. 

The bush fire hazard was assessed by combining information about the type of vegetation 

(and how well it burns during a bush fire), slope, and the likely weather conditions on days 

when major bush fires are likely to start and spread rapidly. 

Step 2. Identify the Bush Fire Threat. 

The bush fire threat to various community and ecological/environmental assets within the 

Penrith Council area was assessed by estimating how close these assets were located to a 

bush fire hazard. 

Step 3. Identify the Bush Fire Risk. 

The bush fire risk to community and ecological/environmental assets was determined by 

assessing how well the different types of assets within the Penrith Council area were likely to 

withstand and recover from the level of bush fire threat expected. 

Based on this assessment, the bush fire risk posed to assets was placed into one of five 

bush fire risk classes (extreme, major, moderate, minor, or insignificant). An explanation of 

what each of these bush fire risk classes mean is included in the appendices. 

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3.4 Bush Fire Risk in Penrith Council area 

Maps 7 and 10, show the level of bush fire risk to community and environmental/ecological 

assets across the Penrith Council area. 

A brief description of the bush fire risk to community and environmental/ecological assets 

across the Penrith Council area is provided below. 

3.4.1 Bush Fire Risk Description 

(a) Urban Areas 

The Penrith Council area has a number of areas facing extreme, major, moderate and minor 

bush fire risk, which are identified on map 7. The areas with an extreme bush fire risk are the 

urban/bushland interface areas, within approximately 100m of the bush, where development 

occurred prior to bush fire protection mechanisms being incorporated into the development. 

Without adequate management, there is a high probability of the loss of many houses and 

lives in a bush fire burning under severe conditions. 

Some of the urban interface areas face a major risk from bush fires. These areas are also 

located within 100m of the bush, but have some protection mechanisms such as housing 

design and perimeter roads which lower the risk from extreme to major. Without adequate 

management, loss of some houses and the loss of life is possible in a bush fire burning 

under severe conditions. 

Those houses located approximately 100m to 2.5km from the interface are considered to 

face a moderate bush fire risk, primarily from burning embers. Some chance of localised 

damage is possible in a severe bush fire. 

The remaining urban areas face an insignificant level of bush fire risk. 

(b) Environmental/Ecological Assets 

Mulgoa Nature Reserve, Castlereagh Nature Reserve, and the Crown Lands to the north 

west of Londonderry are also a major bush fire risk. Frequent fires over the last 20 years 

mean that the fire regime is already exceeded, and another major fire will result in a decline 

in biodiversity and possible species loss. 

Those environmental assets concentrated primarily in the northern portion of the District 

potentially could suffer longer term damage as a result of fire over the landscape, much of 

which includes possible habitat sites of threatened species. The bush fire risk to these areas 

is rated as moderate. 

(c) Agricultural Areas 

Within the cropping and grazing areas, the bush fire risk has been assessed as major; as 

when cured, the grasslands and crops are easily ignited and spread fire easily. A fire burning 

under severe weather conditions could result in widespread loss of crops, stock, pasture and 

fences and have an affect to the economy of the district. 

Page 15


Chapter 4 - Bush Fire Risk Management Strategies 


This chapter details: 

• the bush fire risk management strategies which will be put in place to manage the bush 

fire risk across the Penrith Council area. 

• how the bush fire risk management priorities were determined and 

• the types of bush fire risk management options available. 

4.2 Bush Fire Risk Management Priorities 

Bush fire risk management priorities have been allocated according to the bush fire risk 

ratings. Those areas faced with an extreme bush fire risk have been given the highest 

management priority, while those areas with an insignificant risk have the lowest 

management priority. 

The bush fire risk management priority influences: 

When the risk is likely to be treated - high priority areas will be addressed first; 

The resources allocated to the treatment - more resources will be allocated to manage the 

risk in high priority areas, as more work will be needed to reduce the risk; and 

The range of treatment strategies required to manage the risk- a greater range of 

management strategies will be implemented to manage the risk in high priority areas, as 

more factors contribute to the risk. 

4.3 Bush Fire Risk Management Options 

Table 4.1 describes the various options available to minimise the bush fire risk. It is important 

to recognise that, particularly for extreme and major risk areas, no single option is likely to 

provide sufficient protection from bush fires. A range of options needs to be implemented to 

reduce the bush fire risk to an acceptable level. For example, while hazard reduction will 

reduce the severity of a bush fire and therefore improve the chance of survival; houses will 

have an even better chance of survival if the people living in them have taken steps (such 

cleaning out gutters, and not storing combustibles near the house) to make their own house 

less vulnerable to bush fire attack. 

Page 16


Avoid the Risk By deciding not to proceed with the activity likely to generate the bush 

fire risk. This option is relevant to future land use and development 

decisions. 

Examples of risk avoidance strategies include, prohibiting certain types 

of development in bush fire prone areas, and requiring adequate fire 

protection zones to be established between developments and the bush 

fire hazard. 

Reduce the Hazard Programs to reduce the level of fuel available to burn in a bush fire. 

Examples of hazard reduction strategies include hazard reduction 

burning, slashing or ploughing of fire breaks, or manual clearing of bush 

fire hazards. 

Reduce Ignitions Programs to reduce the number of deliberate and accidental man made 

ignitions. 

Reduce 

Vulnerability 

Examples of ignition reduction strategies include total fire bans, arson 

investigation programs, and issuing of permits to burn during the bush 

fire danger season. 

Programs to increase the resilience of community and environmental / 

ecological assets to bush fires. 

Examples of vulnerability reduction strategies include community 

education programs, and building restrictions in bush fire prone areas. 

Residual Risk Bush fire risk management strategies are designed to reduce the level of 

risk; but will not eliminate the risk entirely. Some level of residual risk 

may remain, which will be managed with fire response strategies such as 

fire suppression operations, early fire detection, and evacuation. 

Table 4.1 - Bush Fire Risk Management Options 

4.4 Bush Fire Risk Management Strategies for Penrith Council area 

The bush fire risk management strategies, which have been identified in the Penrith Council 

area, are outlined on pages 17 to 26 are: 

• Priority 1 Extreme Risk – Western boundaries Leonay, and Emu Heights 

• Priority 2 Major Risk – Southern boundary Leonay 

• Priority 2 Major Risk – Northern Perimeter of Londonderry Village 

• Priority 2 Major Risk – M4 Motorway (Lapstone Hill to Ropes Creek) 

• Priority 2 Major Risk – Southern perimeter Glenmore Park Estate 

• Priority 2 Major Risk – Villages of Mulgoa and Wallacia 

• Priority 2 Major Risk – Environmental / Ecological Assets 

• Priority 3 Moderate Risk – Penrith Rural Townships 

• Priority 3 Moderate Risk – Environmental / Ecological Assets 

• Priority 4 Minor Risk – Penrith Townships 

• Priority 5 Insignificant Risk – Penrith Urban Areas, Penrith / St Marys. 

