This version of the Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN
REGION has been prepared for use with screen reader software. The printed publication contains
various maps and design features that have been necessarily omitted from this version. In other
respects this document contains identical text to that in the PDF version of the document which is
available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning .
Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment
MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN REGION
April 2012
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC) emphasised the importance of considering
bushfire matters at all stages of the planning process, including through regional settlement planning
and in the Local Planning Policy Framework. The State Planning Policy for Bushfire also identifies that
strategic and settlement planning should assist to strengthen community resilience to bushfire.
The Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment (RBPA) supports this approach and is part of the
Government’s response to Recommendation 38 of the VBRC relating to the development of regional
settlement policy in Victoria.
1.1 What is the RBPA?
The RBPA provides extra information about areas (referred to in this document as ‘identified areas’)
where a range of land use planning matters intersect with a bushfire hazard to influence the level of
risk to life and property from bushfire. This information should be addressed as part of strategic land
use and settlement planning at the regional, municipal and local levels.
The RBPA will inform the Regional Growth Plans currently being prepared by the Department of
Planning and Community Development in conjunction with councils. It provides a basis to initiate
further detailed analysis as part of other planning processes such as settlement planning and
preparing planning scheme amendments.
The RBPA is not a statutory planning provision and does not directly translate into planning schemes.
However, it complements planning scheme provisions such as the Bushfire Management Overlay
(BMO) by providing spatial and qualitative information from a variety of sources which together can
inform considerations about where bushfire should be assessed early in the strategic planning
process.
1.2 What information is contained in the RBPA?
The RBPA provides information on matters which may be relevant to strategic and settlement planning
and focuses on the factors considered particularly important by the VBRC, including:

areas where smaller sized lots (less than 0.4ha) which may be used for residential purposes
are in or close to a bushfire hazard

areas where medium sized lots (between 0.4-4ha) which may be used for residential purposes
are in or close to a bushfire hazard

areas where there is a settlement or urban interface with the bushfire hazard

locations which may have limited access and egress, indicated by a single access road to and
from a settlement in addition to roads which connect a number of settlements in areas with a
bushfire hazard

areas where future strategic directions contained in planning schemes may conflict with the
bushfire hazard

areas where the broader landscape is particularly affected by a bushfire hazard
1

areas identified from local information provided by either the relevant fire authority or the
council that may need to be considered in planning decision making

areas where multiple issues occur in a single area.
This information is shown spatially on maps at a strategic scale. It is supported by a table that gives a
brief explanation for each identified area.
1.3 How is the RBPA different to the BMO?
The BMO is applied to areas where there is potential for bushfire behaviour such as a crown fire,
extreme ember attack and radiant heat. The application of the overlay is based on a technical
evaluation of the bushfire hazard validated with relevant fire authorities and councils. The key purpose
of the BMO is to identify areas where a planning permit is specifically required to consider the bushfire
matters prior to development occurring.
The RBPA informs a broader consideration of bushfire issues by recognising that, in specific locations,
the bushfire hazard increases the potential bushfire risk to life and property in very specific ways, for
example, due to access constraints. Addressing these factors is an important way that strategic and
settlement planning can respond to bushfire issues before specific development proposals are
considered. This provides an opportunity to resolve issues and implement mitigation measures early in
the planning process and at a strategic level.
1.4 How is an RBPA prepared?
The information in the RBPA has been identified through a two-step process:
Step 1 – Base data on planning zones and overlays, vegetation quality, lot location, sizes and patterns
and single roads into settlements was collected and correlated against the latest information on the
bushfire hazard. For the RBPA a bushfire hazard was generally considered to be a significant extent
of vegetation and the area of reference for identified areas was land in or in close proximity (200
metres) to the vegetation. Step 1 provided the initial identified areas.
Step 2 – A qualitative review of the initial identified areas was undertaken with councils, the relevant
fire authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment and any further information based
on local knowledge was included as identified areas.
The development of the RBPA was supported by a reference group of representatives from the
Department of Planning and Community Development, Municipal Association of Victoria, councils, the
Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, and the Growth Areas
Authority.
1.5 How should an identified area be treated?
The bushfire risk in identified areas should be assessed as part of strategic and settlement planning
and where land use issues are a factor in strengthening community resilience to bushfire (for example,
where development and growth is occurring or planned).
Minister’s Direction No. 11 - Strategic assessment of amendments requires a planning authority to
evaluate and discuss how an amendment addresses bushfire risk. The RBPA will assist planning
authorities in determining when bushfire risk should be addressed.
Not every identified area shown in the RBPA requires a specific planning response because:

