TABLE OF CONTENTS - Waratah-Wynyard Council

10.2 CR DUNIAM – FIRE MITIGATION – SISTERS BEACH
MOVED BY
SECONDED BY
CR DUNIAM
CR FRIEDERSDORFF
That Council undertakes a risk assessment with a view to mitigation by Council officers
of the potential bush fire hazard at Sisters Beach as a result of dense growth of
vegetation (trees/bushes and undergrowth) on Council verges and Council managed
land.
The MOTION was put and was CARRIED
DIVISION
IN FAVOUR
MAYOR WALSH CR BRAMICH CR DIBLEY CR DUNIAM
CR FRIEDERSDORFF CR HAWKINS CR SMITH
AGAINST
CR FAIRBROTHER
Background/Rationale
Under the Waratah-Wynyard Strategic Plan 2009-2014: Environment – Sustainable
management of our built and natural environment, Council as the local authority has a
duty of care to ensure the safety of all residents.
During a recent visit to Sisters Beach, it was noted that there are dense pockets of native
vegetation on private and public property that could pose considerable bush fire risk, and
with the upcoming bush fire season, it is essential that such vegetation and undergrowth
be cleared.
Rocky Cape National Park encompasses Sisters Beach on a wide front, and in recent years
there have been two serious bushfires in this area, including Sisters Beach, which have
caused serious safety concerns for residents. These bushfires should not be looked at as
isolated incidents, and with the abundant growth of native vegetation within the
National Park and the Sisters Beach settlement over the winter months, there is not just
a possibility of another bushfire but an actual probability.
Bushfire safety is not the sole responsibility of local authorities, and it behoves Councils
to encourage property owners to clean up their private areas to mitigate the risk and
ensure their own and others safety in this instance.
Waratah-Wynyard Council – Minutes Ordinary Meeting – 19 November 2012 – Page 18