Page 17


Area: Extreme Risk - Penrith Urban Areas Emu Heights, Leonay 

Priority: 1 

Management 

Options 

Risk Management Strategies Responsible Land Manager 

Avoid Risk Amend LEP, to prohibit development of housing estates in areas where an adequate fire 

protection zones cannot be established. 

Reduce 

Hazards 

Reduce 

Vulnerability 

Reduce 

Ignitions 

Accept Residual 

Risk 

prohibit vulnerable development in areas with high bush fire hazard - for example nursing 

homes, hospitals, hazardous industries 

encourage development which provide a break between the hazard and buildings - for 

example, parks, golf courses, etc 

Implement and maintain asset protection zones around the perimeter of the urban area. 

Implement strategic fire advantage zones in areas where the physical constraints do not allow 

a full width asset protection zone to be established, and/or access problems exist, and/or 

existing houses are not built to withstand the bush fire expected. 

Establish Community Fireguard Groups in streets bordering on the bush. to involve residents 

in managing the bush fire hazard on and adjoining their properties. 

Establish development and building controls to increase the ability of new sub divisions and 

houses to withstand a bush fire attack. 

Conduct fire cause and origin investigations for each fire occurrence 

Regularly check fire trail gates to ensure they are secure. 

Suspend fire generating activities on days of very high to extreme fire danger 

Develop evacuation and emergency plans for residents adjoining bushland, schools, and 

aged and health care facilities. 

Maintain adequate fire service response rates 

Develop coordinated operations plans 

Implement early detection systems on days of very high and extreme fire danger 

Council (all strategies) 

Council, Private land 

owner/occupiers 

Rural Fire Service, private land 

owners/occupiers 

Council 

NSW Rural Fire Service 


Council, Fire Services 

Fire Services 

BFMC 

Page 19


Area: Major Risk – Southern boundary Leonay 

Priority: 2 

Management Options Risk Management Strategies Responsible Land Manager/s 

Avoid Risk • Recommend Council enforce Bush Fire Mitigation Policy 

• Encourage a break between the hazard and building for any new 

development 

Reduce Hazards • Provide asset protection zones around buildings of value - houses, shearing 

sheds, machinery sheds, etc 

• Provide strategic fire advantage zones 

Reduce Vulnerability • Implement development and building controls for new buildings 

• Implement community education programs 

Reduce Ignitions • Education of land owner on ignition problems 

• Suspend fire generating activities on days of very high to extreme fire danger 


Owner/occupier 



Council 

Accept Residual Risk • Develop cooperative detection and response networks and plans BFMC 



Council, owner/occupier 

Page 20


Area: Major Risk – Northern Perimeter Londonderry Village 

Priority: 2 




development 

Reduce Hazards • Provide asset protection zones around buildings of value - houses, shearing 

sheds, machinery sheds, etc 


• Provide breaks around crops and fences to limit extension of a fire across 

paddocks 

Reduce Vulnerability • Provide refuge paddock for stock 

• Implement development and building controls for new buildings 

• Implement community education programs 

Reduce Ignitions • Maintain farm machinery 

• Education of land owner on ignition problems 

• Suspend fire generating activities on days of very high to extreme fire danger 

Accept Residual Risk • Develop cooperative detection and response networks and plans 

• Have fire suppression equipment on standby when harvesting 





Owner / occupier 

Council 


Owner/ occupier 


Council, owner/occupier 

BFMC 


Page 21


Area: Major Risk – M4 Motorway (Lapstone Hill to Ropes Creek) 

Priority: 2 



• Encourage a break between the hazard and adjoining properties 

Reduce Hazards • Provide asset protection zones around significant assets 


• Provide breaks around fences to limit extension of a fire across paddocks 

Reduce Vulnerability • Implement community education programs RTA 


RTA 

RTA 

RTA 

RTA 


Reduce Ignitions • Education of adjoining land owner on ignition problems NSW Rural Fire Service 


• Have fire suppression equipment on standby on high risk days 

BFMC 


Page 22


Area: Major Risk – Southern perimeter Glenmore Park Estate 

Priority: 2 




development 

Reduce Hazards • Provide asset protection zones around heritage assets where appropriate - 

historical houses, sheds, flammable Aboriginal sites where appropriate 

(coordinate with local Land Councils) etc 

• Provide strategic fire advantage zones to protect critical habitat, threatened 

fauna areas or areas where vegetation regimes are under threat 


paddocks 

Reduce Vulnerability • Implement community education programs and public awareness of 

environmental and cultural heritage 

Reduce Ignitions • Suspend fire generating activities on days of very high to extreme fire danger 

(eg park fire bans, bans on camping/cooking fires) 

• Close access to management areas where arson activity is frequent (eg 

national parks,) 

• Increase patrols in known high arson ignition locations 


• Have fire suppression equipment on standby for rapid attack 

• Council 

• Council, Owner, NPWS 

• NPWS 

• NPWS, NSW Rural Fire Service 

Council 

• NPWS 

• NPWS 

• NPWS, NSW Rural Fire Service, 

Police 

• BFMC 

• NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW FB, 

NPWS 

Page 23


Area: Major Risk – Villages of Mulgoa and Wallacia 

Priority: 2 




development 







paddocks 




(eg park/forest fire bans, bans on camping/cooking fires) 


national parks, state forests) 




• Council 

• Owner/occupier 

• All Land Managers 

• Council, NSW Rural Fire Service, 

Land Management Agencies 

• Owner/ occupier 

• Land Management Agencies 

• Police, NSW Rural Fire Service 

• BFMC 

• NSW Rural Fire Service 



Page 24


Area: Major Risk - Environmental/Ecological Assets 

Priority: 2 


Avoid Risk • Not applicable • Not applicable 







paddocks 










• All Land Managers 

• Council, Fire Authority, Land 

Management Agencies 

• owner/ occupier 


• Police, Fire Authorities 

• BFMC 

• Fire Authorities 


• owner/occupier 

Page 25


Area: Moderate Risk - Penrith Rural Townships 

Priority: 3 


Avoid Risk Change LEP to prohibit the development of special protection assets such as 

nursing homes or hospitals within 100m of the bush fire hazard area. 

Council 

Reduce Hazards Implement asset protection zones along the interface Council 

Reduce Vulnerability Implement community education programs focused on managing the hazard on 

private property. 

Implement development and building controls appropriate to the level of hazard. 

owner/occupier 

Fire Services 

Council 

Reduce Ignitions Suspend fire generating activities on days of very high to extreme fire danger. Fire Services 

Accept Residual Risk Consider developing evacuation plans for special protection assets. 