there are limited land-use planning responses that can be implemented where an area is not
experiencing any change or development pressure

the anticipated nature and extent of development in specific areas, including areas already
zoned for particular uses, can be appropriately managed through the planning permit process
where the BMO applies

planning schemes cannot prevent the continuation of a lawful existing use where Clause 63 of
planning schemes protects existing use rights

bushfire issues may be best managed through non-planning responses such as Integrated
Fire Management Planning.
2
1.6 Important things to note
The RBPA complements other information that can also inform planning decisions. This includes the
Victorian Fire Risk Register, Integrated Fire Management Planning and its associated plans and
strategies and the operations and workings of fire authorities, councils and communities. Investigation
of an identified area should be informed by these and other activities that together support community
resilience to bushfire.
The RBPA therefore does not include all information captured by other processes.
The RBPA is not a bushfire risk assessment of any of the identified areas. Identified areas are based
on where the bushfire hazard correlates with land use planning considerations that may influence the
bushfire risk. The RBPA has not sought to replicate bushfire risk assessments undertaken through
other processes, particularly the Victorian Fire Risk Register.
2.0 MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN REGIONAL OVERVIEW
The Melbourne Metropolitan Region consists of 31 municipalities. The land area forms a broad arc
around Port Phillip Bay, extending from the Mornington Peninsula in the south to Werribee in the west,
and further to the east to surround part of Western Port. The region has several landscapes and
development typologies including urban, suburban, green wedge and rural fringe settlements, as well
as the major urban growth corridors located in the Urban Growth Boundary. The region also has
numerous settlements outside of the Urban Growth Boundary in expansive semi-rural and rural fringe
areas with large tracts of land located in national and state parks, particularly in the Dandenong
Ranges and Yarra Ranges.
The Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment for the Metropolitan Region focused its review on those
municipalities that have existing and proposed settlements where planning for bushfires is of strategic
relevance. The municipalities included in the assessment are:

