The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme

The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme allows people to clear certain vegetation near their homes to improve protection from bush fires. The Scheme was introduced following the devastating 2013 NSW bush fires, including the fires which destroyed more than 200 homes in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Since its introduction on 1 August 2014, a number of amendments have been made to the Scheme. On 1 October 2014, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) announced the planned review of the Scheme would be fast-tracked, due to concerns that some landholders were abusing the Scheme, by clearing vegetation for purposes other than bush fire protection. On 14 November 2014 consultation closed, and 3,579 submissions were received from stakeholders including individuals, local councils and community groups. This Code of Practice is known as the ‘10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice for New South Wales (10/50 Code)’ and has been prepared in accordance with Section 100Q of the Rural Fires Act 1997. The Code was developed in partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment and the Office of Environment and Heritage. In accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997, this 10/50 Code has been developed to provide for vegetation clearing work to be carried out in certain areas near residential accommodation, high-risk facilities or farm sheds to reduce the risk of bush fire. The 10/50 Code permits landowners in the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area to clear, on their own land, vegetation that is adjacent to an external wall of a building: › containing habitable rooms that comprises or is part of residential accommodation or a high-risk facility; or › that comprises or is part of a farm shed. The Commissioner of the NSW RFS may review this 10/50 Code at any time. This is the final report into the review of the scheme. The review has found that the policy objectives of the scheme remain valid. However, a number of issues designed to improve the scheme, on both a legislative and non-legislative basis, have been identified. Thirty recommendations have been made as a result of this review. These recommendations have been developed between the Department of Planning and Environment, the Office of Environment and Heritage and the NSW Rural Fire Service. This report outlines the proposed amendments which have been identified by the Review. http://arboriculture.org.au/…/1050-Vegetation-Clearing-Code…

Tree risk assessment tree hazards

It is only natural that wherever trees are planted, wildlife and other plants are sure to follow. Trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals, such as birds and lizards. Trees create an environment that allows the growth of plants that otherwise would not be there. Flowers, fruits, leaves, buds and woody parts of trees are used by many different species. Bacteria and fungi contained in tree parts cause decay which makes nesting easier for some birds and increases soil fertility and structure for furrowing by other land animals. Trees also provide shade, reduce water and air temperatures and contribute to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat, shelter and food for aquatic species such as turtles and fish. Frequently, in urban areas, habitat trees and dead old trees are felled or severely cut back. This is because of fears that trunks or limbs could fall, kill or injure people or pets; or cause property damage. Because old trees often host colonies of termites or ‘white ants’, people are afraid that these could damage buildings. Most termite species do not attack timber in buildings. The few species which attack sound wooden structures are usually the subterranean kinds that do not build visible nests. These may travel underground for up to 80 metres. Removal of a particular tree may have no effect at all in protecting a building from termites. Tree removal can give a false sense of security. Proper precautions and regular inspections at the site of the building are the best protection against termites. Because of their great importance to the natural environment, it is essential to plan to prevent problems that may arise with habitat trees. We should avoid locating buildings, paths and tracks near trees that may become dangerous. There are ways of avoiding dangers posed by old trees, other than the drastic options of lopping or removal. If a habitat tree is not close to buildings or places where people frequent, they should be totally protected. Cracks, crevices, notches and hollows. These are habitats and micro-habitats – breeding sites, shelter, refuge, and living quarters for a wide range of animals. Dead branches above the canopy. Some birds use these for roosting, sunning and preening. Good all-round vision gives protection against sudden approach by predators. Predators may also use these branches for these reasons, and to watch for prey. High, dead branches provide roosting and lookout sites.