Develop cooperative detection and response networks and plans. 

land managers (eg private, SRA) 

Facility managers & fire services 

Fire services & land managers 

Page 26


Area: Moderate Risk - Environmental/Ecological Assets 

Priority: 3 


Avoid Risk • Not applicable • Not applicable 

Reduce Hazards • Implement strategic fire advantage zones to protect critical habitat, 

threatened fauna areas or areas where vegetation regimes are under threat 










• Council, Land Management 

Agencies 


• Council, Land Management 

Agencies 

• Fire Services and Police 


• BFMC 




Page 27


Area: Minor Risk - Penrith Townships 

Priority: 4 


Avoid Risk Not applicable Not Applicable 

Reduce Hazards Encourage residents to reduce fuels on their property. Council, owner/occupier 

Reduce Vulnerability Implement general community education programs to inform community about 

bush fire danger season requirements 

Fire services, Council 

Reduce Ignitions No ignition program required beyond the general community education program. Not Applicable 

Accept Residual Risk Normal response networks and plans in place. NSW Rural Fire Service 

Area: Insignificant Risk - Penrith Urban Areas, Penrith/St Marys 

Priority: 5 


Avoid Risk Not required Not applicable 

Reduce Hazards Not required Not applicable 

Reduce Vulnerability Not required Not applicable 

Reduce Ignitions Not required Not applicable 

Accept Residual Risk Normal fire suppression services NSW Fire Brigade 

Page 28

PENRITH BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE DRAFT BUSH FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN 

4.5 Bush Fire Hazard Management 

4.5.1 Introduction 

Hazard reduction programs aim to reduce the severity of a bush fire, by reducing the amount 

of fuel (vegetation) available to burn during a bush fire. This makes the bush fire easier to 

control and reduces the level of bush fire damage to community and 

environmental/ecological assets. Hazard reduction burning is the most common way to 

reduce the bush fire hazard, as it is the most cost effective method available. However, other 

methods of hazard reduction such as slashing or mowing, ploughing, grazing or hand 

clearing are used when appropriate. 

Hazard reduction must be conducted with due regard to the principles of Ecologically 

Sustainable Development (ESD). ESD principles have been taken into account when 

preparing this plan. In addition, Chapter 5 of this plan identifies how ESD principles will be 

taken into account by the land managers who have responsibility for implementing this plan. 

It is important to recognise that situations may arise where the necessary objectives for life 

and property protection are in conflict with ESD objectives. Wherever possible, solutions 

which achieve both life and property protection and ESD principles will be sought. 

However, where both cannot be achieved, protection of life and property shall take priority. 

4.5.2 Bush Fire Hazard Management Zones for Penrith Council area 

Based on the results of the bush fire risk analysis for Penrith Council area, a series of bush 

fire management zones have been identified. Bush fire management zones identify those 

areas within the Penrith Council area where the bush fire risk management strategies will 

focus on the management of the bush fire hazard (or fuel). 

The types of bush fire management zones identified in the plan are described below. More 

detail regarding the specifications of each zone are contained in the appendix. 

Asset Protection Zone: To protect human life, property and highly valued public 

assets. 

Strategic Fire Advantage To provide strategic areas of fire protection which will 

Zone: reduce the speed and intensity of bush fires, and reduce the potential for spot 

fire development. 

Land Management Zone: To meet relevant land management objectives in areas 

where Asset Protection or Strategic Fire Advantage Zones are not appropriate. 

Fire Exclusion Zone: To exclude fires (both bush fire and hazard reduction burning) due to 

the presence of fire intolerant assets such as rainforest or pine plantations. 

Map 11 shows the location of the various bush fire management zones within the Penrith 

Council area. 

Page 29


Chapter 5 Implementation 


This chapter identifies: 

• who is responsible for implementing the bush fire risk management plan; 

• environmental assessment arrangements; and 

• a range of other issues which need to be considered in implementing the plan. 

5.2 Responsibility for Implementing the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. 

Responsibility for implementation of the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan rests with the 

owners or occupiers of the land (land managers) on which the bush fire risk is situated. The 

Rural Fires Act imposes this responsibility on both public and private land managers. 

In the case of private property, the Rural Fires Act also imposes an additional requirement on 

Local Government Councils to ensure that the owners or occupiers of private property have 

taken the required steps to reduce bush fire hazards on their properties, and to take action 

where this has not occurred, through the issue of notices to remove bush fire hazards under 

section 66 of the Rural Fires Act. 

In many cases land managers will cooperate to implement bush fire risk management 

strategies. For example, hazard reduction programs to manage a bush fire problem which 

crosses land management borders, and public education programs may involve the 

cooperation of a number of land managers. 

The Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee will monitor the progress of land managers in 

implementing the plan on an annual basis. 

Table 5.1 indicates the agencies responsible for implementing the Bush Fire Risk 

Management Plan on various land tenures; and identifies where more detailed information on 

how various land managers will implement the strategies can be found. 

Page 30


Land Tenure Agencies Responsible Implementation Program 

Details 

Council Owned and Managed 

Lands 

Private Property Owner or Occupier, but 

Councils are responsible to 

ensure that the BFRM plan is 

implemented on private lands 

Land dedicated or reserved as 

National Park, Nature Reserve 

or State Recreation area 

Council Council Management Plan, 

Annual Bush Fire Risk 

Management Proposals 

National Parks and Wildlife 

Service (NPWS) 

Vacant Crown Lands Department of Land and 

Water Conservation 

Crown Lands Held Under 

Lease or Licence 

Annual bush Fire risk 

management proposals 

Mulgoa NR: Regional 

Operations Plan 

Castlereagh and Agnes Banks 

NR: District Plan of 

Management. 

Protocols being developed 

Lessee or Licensee Annual Bush Fire Risk 

Management Proposals 

Railway Easements Rail Access Corporation Civil Engineering Practices 

and Procedures 

Power Line Easements Owner of the land on which 

the easement is located 

Owner/Occupier agreements 

Table 5.1 Agencies Responsible for Implementing the Bush Fire Risk Management 

Plan 

5.3 Operational matters influencing implementation of programs 

There are a number of issues considered by agencies when planning and implementing Risk 

Management activities. The following sections in this chapter outlines the major operational 

matters influencing the implementation of bush fire risk management programs, and details 

how these matters are addressed by agencies in operational planning and implementation. 

5.3.1 Environmental Assessment 

The environmental effects of any activity is an important factor to consider and evaluate prior 

to and as part of the implementation of this plan. 

Where activities are associated with the implementation of this bush fire risk management 

plan, then certain environmental assessment procedures must be followed. The nature of 

these environmental assessments will be determined on the basis of the land tenure (who 

owns the land) and the relevant planning instruments that operate. 