City of Banyule

City of Brimbank

Shire of Cardinia

City of Casey

City of Frankston

Hume City

City of Knox

City of Manningham

City of Maroondah

Shire of Melton

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Nillumbik Shire

City of Whittlesea

City of Wyndham

Yarra Ranges Shire
Given the variations in urban development and landscape typologies across the region, the extent of
identified areas in the assessment varies and is in part informed by geographic location.
For instance, the historic settlement patterns in municipalities located in the north-east part of the
region such as Whittlesea, Nillumbik and Yarra Ranges differ from that of municipalities in the west
3
such as Wyndham and Melton. In particular, the undulating topography, extensive conservation
significance and dispersed settlement pattern in the north-east establishes a unique environment
particularly susceptible to the impacts of bushfires. Several green wedge and interface councils have
identified that the broader geographic area contains a combination of natural features resulting in
expansive bushfire landscapes which need to be considered. For this reason and in some instances,
land between clusters of settlements containing dispersed rural-residential development have been
identified given their general exposure to bushfire hazard.
2.1 The northern and western landscape
The topography of the north and west region is varied, ranging from flat sparsely vegetated,
grasslands through to dense bushland environments. Predominantly the west, north-west and
northern sections conform with a flatter, to slightly undulating topography with scattered and isolated
bushland environments. The topography becomes more varied through the eastern and north-eastern
area, transitioning from rolling hills to steeper mountainous and dense bushland environments towards
the Yarra Ranges.
Settlement interfaces with large national and state parks are common with densely vegetated areas
located to the north-west (Lerderderg State Park), to the north-east (Kinglake National Park) and east
(Yarra Ranges National Park). Smaller reserves include Woodlands Historic Park, Plenty Gorge and
Sugarloaf Reservoir.
Areas in the north and west region contain densely treed bushland environments which either
interface with, or extend into the semi-rural fringe areas of metropolitan Melbourne.
Conversely, the predominantly flat and more sparsely vegetated topography found in the western area
is subject to grassfires.
2.2 The eastern landscape
The topography of the eastern region is varied, ranging from relatively flat urban environments to the
west, through to mountainous bushland forest areas to the east. Likewise the density of urban
development gradually shifts from the west to the east, where the Dandenong Ranges constitutes a
significant change in landscape, forming an edge to urban metropolitan Melbourne. Although the
Dandenong Ranges accommodates a substantial population, the form of residential development is
predominantly semi-rural and low density. The eastern half of the region is designated as state or
national park (Yarra Ranges National Park and Bunyip State Park).
Settlements located in and around the Dandenong Ranges are often located in bushland
environments which connect with vegetation located in the larger state and national parks. The mix of
residential land use and development with significantly treed environments makes settlements
particularly susceptible to bushfire.
Interfaces between residential development and large national and state parks are located to the
south-west of the area (in and around Churchill National Park, Lysterfield Lake Park, Dandenong
Ranges National Park), and further to the east (Bunyip State Park and Yarra Ranges National Park).
Multiple bushfire planning considerations are generally more prevalent in the eastern part of the region
reflecting the presence of environmentally sensitive landscapes which have been developed over time
for residential purposes. These areas often contain dispersed settlement patterns with a scattering of
single access roads servicing dwellings.
2.3 The southern landscape
The topography of the southern landscape is varied, ranging from flat grasslands, undulating hills,
through to steeper mountainous terrain. The north-east sections are predominantly urban and
relatively flat. The central sections are also relatively flat, extending from Western Port in the south to
the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in the north. However, the central section that contains
grassland, farming and market garden environments also accommodates one of Melbourne’s major
urban growth corridors. To the north-east, the topography rises from the Dandenong foothills into the
Dandenong Ranges.
The Mornington Peninsula contains a diversity of landscapes, including low-lying coastal areas,
coastal dunes (both open and densely vegetated), cleared undulating rural landscapes, dense
bushland environments and the steep vegetated slopes of Arthurs Seat and Red Hill.
4
Interfaces between residential development and large national and state park areas are located to the
north (Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Lake Park) and to the north-west (Cardinia Reservoir
and Bunyip State Park). Smaller reserves include Point Nepean National Park, Mornington Peninsula
State Park, Arthurs Seat State Park, Frankston Reservoir, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve and
Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens.
Multiple bushfire planning issues are generally more concentrated to the north-eastern part of this
area, which reflects the more densely treed bushland environments which either interface with, or
extend into, the semi-rural fringe development of metropolitan Melbourne.
3.0
MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF BANYULE
The City of Banyule is located north-east of central Melbourne and lies between inner Melbourne and
