BUSHFIRE PLANNING

461 The Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (10 March 2009).

1. Why has the Department continued to insist upon 5 metre firebreaks when it has been clearly shown that a 5 metre firebreak is insufficient to protect land holders and fire fighters?

2. Will the Department now give urgent consideration to allow land holders and land managers the ability to construct firebreaks wider than 5 metres without any further restriction, red tape or bureaucracy?

3. Will the code of practice dated 11 February 2009 be reviewed in light of the recent Victorian bushfires?

4. Is the Department aware that 5 metre firebreaks are insufficient for a car or truck to turnaround?

5. Is the Department aware that the 5 metre restriction of native vegetation from a building or water pump is insufficient and doesn't afford sufficient protection?

6. Is the Department aware that the refusal to allow burning of dead timber is unrealistic and contributes to difficulties in hazard reduction?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management):

1. As I have indicated in response to Question On Notice Number 459, fuel breaks of greater than 5 metres are allowed.

2. Please refer to my response to Part 1 of this question.

3. Yes.

4. The South Australian Firebreaks, Fire Access Track and Sign Standards Guidelines, which is part of the Code of Practice for the Management of Native Vegetation to Reduce the Impact of Bushfire, provides useful guidance on the location, size and design of fire access tracks, including passing bays and turnaround points.

5. In some circumstances, the clearance of an area greater than 5 metres may be appropriate for fire safety purposes. The Native Vegetation Council has prepared guidelines that support clearance up to 20 metres around dwellings. The SA CFS is the body that will provide advice on the need for this additional clearance.

Alternatively, a landholder could seek to establish fuelbreaks of any width subject to a management plan prepared by a landholder, group of landholders, or the district bushfire prevention committee, and approved by the Native Vegetation Council.

6. Other than standing dead trees that proved habitat for nationally listed species, the removal of dead timber, by burning or otherwise, is not controlled under the Native Vegetation Act.