In general, activities of public agencies (including Penrith Council) will be undertaken in 

accordance with internal environmental assessment procedures. These are described below. 

(a) National Parks and Wildlife Service 

The National Parks and Wildlife Service conducts its environmental assessment in one of 

two ways. The presence or absence of a Reserve Fire Management plan for a national parks 

Page 31


reserve will determine how the assessment is undertaken. 

Each proposed activity will have a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) prepared and 

assessed before the activity is commenced. Where there is no determined significant impact 

by the activity, the local NPWS Regional Manager will authorise the go ahead for the works 

to commence within the guidelines of the REF. 

If a significant impact is determined will occur if the activity proceeds, the NPWS will 

undertake a more thorough assessment of the activity. This assessment will be determined 

by the Conservation Division of the NPWS. 

Castlereagh, Agnes Banks, Mulgoa, Nature Reserves 

The Reserve Plans of Management details all works for fire management that will be 

undertaken in these reserves over the next 5 years. An extensive Environmental Impact 

Assessment has already been prepared, exhibited and assessed for works proposed within 

these reserves. 

(b) Penrith Council Reserves and Community Land 

Penrith Council is responsible for the care control and management of public reserves which 

they own or which are vested in them as trustees under the Crown Lands Act 1987. These 

and other public lands owned or vested in Council are referred to as Community Lands. 

Council is required to prepare a plan of management for the community land for which it has 

responsibility. In revising these plans, Council will review its fire management requirements. 

Council is also responsible to undertake the environmental assessments of these community 

lands prior to undertaking fire management activities including hazard reduction or fire trail 

construction. 

Council will therefore prepare a Review of Environmental Factors to determine the 

significance of the activity on the environment, including threatened species. 

(c) Vacant Crown Land and Crown Reserves. 

The Crown lands are administered through the Crown Lands Act 1987. The Department of 

Land and Water Conservation is responsible for ensuring all environmental assessments. 

Having determined the acceptability of the proposal and any ameliorative measures, the task 

of implementing the activity to meet the objectives of this plan will be contracted to the NSW 

Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, or NSW Fire Brigades. 

(d) Private Property Requiring Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Works Under This Plan. 

In the case of private and leasehold lands, special approvals will not be required by land 

owners identified as requiring bush fire hazard reduction works unless the land has or is 

likely to have threatened species, endangered populations, endangered communities or 

critical habitat. 

Where threatened species, endangered populations, communities or critical habitat exist or 

likely to exist, the land owner/occupier may need to apply for a licence under the National 

Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 prior to undertaking that activity. Contact Penrith Council for 

further information. 

In areas containing protected lands (such as steep slopes and within 20 metres of a stream), 

the Department of Land and Water Conservation must be consulted prior to implementing 

such activities to ensure protective measures are in place. 

During the bush fire danger period, land owners and leaseholders are still required to obtain 

permits (see below) prior to using fire. A document titled "Threatened Species Conservation 

Act, 1995 and Permits Under the Rural Fires Act, 1997" is available from the Rural Fire 

Page 32


Service. This document details the owner/occupier's responsibilities under the Threatened 

Species Conservation Act, 1995. 

(e) Other Private/Leasehold Land. 

Prior to conducting hazard reduction activities which are not identified in this plan on 

private/leasehold land, approval may need to be obtained from the Department of Land and 

Water Conservation in rural areas subject to the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997. 

A tree preservation order exists within the Penrith Council area. Owners/occupiers of private 

property proposing to carry out a hazard reduction activity should check with Council to 

determine whether any proposed hazard reduction requires permission under the Tree 

Preservation Order. 

5.3.2 Section 66 Notice to Reduce Bush Fire Hazards 

The Rural Fires Act, 1997 establishes a system under which Councils may issue notices to 

private land owners and leaseholders for the purpose of removing bush fire hazards from 

their land. 

The section 66 notice may set out the circumstances, conditions under which, places at 

which, manner and time within which the bush fire hazard reduction work must be completed. 

The Rural Fires Act, 1997 requires that where the bush fire risk management plan 

specifically requires bush fire hazard reduction work to occur on private property, Council 

must issue a section 66 notice if this work is not carried out by the land owner/occupier. 

The owner or occupier upon whom a notice has been issued, does have the opportunity to 

object to the notice, under section 67 of the Rural Fires Act, 1997. Such a person must 

object, to the Council, within 7 days of the notice being issued. 

Possible grounds for objection could include the provisions of a bush fire risk management 

plan, the need for the vegetation for shelter, shade, windbreak or fodder purposes, the 

protection of threatened species, populations, communities or critical habitat and the proper 

needs for conservation. 

If the owner/occupier fails to carry out the required hazard reduction work within the specified 

time, The Rural Fires Act, 1997 permits a local authority to undertake the bush fire hazard 

reduction works. Council is permitted to undertake the bush fire hazard reduction works and 

recover the cost of the works from the owner/occupier. 

5.3.3 Issue of Permits to Burn 

Under the Rural Fires Act, 1997, a permit is required to light a fire for land clearance or bush 

fire hazard reduction purposes during the bush fire danger period. These permits are issued 

by Permit Issuing Officers appointed by the Council. 

A permit is also required throughout the year to light a fire in the NSW Fire Brigade District, in 

circumstances where that fire is likely to be dangerous to any building. These permits are 

issued by the officer in charge of the closest NSW Fire Brigades fire station. 

Public authorities are not required to obtain a permit before burning. 

The permit system aims to ensure that the fire will be used safely, by imposing conditions on 

the way in which the fire is lit and maintained, and allowing permits to be suspended or 

cancelled when weather conditions are unsuitable for burning. 

A permit is automatically suspended when a Total Fire Ban is in force, when a No Burn Day 

is declared by the EPA due to air pollution concerns, or a Bush Fire Alert is declared as per 

the BFMC Operations Plan. 

Page 33


In addition, the authority responsible for issuing permits (Council or NSW Fire Brigade) may 

refuse to issue any permits because of the actual or predicted seriousness of the bush fire 

danger in the area. 

The permit issuing authority may also refuse to issue permits to burn if the issue of a permit 

would be inconsistent with this plan. Issuing a permit to burn would be inconsistent with the 

plan in areas which have been designated as "Fire Exclusion Zones". 

Obtaining a permit to burn under the Rural Fires Act, 1997 does not exempt the permit 

holder from observing the environmental laws (such as the Threatened Species 

Conservation Act 1995, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Native Vegetation 

Conservation Act 1997) or obtaining any other permission required to conduct the activity 

(such as permission of the licensor). 

5.3.4 Use of Appropriate Fire Regimes 

In accordance with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development, and Bush Fire 

Coordinating Committee Policy, the use of inappropriate fire regimes is to be avoided 

wherever possible. 