the outer rural areas. The municipality covers an area of about 63 square kilometres.
Major centres in the municipality include Ivanhoe in the south and Greensborough in the north.
The whole of the municipality is urban and located in the Urban Growth Boundary. It is predominantly
an urban municipality however does contain some large public areas (predominantly recreational),
public and private golf courses, a number of commercial centres, significant industrial areas and largescale institutional uses.
Growth in the City of Banyule is expected to occur primarily via urban infill development.
The Yarra River runs along Banyule’s southern border while the western boundary is defined by the
Darebin Creek. The Plenty River meanders through the municipality from north to south. With the
exception of relatively flat land in the Heidelberg West area and the flat alluvial floodplains adjacent to
the Yarra and Plenty Rivers, the majority of the municipality’s topography ranges from gently to
steeply undulating.
There are substantial areas of vegetation, particularly in the east and north-east of the municipality.
The vegetation in the southern and western parts of the municipality is now largely characterised by
exotic trees and shrubs, although replanting of indigenous species is taking place along the Darebin
Creek. The municipality includes several sites of state, regional and local botanical, zoological and
habitat significance.
Banyule contains open spaces and parklands, especially along the Yarra and Plenty River valleys.
There are 466 hectares of council managed open space in Banyule, as well as substantial areas of
parkland managed by Parks Victoria. Banyule Flats Reserve is located in the south-east of the
municipality.
Fire management responsibilities in the municipal area are shared between the Metropolitan Fire
Brigade and the Country Fire Authority.
An area of bushfire planning interest is located in the north-east of Banyule associated with the Plenty
River valley. This valley is connected to the Plenty Gorge Parklands to the north of the municipality,
where there are slope, topography and access issues. There are also potential bushfire access issues
at the Darebin Parklands, adjacent to the Darebin Creek, where there is potential for localised ember
attack or flame contact to a number of adjoining properties.
5
BANYULE – IDENTIFIED DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
03-001
Plenty River/
Greensborough/
Montmorency
Urban/ bushfire hazard interface along the Plenty River
corridor, particularly in the northern sections of the Plenty
River Valley and the Plenty Gorge Parklands, where the most
recent large fire occurred in 1978.
Clusters of small residential lots are located in proximity to this
bushfire hazard interface. Vegetation along Plenty River which
extends to the north and south has the potential to introduce a
running fire or ember attack into the urban area.
Area contains scattered patches of vegetation of high
conservation significance along the Plenty River.
03-002
Yarra River/ Lower Urban / bushfire hazard interface with medium sized lots,
Plenty
created along the north side of the Yarra River corridor. Area
contains scattered patches of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
4.0
MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF BRIMBANK
The City of Brimbank is located about 10 kilometres to the west of central Melbourne and covers an
area of approximately 123 square kilometres.
The municipality is divided into 19 suburbs, with the major suburbs including Deer Park, Keilor, St
Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham.
The approximate population of Brimbank is 189 400. Brimbank includes the western edge of
Melbourne’s urban fringe, which is currently experiencing rapid urban development.
Land uses in the municipality are primarily residential. There are also substantial open areas used for
farming and public purposes, and a smaller area used for industrial purposes.
Brimbank’s topography is characterised by a mostly flat landscape. However there are some visually
interesting features which exist associated with deep creek and river valleys and their public open
spaces containing vegetation.
The environmental values of the waterways have been recognised in the State Environment
Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) and contain flora and fauna of national, state, regional and local
significance. The waterways provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna, add interest and variety to the
urban landscape, contribute to the protection of life and property from flooding as part of the
stormwater system and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
The municipality also contains many important open space and recreational facilities, including the
Organ Pipes National Park, Brimbank Park and Horseshoe Bend. The Maribyrnong River, Kororoit
Creek, Taylors Creek and native grasslands are significant environmental features in Brimbank.
Areas of bushfire planning interest in Brimbank relate to the properties with an immediate interface to
Brimbank Park.
BRIMBANK – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
08-001
Keilor East
Urban/ bushfire hazard interface with existing residential area
of Keilor. Vegetation exists in and around the escarpments of
Brimbank Park located between the suburbs of Keilor, Keilor
Downs and Kealba.
6
5.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW –SHIRE OF CARDINIA
The Shire of Cardinia is located on the eastern fringe of metropolitan Melbourne, covering an area of
approximately 1280 square kilometres. The main urban centre of Pakenham is located 55 kilometres
south-east of the centre of Melbourne.
The northern sections of the municipality are located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, which
is an area of significant environmental value. The area accommodates varied landscapes that range
