At this time of year the hot weather is behind us in most parts of Australia. That means it is time to undertake hazard reduction burning so that the inevitable bushfire will be much more manageable.

Bushfire hazard is a function of several parameters. This includes the weather, amount of slope, aspect (the compass direction) and the type and quantity of fuel.

The only one which we have any control over is the fuel. Except in extreme circumstances the tree crowns themselves are only a very minor part of the fuel quantity. The most important fuel is the dead leaf and twig litter on the ground as well as the material available in the shrub and the mid-canopy levels.

Without this fuel a bushfire simply cannot spread. So it makes a lot of sense to keep these levels down as low as possible. One way to do this is to have a deliberate hazard reduction burn at intervals which are appropriate for a particular locality.

Such burning is done during benign weather so that it is manageable. Mostly it is only the local bushfire authority which has the expertise and manpower to undertake this job. Often that means using the local volunteer rural Fire Brigade – contributions to their cause are always welcome.

As of 2013 in Queensland the State Planning Policy pertaining to bushfires (SPP 1/03) is no longer in operation. This issue is to be dealt with on a Shire-wide basis through their respective Town Plans.

However the method of hazard assessment within SPP 1/03 forms the basis of the appropriate Code or Planning Scheme Policy of most Queensland Councils. So far, so good because the SPP 1/03 methodology is reasonably robust.

Unfortunately some Councils have adapted some peculiar interpretations of the original methodology. These interpretations only add to the complexity of what is after all only an arbitrary finding.

While this may keep out some of the cowboy practitioners it is most concerning that the assessors of submitted reports are often out of their depth when it comes to bushfires. It is not their fault - many environmental graduates are never given the opportunity to study what is one of the main determinants of the Australian biota.

The field of arboriculture concerns itself with the health and management of individual trees. Our expertise in the fields of ecology, forestry science and horticulture can also be particularly useful when dealing with large numbers of trees.

Taylor Ecology is a ‘consultancy only’ arboricutural service which provides professional reports, advice and supervision.

There can be no conflict of interest because we do not carry out contracting work and are not associated with any tree removal company.

It is common for the health of individual trees to be influenced by environmental factors which may be far removed from the site of interest. That separation could relate to distance and/or time. An understanding of these factors is vital in ensuring correct diagnosis and management.

Much of the published literature and texts relating to tree health concerns itelf with species from the northern hemisphere. After 40 years' experience with local native species we may be able to provide that extra perspective to assist with your tree management. Be aware that in many respects the growth habits of eucalypts are nothing like that of most other tree genera.

Planning

Taylor Ecology has been writing reports on bushfire hazard as part of broader ecological studies for many years before legislation was implemented.

Bushfire hazard assessments can be provided for development applications or as an integral part of your own property management.

In Queensland, one method of quantitative assessment is contained in the Guideline to the State Planning Policy 1/03, 'Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide (SPP1/03)'. The outstanding feature of this Guideline is the requirement to assess the hazard qualitatively.

Families and houses deserve the most thorough reports possible when it comes to bushfires. This can only be achieved by assessment of surrounding properties’ topography, bushfire history, and interviews with property owners and Rural Brigades.

Taylor Ecology will not provide cursory reports of a few pages which may barely meet approval requirements. The consequences are too important. After all, a hazard assessment is often only an arbitrary finding. It has to be placed within a realistic context.

We can also advise on how to improve the ecology of your property through deliberate burning.

Any property with anything more than a low level of hazard is also provided with an extensive Bushfire Management Plan which can be tailored to your individual circumstances.

If you have any concerns at all about bushfire hazard once your building is completed then feel free to contact us.


Building

 After planning approval has been obtained, any building must conform to the Australian Standard AS3959-2009 'Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas'.

This standard determines levels of construction to deal with bushfire hazard and ultimately it is the responsibility of your building certifier. The methodology is totally different to SPP 1/03, and Taylor Ecology can work with your certifier to provide an acceptable solution.

The slightest change to bushfire area construction parameters can mean a difference of literally thousands of dollars to the building cost.

Tree clearing for development often occurs on sites that are ecologically degraded.

However fauna can sometimes still be present in the most unlikely of places. Taylor Ecology has vast experience as a spotter catcher, particularly where koalas are encountered.

The main priority on development sites will always be the well being of fauna. Our experience will also assure that hinderance to a project's timetable is minimised where possible.

• Flora and Fauna Studies
• Koala Management Plans
• Environmental Management Plans
• Environmental Impact Studies
• Site Rehabilitation
• Weed Management
• Agricultural Buffers