A fire regime is essentially the combination of fire frequency (usually measured by the 

number of years between fires – both wild and prescribed), fire intensity, and season of fire 

occurrence. To identify the fire regime of an area requires assessment of the above fire 

attributes over a long period of time (normally decades but in some cases centuries). For fire 

regime information to be useful in planning, the range of variation for each fire attribute over 

time needs to identified, rather than simply identifying averages (eg useful information for fire 

frequency is both the minimum and maximum periods between fires and the median for the 

period between fires). Very few areas in NSW have adequate information on fire frequency, 

intensity and season of occurrence, collected over a sufficient time period, to enable fire 

regimes to be determined with any accuracy. In many areas an ‘adaptive management’ 

approach is used by land managers such that the fire regimes applied are determined from a 

combination of the best fire history and fire ecology information available. 

An inappropriate fire regime is considered to be one where (usually through the decisions or 

actions of humans) one or more of the fire attributes is occurring outside its historic range of 

variation for the area. Where such a change is allowed to continue, changes to the 

environment are likely to result. Examples of this include areas where prescribed fire is 

applied too frequently, areas where fire occurrence is reduced (through wildfire suppression 

and cessation of prescribed burning) such that fires are less frequent and more intense, and 

areas where the season of burning is changed. 

Whilst every effort has been made in this plan to select bush fire protection strategies which 

achieve the dual objectives of protecting life and property, and protecting environmental 

values, there will inevitably be areas where both objectives cannot be achieved. In these 

areas, in accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997 and Bush Fire Coordinating Committee 

Policy, management priority is necessarily given to the protection of life and property. 

The areas in which these conflicting objectives occur are restricted to hazard management 

zones 1 and 2 (asset protection, and strategic fire advantage zones). These zones represent 

a relatively small proportion of the bush fire district. In many cases, the implementation of 

inappropriate fire regimes in Zone 2 areas is necessary to avoid the application of 

inappropriate fire regimes over much broader areas (primarily where inappropriate fire 

regimes have resulted, or are likely to result from arson or frequent accidental human ignition 

sources). 

In land areas outside hazard management zones 1 and 2, land managers are generally 

responsible for ensuring that fire regimes are implemented which optimise land management 

objectives and biodiversity outcomes. Where opportunities are available to achieve fuel 

management objectives in zone 2 areas without compromising appropriate fire regimes, 

these will be implemented. 

Page 34


The following guidelines have been developed to assist land managers and fire agencies in 

considering appropriate fire regimes for the Penrith Council area: 

Vegetation 

Type 

Rainforest Rainforest 

System 

Wet sclerophyll 

forest 

Dry sclerophyll 

forest 

Description A decline in biodiversity is predicted if there is: 

Moist forest 

system 

Dry forest 

system, 

Severely 

disturbed forest 

system 

Heath Rocky Complex 

Cleared/non 

vegetated 

Coastal Complex 

Non forest 

system. 

Permanent water 

bodies 

Urban system 

1. Any fire 

occurrence 

1. Three or more 

consecutive fires, 

with each of the 

fires being less 

than 20 years 

apart 


consecutive fires 


fires less than 5 

years apart 


consecutive fires 


fires less than 8 

years apart 

Not applicable 

2. Two or more 

fires or high 

intensity fires 

with a scorch of 

the canopy 

within a period of 

100 years 

2. No fires for 30 

years 


successive fires 

with an interval 

of 15 to 20 years 

3. No high 

intensity fire 

within a period of 

one to two 

hundred years 

3.No fire for more 

than 30 years. 

Adapted from Bradstock R.A, Keith D.A, and Auld, T.D. (1995) Fire and conservation: 

imperatives and constraints on managing diversity. In conserving Biodiversity: Threats and 

Solutions 

5.3.5 Smoke Management 

Table 5.2 

Prescribed burning generates smoke, which periodically affects the atmosphere in the region 

during autumn/early winter. Smoke is also generated by activities other than prescribed 

burning. Smoke from prescribed burning contributes only a small proportion of smoke (fine 

particle pollutant) emissions relative to other smoke emission sources (NEPC, 1997). 

Prescribed burning smoke sources are relatively isolated at any one time. Hazardous 

concentrations, involving smoke from prescribed burning combining with atmospheric 

pollutants, occur infrequently. For example, in the Sydney area, the number of days per year 

when such conditions has occurred (since routine fine particle monitoring began in 1994) is 

just one or two days per year (NEPC, 1997). 

Smoke is a consideration when burning close to roads, settlements or tourist areas. 

Frequently, favourable prescribed burning conditions coincide with holiday periods. 

Prescribed burning will be conducted considering the above concerns. Weather conditions 

will be monitored and, where practicable, consistent with the overall aims of the burning 

Page 35


operation, lighting patterns will reflect the need to minimise smoke drift into smoke sensitive 

areas. Specific traffic control measures will be put in place where there is any likelihood of 

hazards due to smoke on roads. 

Operational measures to reduce the impact of smoke during the implementation of hazard 

reduction burns are to be incorporated into burning prescriptions for all hazard reduction 

burning operations. 

Areas requiring special protection from the adverse effects of smoke are listed below: 

• Jamison Private Hospital Jamison Road Jamisontown. 

• Emaus Retirement Village Bakers Lane Erskine Park. 

• Wallacia Retirement Village Greendale Road Wallacia 

5.3.6 Catchment Protection (Protection of Soil and Water values) 

Forests, heathlands and grasslands have a vital catchment role, providing water supplies for 

agricultural and domestic purposes. The vegetative cover is important in maintaining stream 

flow, preserving water quality and ensuring a high level of erosion control. Properly 

implemented prescribed burning can have positive impacts on water quality. For example, 

Scott and Schulze (1992), recommend that fuel management programs be implemented in 

eucalypt forested catchments to prevent extreme soil heating during wildfires and 

subsequent accelerated erosion. On the other hand, high intensity wildfires and poorly 

implemented prescribed fires can have detrimental effects on soil conservation and 

catchment protection values. 

Maintenance of full vegetation cover in and adjacent to drainage lines can be achieved by 

exclusion of fuel reduction burning from these areas, or by burning under mild conditions, 

using the moisture gradient from upper slope to gully. Scott and Schulze (1992) report that 

unburnt riparian strips are effective soil and ash traps following wildfire, and would be even 

more effective following low intensity prescribed fire. 

Operational measures to protect soil and water values during the implementation of hazard 

reduction burns are to be incorporated into burning prescriptions for all hazard reduction 

burning operations by all land management agencies. 

5.3.7 Pest and Weed Management 

Many pest species are strongly influenced by the presence of fire. Weed species may spread 

and out compete native species after fire events whilst vertebrate pests (such as foxes and 

cats) may gain an advantage during post fire periods through improved competition over 

native species. In contrast, rabbits may be provided with harbouring areas through the lack of 

clearance by fire, effectively avoiding predation by foxes and native birds of prey. 