from steep slopes to undulating hills, where extensive areas of vegetation contribute to bushfire
hazard.
The population in the northern sections of the Shire are focused in the townships of Emerald,
Clematis, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo, Gembrook, Upper Beaconsfield, Pakenham Upper and Maryknoll. A
significant area of the northern part of the municipality comprises the Bunyip State Park and the
Cardinia Reservoir.
The Princes Highway corridor runs east-west through the centre of the municipality, bisecting the hills
in the northern part of the municipality and the alluvial plains to the south. The south-east growth
corridor for metropolitan Melbourne extends east to Pakenham with development directed to occur
around the townships of Pakenham, Beaconsfield and Officer. A number of townships exist to the east
of Pakenham including Bunyip, Garfield, Tynong and Nar Nar Goon.
The Kooweerup Swamp and Western Port form the significant features of the southern part of the
municipality. The landscape in this section of the municipality is generally flat and has been
substantially cleared of vegetation, while the Kooweerup Swamp was drained and cleared for
agriculture at the turn of the century. Settlements located in the southern part of the municipality
include Kooweerup, Lang Lang, Bayles and Cardinia.
The population of the Cardinia Shire is approximately 73 300. Over the next decade, significant
population increases will continue in designated growth areas across the municipality.
Substantial parts of the municipality are identified as being of ecological significance, including areas
of public land such as Bunyip State Park, Gembrook Regional Park, Cardinia Reservoir, Beaconsfield
Reservoir and the northern coast of Western Port.
The Shire has been subject to a number of bushfires each decade largely in the northern part of the
municipality, the most significant being the 1983 Ash Wednesday fire, when 27 people lost their lives
in the Upper Beaconsfield and Cockatoo areas. More than 500 people lost their homes with over 10
000 hectares burnt. The Black Saturday fires of 2009 burnt through Bunyip State Park, eventually
burning a total of 26 200 hectares and destroying 32 houses, one of which was in Cardinia. The large
expanses of forest and woodland vegetation in the municipality have the potential to support large
intense bushfires with a high propensity for spotting and ember attack on adjacent communities.
Areas which contain multiple bushfire planning issues in Cardinia are predominantly located in the
northern parts of the municipality. The landscape in this area is one which contains a mix of dispersed
lots of varying sizes, topography and vegetation coverage containing dwellings in or around vegetated
bushfire hazard areas. Notwithstanding the existence of a broad landscape susceptible to the effects
of bushfire, there are settlements in and around the Cardinia Reservoir Catchment and Bunyip State
Park which contain clusters of lots particularly exposed to bushfire.
Given the presence of significant vegetation, many of the established settlements are affected by
environmental and landscape-based overlays seeking to protect vegetation.
The use of single access roads in bushfire hazard areas has been identified, due to the pattern of
existing roads (both minor unsealed access roads and major arterial roads), being predominantly
single carriageways following the topography and landscape which typically contains extensive
roadside vegetation.
7
CARDINIA – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
11-001
Clematis / Emerald Multiple bushfire matters including:
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
 Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard generated by
the urban interface with Cardinia Reservoir to the south.
Remnant vegetation exists surrounding and throughout the
area generating bushfire hazard.
 Various single access roads exist associated with
established settlement patterns.
11-002
Avonsleigh /
Cockatoo
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 Small and medium lot sizes in a bushfire hazard area,
generated by the interface with Wright Forest.
 Remnant vegetation surrounding and throughout the area.
 Various roads with limited access and egress are located in
this area.
 Area to the north contains patches of vegetation of high
conservation significance.
11-003
Mount Burnett
Mixture of medium lot sizes which gradually blend into a periurban environment in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard
generated by remnant patches of vegetation.
11-004
Gembrook
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 Small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area, generated
by remnant patches of vegetation and proximity to Bunyip
State Park.
 Small lots are generally centred in the township of
Gembrook with lot size and vegetation coverage increasing
as settlement patterns disperse towards Bunyip State Park.
 Area contains roads with limited access and egress located
in and around Gembrook.
 Small lots interface with vegetation which extends from
Bunyip State Park.
11-005
Beaconsfield
Upper
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard generated by
remnant patches of vegetation, interface with Cardinia
Reservoir catchment and Critchley Parker Junior Reserve and
Brennans Bushland Reserve.
11-006
Guys Hill
Medium lots in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard generated by
remnant patches of vegetation, interface with Critchley Parker
Junior Reserve, Brennans Bushland Reserve and
Beaconsfield Bushland Reserve.
Area contains stands of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
11-007
Beaconsfield
Urban bushfire hazard interface with Critchley Parker Junior
Reserve, Brennans Bushland Reserve and Beaconsfield
Bushland Reserve.
8
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
11-008
Dewhurst