Agencies have in accordance with the Noxious Weeds Act the responsibility to manage weed 

species on their lands. Most Councils have weed eradication programs which are linked into 

local Landcare or bush regeneration programs. 

The National Parks and Wildlife Service and State Forests on NSW also have pest and weed 

eradication programs managed through Pest Species Officers and these programs are 

coordinated with fire management programs in order to minimise weed invasion and the 

impact from vertebrate pest species on native wildlife. Rural Lands Protection Boards provide 

assistance in the identification and extent of any vertebrate pest species as well as the extent 

of weed species. 

The details of vertebrate pest and weed species management programs will be found in 

Agency management plans. Across the Penrith Council area, the following pest and weed 

species are of particular concern and require management post fire: 

Weeds/grasses Common Name Scientific Name 

Weed Lantana Lantana camara 

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Weed Blackberry Rubus fructosus 

Weed Africa Olive Olea europaea 

Grass Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum 

Vertebrate Pests Rabbits Oryctologus cunicuius 

Pests Feral Cats Felis catus 

Pests Foxes Vulpes vulpes 

Pest and weed species 

5.3.8 Hazard Reduction and the Native Vegetation Conservation Act, 1997. 

The Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Act) is part of the NSW Government’s 

Native Vegetation Reforms and is part of a national approach to native vegetation 

management. The Vegetation Reforms are aimed at: 

• preventing inappropriate clearance of native vegetation; 

• sustainably managing native vegetation that remains; 

• preventing further economic loss from unsustainable clearing & land degradation; 

• encouraging revegetation and rehabilitation of land with appropriate native vegetation and 

• streamlining native vegetation management. 

Some land is totally excluded from the operation of the NVC Act, such as land zoned 

residential, SEPP 14 (Coastal Wetlands), national park and State forest. Some clearing is 

excluded from the NVC Act such as any clearing authorised under the Rural Fires Act 1997 

or the State Emergency and Rescue Act 1989 in relation to an emergency or under the 

Noxious Weeds Act 1993. In addition, any clearing carried out in accordance with a bush fire 

management plan under the Rural Fires Act 1997 is excluded from the NVC Act (ie an 

adopted Bush Fire Risk Management Plan). Other clearing (including burning) may require 

consent under the NVC Act. 

The NVC Act includes special provision for State protected lands. State protected lands are 

areas of land that were previously identified as “protected lands” under the Soil Conservation 

Act 1938. It includes: 

• land generally in excess of 18 degrees slope and mapped by Department of Land & Water 

Conservation (DLWC), 

• land within, or within 20 metres of, the bed or bank of a prescribed (listed) stream (or 

watercourse), 

• land defined as “environmentally sensitive” and mapped by DLWC. 

Details of State protected land are available from the Department of Land Water 

Conservation. The object of identifying State protect land is to protect the vegetative cover of 

these areas for soil and water quality management. 

Table 5.3 details those bush fire hazard reduction works that are excluded from the NVC Act 

as part of this bush fire risk management plan. Bush fire hazard reduction works and other 

clearing activities (e.g. fire trails) not covered by Table 5.3 may require assessment and 

consent under the NVC Act before they can be undertaken. 

For further information on other exemptions and exclusions see the Native Vegetation 

Conservation Act, 1997 Fact Sheet No.5, Exclusions and Exemptions, available from the 

Department of Land & Water Conservation. 

Although an exclusion may exist in relation to clearing (including fire breaks or prescribed 

burning) under the NVC Act, this does not mean that these activities are exempt or excluded 

from other legislation, such as the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and any 

Council requirements under local environmental planning instruments. 

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Table 5.3 

Zone Exclusions under the NVC Act 

Asset 

Protection 

Strategic Fire 

Advantage 

Land 

Management 

1) Construction and maintenance of fire breaks up to 100 metres 

wide in relation to habitable structures and for other community 

assets identified in this Plan in accordance with Planning for 

Bushfire Protection. 

2) Maintenance of existing fire trails 1 identified within this Plan. 

1) Maintenance of existing fire breaks 2 , 


3) Construction of a new fire trail 1 identified within this Plan 

except within State protected land. 

4) Bush fire hazard reduction works to reduce available fuel levels 

to within 8 to 15 tonnes/ha with a coverage of between 60- 

80%, except: 

a) within or within 20 metres of a watercourse 3 ; and/or 

b) within a rainforest. 

1) Maintenance of existing fire breaks 2 , 

2) Maintenance of existing fire trails 1 identified within this Plan 

3) All bush fire hazard reduction works consistent with appropriate 

fire thresholds identified within this Plan except: 

a) within or within 20 metres of a watercourse 3 ; and/or 

b) within a rainforest. 

3) Fire management activities consistent with a Crown land Fire 

Management Plan approved by DLWC. 

4) Construction of new firebreaks (up to 6 metres wide) along 

property boundaries, except: 

a) where the vegetation is native and contiguous with native 

vegetation on an adjoining property 4 , and/or 

b) within State protected land. 

Fire Exclusion 1) Maintenance of existing fire breaks 2 (by slash/tritter), 


1 

fire trail construction is based upon a 4 metres carriageway with a 1 metre slashed/trittered edge on 

each side of the carriageway with an additional allowance for passing bays, (3 metres wide by 20 metres 

long) not less than 200 metres apart. 

2 

existing fire breaks is land that has been previously cleared for bushfire hazard reduction and contains 

regrowth less than 10 years old, to a maximum of 20 metres width in the Eastern Division, and 30 metres 

width on Western Division leasehold land except where mallee species predominate where a up to 100 

metres width may be maintained. 

3 

watercourse includes a ‘wetland’ as defined under the NVC Act and a ‘river’ as defined under the Rivers 

and Foreshores Improvement Act, 1948 (see Glossary) 

4 

other exemption or exclusions from the NVC Act may apply in this situation. 

“ Wetland” includes any shallow body of water (such as a marsh, billabong, swamp or sedgeland) that is: 

(a) inundated cyclically, intermittently or permanently with water, and 

(b) vegetated with wetland plant communities. (Native Vegetation Conservation Act, 1997) 

“river” includes any stream of water, whether perennial or intermittent, flowing channel, or in a natural 

channel artificially improved, or in an artificial channel which has changed the course of the stream of 

water and affluent, confluent, branch or other stream into or from which the river flows and, in the case of 

a river running to the sea or into any coastal bay or inlet or into coastal lake, includes the estuary of such 

river and arm or branch of the same and any part of the river influenced by tidal waters. (Rivers and 

Foreshores Improvement Act 1948). 