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 Medium-size lots in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard
generated by remnant patches of vegetation, and urban
interface with Cardinia Reservoir to the west and RJ
Chambers Reserve to the east.
 Area contains roads with limited access and egress in and
around Dewhurst.
11-009
Pakenham Upper/
Nar Nar Goon
North
Medium-size lots dispersed in a bushfire hazard area
containing vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
11-010
Beaconsfield
Future Strategic Direction. Future urban development
proposed in the Urban Growth Boundary.
11-011
Beaconsfield
Buffer distances required to be appropriately considered and
managed in future urban development and as part of precinct
structure plans.
11-012
Maryknoll
Cluster of medium lots in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard
generated by proximity to Bunyip State Park to the north. Area
contains patches of vegetation of high conservation
significance.
11-013
Maryknoll
Single access road. Recognised reliance on Snell Road to
provide localised access due to the substandard condition of
surrounding roads.
11-014
Bunyip State Park
Roads with limited access and egress extending through
Bunyip State Park.
11-015
Tonimbuk
Cluster of medium size lots with a direct interface with Bunyip
State Park, which is a significant bushfire hazard area.
11-016
Nar Nar Goon
North
Limited access and egress in Nar Nar Goon North servicing a
dispersed settlement pattern in bushfire hazard area.
6.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF CASEY
The City of Casey is located in the south-east of the metropolitan region, covering an area of
approximately 395 square kilometres. The centre of the municipality at Narre Warren is located 40
kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. Casey forms the interface between country Victoria
(Gippsland) and urban areas of metropolitan Melbourne.
The municipality extends from the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges to the shores of Western Port
and as a result accommodates diversity in landscapes and environments. The City of Casey can be
described in terms of different landscape and land use typologies. Extending from north to south these
include the Dandenong Ranges’ foothills, urban areas fringe, rural areas and the coastal
environments. The topography and landscape is predominantly flat, extending inland from the coast,
gradually rising at the northern end of the municipality where it forms the foothills to the Dandenong
Ranges.
The main urban centres of the municipality include Berwick and Narre Warren in the north, and
Cranbourne in the centre.
The population of the City of Casey is approximately 255 000. Growth estimates project that the
population of the municipality will increase rapidly as a direct result of the municipality being located in
one of Melbourne’s growth corridors. Urban development in the City of Casey has been concentrated
in the northern part of the municipality along major transportation corridors extending eastwards along
Princes Highway, and southwards along the South Gippsland Highway.
9
Despite the concentrated urbanisation, rural settlements still exist to the north in Harkaway and Narre
Warren North, and in the south of the municipality at Tooradin, Cannons Creek, Blind Bight, Junction
Village, Warneet, Pearcedale, Devon Meadows and Clyde.
The municipality accommodates an interface with the Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Lake
Park along its northern boundary. Both of these parkland areas contain dense bushland environments.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne located in the centre of the municipality also establishes a
vegetated bushfire hazard adjacent to existing and developing communities.
The 1983 Ash Wednesday fires burnt through the north-eastern corner of the municipality from the
Yarra Ranges along the southern extent of the Cardinia reservoir. In January 2009, parts of Churchill
National Park in Endeavour Hills and Lysterfield South were burnt by bushfire. During the subsequent
2009 Black Saturday fires, three fires occurred in Casey at Harkaway (147 hectares), and Hampton
Park and Narre Warren South (12 hectares), resulting in the loss of seven houses.
CASEY – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
12-001
Endeavour Hills /
Lysterfield South
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
along the southern edge of Churchill National Park and
Lysterfield Lake Park.
12-002
Harkaway / Narre
Warren North
Medium-size lots in a bushfire hazard area, located in a wider
open semi-rural landscape, generally north of Inglis Road and
South of Abeckett Road. Remnant vegetation patches
generate bushfire hazard. Includes patches of vegetation of
high and very high conservation significance.
12-003
Narre Warren
North
Peri-urban area of large rural properties containing disbursed
lots used for residential purposes. Cardinia Reservoir is
located further to the north-east, which is a bushfire hazard
area.
12-004
Cranbourne South
Future strategic direction noted due to the designation of land
for future urban development in the Botanic Ridge Precinct
Structure Plan, north of Browns Road. Direct interface with the
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
12-005
Cranbourne South
/ Pearcedale
Disbursed medium-size lots south of North Road in a periurban setting. The extent of remnant vegetation patches
generate bushfire hazard. Includes stands of vegetation of
high and very high conservation significance.
12-006
Cannons Creek /
Warneet / Blind
Bight
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area generated by the extent of
coastal vegetation in and surrounding the settlements.
Includes scattered patches of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
12-007
Cannons Creek
Limited access and egress due to the single road access
servicing the settlements of Cannons Creek.
12-008