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5.3.9 Excluded Lands 

Where Crown lands are not NPWS Estate or identified within the bush fire risk management 

plan as excluded land, then an adjoining land owner with a fenced common boundary may 

enter and undertake bush fire hazard reduction works of up to 6 metres to protect that fence. 

Bush fire hazard reduction works include the establishment of a fire break and appropriate 

hazard reduction activities having regard to environmental values. 

The purpose of excluded lands is to identify those areas of Crown land (including unoccupied 

Crown Land) which an adjoining land owner is required to gain approval before entering for 

the purposes of carrying out bush fire hazard reduction works along a property boundary with 

a fence. Adjoining land owners should approach the relevant land management agency for 

approval before entering the land. Excluded lands status does not exempt the land 

management agency from its duty to prevent bush fires. 

Excluded land includes all lands reserved or dedicated under the National Parks and Wildlife 

Act 1974 or lands acquired by or vested in the National Parks and Wildlife Service for 

reservation or dedication under that Act. In addition, other Crown lands may be identified 

within this bush fire risk management plan as being excluded land. Where new national park 

estate is created within the (LGA area), they will automatically be declared excluded lands. 

For the purpose of section 80 of the Rural Fires Act 1997, the following lands are identified 

as being excluded land under this plan: 

(a) NPWS Estate. 

(b) Crown reserves 

(c) Unoccupied Crown land 

Page 39


Chapter 6 Monitoring and Review 


An essential component of the Bush Fire Risk Management Planning process is the 

monitoring and periodic review of the plan. 

In monitoring and reviewing the plan, it is essential to examine and report on the 

performance and success of the Plan to ensure that: 

• The plan is being implemented by the responsible land managers and firefighting 

agencies; 

• The plan is effective in reducing the risk of bush fires; 

• The Bush Fire Management Committee is being effective and ensuring coordinated and 

cooperative implementation of the plan; 

• The Plan remains relevant over time. 

To measure the performance and success of the Plan’s implementation it will be necessary 

for the Bush Fire Management Committee to report annually and provide data to the 

Coordinating Committee to indicate the Plan’s and Committee’s effectiveness. 

6.2 Monitoring and Review 

The following system will be used to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the 

Penrith Committee Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. 

6.2.1 Implementation of the Bush Fire Risk Management Plans by Land Managers. 

The Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee will report annually to the Bush Fire 

Coordinating Committee on the progress made by the responsible Land Management 

Agencies in implementing the Bush Fire Risk Management plan. The report will outline the 

progress in implementing the bush fire risk management activities carried out by each 

agency. The report will need to identify the reasons for any shortcomings in meeting 

performance standards. 

The Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee will report on the following performance 

measures: 

Managing the Hazard • Proportion of Asset 

Protection Zones in 

place/proposed (% 

kilometres in place / 

proposed, hectares 

treated / proposed.) 

• Proportion of Strategic 

Fire Advantage Zones 

treated/proposed (% of 

hectares 

treated/hectares 

proposed.) Area of Land 

Management Zoneshectares 

treated/ 

hectares proposed 

• Area of Fire Exclusion 

Zones treated by fires in 

Responsible Land 

Management Agency (and 

NSW Rural Fire Service or 

NSW Fire Brigades) as 

relevant. 

Responsible Land 

Management Agency (and 

Page 40


Managing the Hazard 

(continued) 

hectares and the reason 

for that treatment. 

• Total area treated in 

hectares. 

• Length of the Linear 

features 

treated/proposed in 

kilometers. 

Fire Trail Access • Length maintained 

(kilometres). 

• Number of new trails 

constructed and existing 

trails closed. 

• Length of closed trails 

rehabilitated in 

kilometres. 

Section 66 Notices • Number of notices 

issued. 

• Number of objections. 

• Number of appeals. 

• Number of Section 70 

actions. 

• Hectares treated. 

Environmental Reviews • Number of 

Environmental Reviews 

undertaken. (REF’s, 

DA’s, EIS’s, SIS’s and 

EIA’s.) 

Avoiding the Risk- 

Development Controls 

• Number of Hazard 

Reduction Activities 

undertaken without 

carrying out 

Environmental Reviews. 

• Number of Local 

Environment Plans 

(LEP’s) and or 

Development Control 

Plans (DCP’s) in place 

with Bush Fire 

Protection measures 

considered. 

Number of Local 

Environment Plans (LEP’s) 

and or Development Control 

Plans (DCP’s) in place 

without Bush Fire Protection 

measures considered. 

NSW Rural Fire Service or 

NSW Fire Brigades) as 

relevant. 

Responsible Agency or 

Authority 

Council 

Responsible Council, Land 

Management Agency or 

Authority. 

Responsible Council 

Page 41


6.2.2 Implementation of the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan by the firefighting 

Authorities. 

The Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee will report annually to the Bush Fire 

Coordinating Committee on the progress made by firefighting authorities in implementing the 

bush fire risk management plan. 

The report will outline progress in the preparedness and response to bush fire activities. 

The Penrith BFMC will report on the following performance measures: 

Permits • Number of permits 

issued. 

• Number of fires escaped 

from permit fires (%). 

Period of Bush Fire Danger 

Community Education and 

Preparedness 

Periods. 

• Number of Community 

Fireguard Groups in 

place. 

• Number of Community 

Fire Unit groups in 

place. 

• Number of other 

education programs in 

place. 

• Number of education 

programs that ceased. 

• Number of new 

education programs 

planned. 

• Number of complaints 

about fires. 

• Number of local 

evacuation plans in 

place for special 

protection areas 

(hospitals, schools, 

nursing homes or 

residential areas at 

extreme risk). 

(Note: where they are 

available the evacuation 

plans from the local area 

DISPLAN should be used as 

a source) 


and/or NSW Fire Brigades. 

Responsible Firefighting 

Authority. 

6.3 Bush Fire Risk Management Plan Effectiveness in Reducing the Communities’ Risk to 

Bushfires. 

Over the life of the Plan, the Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee will monitor and 

report annually on the effectiveness of the Plan’s strategies in decreasing the level of bush 

fire risk to community, environmental and ecological assets. Monitoring the effectiveness of 

Page 42


bush fire risk management activities will help judge not only whether the plan is being 

implemented but also that it is actually working. 

The Penrith BFMC will report on the following performance measures: 

Ignition Management • Number and percentage 

by type. 

Variation in frequency of 

human induced 

wildfires.(Historical 

Information) 

Fatalities and Injuries • Number of fatalities 

(Community). 

• Number of injuries 

(Community). 

Damage to property • Number and type of 

Community Asset lost. 

(Relationship of the 

zoning applied to the 

asset should be 

included) 

$ value lost. 

Damage To Land Number of hectares and 

type of land use 

affected. 

Damage to the Environment • Number of hectares 

within water supply 

catchment areas 

• 

affected by wildfires. 

Number of hectares 

burnt outside the biodiversity 

regime/ 

threshold for hazard 

• 

reduction and wildfires. 

Number of fire exclusion 

zones burnt as a result 

of wildfires. 

• Hectares of steep land 

and State Protected 

Lands burnt by 

bushfire.(Where 

capability exists) 

GIS 

Number of hazard 

reduction activities not 

involving consultations 

with Aboriginal Land 

Councils/Communities. 

Smoke Management 

• Number of burns on no 

burn days. 

• Number of complaints 

regarding smoke. 

(Reported on a BFMC 

basis) 


Authority. 


and/or NSW Fire Brigades. 


Authority. 


Authority. 


Authority. 


Authority. 

Page 43


6.3.1 Effectiveness of Bush Fire Management Committees. 

For the Penrith Bush Fire Management Committee to be effective it is expected to meet on a 

regular basis and prepare an annual works program. To provide an indication that the Penrith 

Bush Fire Management Committee is meeting and effective, the Penrith Bush Fire 

Management Committee is to report annually on the following matters: 

Planning • Operational and the 

Bush Fire Risk 

Management Plan status 

• An annual works 

program with proposals 

and outcomes for hazard 

reduction. 

Operational exercises 

that are undertaken. 

6.3.2 Local Issues to be Monitored 

Executive Officer of the 

Relevant BFMC. 

The Coordinating Committee is required to monitor the effectiveness of the BFMC 

implemented throughout the State and as a result the BFMC needs to supply 

data/information relevant to the implementation of the BFRM Plan. 

Committee Meetings • Number of Committee 

meeting held ( 

Committee and Sub- 

Committee) 

Attendance of members 

at the meetings 

Executive Officer of the 

Relevant BFMC. 

The Penrith BFMC has identified a number of deficiencies in the collection and collation of 

data/information during the preparation of the BFRMP. 

These matters will need to be rectified and/or implemented over the next 5 years. 

The issues to be rectified/implemented include 

• Collection of Data (List matters identified in the planning process for the BFMC 

6.4 Review of the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan 

The bush fire risk management plan will be reviewed every five (5) years by the Penrith Bush 

Fire Management Committee. The review will incorporate the results of the monitoring 

program, and allow any changes in the risk environment to be rectified in the management 

strategies contained in the plan. 

Following the five (5) yearly review of the plan by the Penrith Bush Fire Management 

Committee, the Plan will be placed on public exhibition, before being approved by the Bush 

Fire Coordinating Committee. The Committee may also decide to review the Plan at a more 

frequent interval if significant changes occur within the area which need to be addressed in 

the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. 

Page 44

PENRITH BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ________________________________________________________________ DRAFT BUSH FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Level of Risk Life and Property Vulnerability 

Criteria 

Extreme Life Risk Only - populated areas 

where the combination of threat & 

vulnerability expose a community 

to a significant likelihood of 

fatalities & major injuries 

Major Life - less likely to be fatalities or 

major injuries due to the presence 

of attributes which afford some 

protection. 

Moderate Life - loss of life or major injury 

highly unlikely. Medical/hospital 

treatment may be required. 

Minor Life - Minor injuries only – first aid 

treatment. No major injuries or 

fatalities likely. 

Appendix A Explanation of Bush Fire Risk Classes 

Property Vulnerability Criteria Environmental / Ecological 

Vulnerability Criteria 

Not applicable to the extreme 

category 

Property- Extensive & widespread 

loss of property. Major impact across 

a large part of the community and 

region. Long term external assistance 

required to recover. 

Property - Localised damage to 

property. Short term external 

assistance required to recover 

Property - short term, damage to 

individual assets. No external 

assistance required to recover. 

Insignificant Life - No injuries or fatalities likely Property-Inconsequential or no 

damage to property. Little or no 

disruption to the community. 

Extinction of native species. 

Irreversible damage to the 

environment. 

Long term damage to the environment 

over a landscape scale 

Short term, localised damage to the 

environment 

Minor impact on the environment 

Page 45

PENRITH BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ______________________ DRAFT BUSH FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Appendix B Explanation of Bush Fire Management Zones 

Zone Application 

Asset Protection • To provide Fuel Free Zones (FFZ) and Fuel Reduced Zones 

(FRZ) around assets or groups of assets which are adjacent to 

bush fire hazard areas. 

• Whilst Asset Protection Zones are most commonly applied in 

residential developments, they also have application for many 

other asset types. 

Note: The application of Asset Protection zones alone may not 

provide sufficient protection levels, particularly if the other essential 

elements of bush fire protection are inadequate - for example if 

buildings are not adequately constructed, and/or access to the area 

to area does not meet the required standard, or the asset(s) being 

protected is easily combustible. 

Strategic Fire Advantage Applications for Strategic Fire Advantage Zones include: 

• To provide fuel reduced areas which enable the protection of 

assets by firefighters when Asset Protection Zones are not in 

place 

• To complement Asset Protection Zones where these do not 

provide adequate protection. 

• To provide fuel reduced zones in areas of high ignition 

potential (eg along roads, rail lines, power lines etc) to slow the 

development of fires, reduce their spread, and provide for safe 

suppression. 

• To provide strategically located fuel reduced zones (eg across 

known fire paths) to reduce the potential for fires to become 

campaign fires and to provide advantageous areas for fire 

suppression. 

• To provide strategically located fuel reduced areas to reduce 

the vulnerability of assets which are susceptible to fire. 

Land Management • Bush Fire Hazard areas where Asset Protection or Strategic 

Fire Advantage Zones are not appropriate. 

• Fire management in this zone is as required to meet the 

relevant land management objectives (eg- ecological burns, 

post log burns, silvicultural burns). 

Fire Exclusion • Areas of fire intolerant assets for which it is appropriate to 

exclude fire (eg- rainforest, fire intolerant vegetation 

communities, fire sensitive cultural/historic heritage sites, pine 

plantation, commercial crops. 

Page 46

PENRITH BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ______________________ DRAFT BUSH FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Appendix C - References 

Reference: National Environmental Protection Council (1997) ‘Draft National Environment 

Protection Measure: Ambient Air Quality [and Impact Statement], Commonwealth of 

Australia. 

References: 

Hairsine P., Zierholz C. and Booker F. 1995 Runoff and Soil Erosion in Bushland Following 

the Sydney Bushfires. P. Hairsine, CSIRO Division of Soils, Canberra; C. Zierholz, CSIRO 

Division of Water Resources, Canberra; F. Booker, University of California, Berkeley, USA. 

In Australian Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Vol. 8, No. 4, November 1995. 

Scott, D.F. and Schulze, R.E. 1992 The hydrological effects of a wildfire in a eucalypt 

afforested catchment. South African Forestry Journal 160: 67-74. 

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