Warneet / Blind
Bight
Limited access and egress due to the single road access
servicing the settlements of Warneet and Blind Bight.
7.0
MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF FRANKSTON
The City of Frankston is located on the south-eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay, approximately 42
kilometres south of central Melbourne. The municipal area covers about 131 square kilometres,
extending from the northern boundary, broadly defined by the Seaford Wetlands, to Mount Eliza in the
south. The eastern boundary is defined by Western Port Highway, while the west boundary of the
municipality consists of approximately 9.5 kilometres of Port Phillip Bay.
10
The approximate population of the City of Frankston is 130 450. The City of Frankston is broadly
categorised as a suburban municipality, with the majority of the population located in urbanised
environments. Although predominantly residential in character, there are areas of public open space
combined with non-urban and agricultural environments in the northern and eastern area of the
municipality where it interfaces with adjoining municipalities.
Variations in topography, landscape and land allotment sizes provide a variety of residential
environments. Residential subdivisions are generally located to the south and south-east of the central
commercial area of Frankston. The undulating, vegetated areas of Carrum Downs, Langwarrin and
Baxter provide residents with a semi-rural setting. The topography of the municipality is predominantly
flat through its middle to northern sections, with land becoming more undulating and hilly through the
southern half of the municipality, particularly towards Mount Eliza.
Larger areas of public land that accommodate bushland environments include the Pines Flora and
Fauna Reserve, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Frankston Reservoir and Sweetwater Creek.
The municipality accommodates a relatively wide range of remnant indigenous vegetation
communities. One hundred and thirty sites of state, regional or local botanical significance have been
identified on both public and private land in the municipality. Whilst vegetation on private land has
been partly cleared or degraded, there are pockets of significant vegetation which still remain resulting
in forest and woodland vegetation fragmented in discrete blocks. Whilst the municipality was not
impacted by the 1983 Ash Wednesday or the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, historical records
indicate two to three bushfires occur per decade.
The predominant urban bushfire interfaces occur with existing reserves including Pines Flora and
Fauna Reserve, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Frankston Reservoir and Sweetwater Creek.
Further areas of interest were identified due to the extent of vegetation located on private land
throughout the south and south-eastern sections of the municipality. Many vegetated bushfire hazard
areas are covered by vegetation, environmental and landscape-based overlays which seek to manage
the protection of significant vegetation.
FRANKSTON – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
20-001
Frankston North/
Langwarrin
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
surrounding The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve and
Langwarrin Quarry.
20-002
Langwarrin /
Langwarrin South
Presence of medium-size lots in a location where remnant
vegetation patches generate bushfire hazard. Includes
vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.
20-003
Langwarrin South
Urban bushfire hazard interface associated with existing
residential areas surrounding the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna
Reserve.
20-004
Frankston South
Urban bushfire hazard interface with remnant bushland
vegetation.
20-005
Frankston South
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing small lots and
residential areas surrounding Frankston Reservoir and along
Sweetwater Creek. Includes isolated patches of vegetation of
high and very high conservation significance.
20-006
Frankston
Linear coastal vegetation and creek vegetation located around
small residential lots.
8.0
MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – HUME CITY
Hume City is an outer metropolitan municipality located on the urban fringe of Melbourne, about 20
kilometres north-west of the centre of Melbourne. Hume City covers an area of approximately 504
11
square kilometres. The municipality comprises a vast area of rural land of which approximately a
quarter is urban.
Hume City is designated as one of five growth areas in metropolitan Melbourne, and is one of the
fastest growing municipalities in Australia. The population is approximately 172 000. By 2031 the
population is projected to increase with Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park and Sunbury constituting the
rapidly growing urban centres. The rural area accommodates the townships of Bulla, Mickleham and
Kalkallo.
The upper reaches of the Maribyrnong River and Merri and Moonee Ponds Creeks are located in the
City and are recognised as having regional environmental, recreational and heritage value. The most
pronounced physical features in the rural areas are the creek valleys of Deep, Emu and Jacksons
Creeks. Aside from these elements, much of the rural land in the City is characterised by a flat and
sparsely treed landscape that enables open views across wide expanses of cleared grazing land and
valleys. To the north-west of the municipality is the Macedon Ranges.
Hume City contains a diverse environment with a range of native flora and fauna habitats. The deep
creek valleys through the basalt plains provide escarpments and wildlife habitats. The municipality
includes Organ Pipes National Park, Woodlands Historic Park, Cooper Street grassland, Evans Street
grassland, Mt. Ridley grassy woodlands and the waterways of Deep, Emu, Jacksons, Merri and
Moonee Ponds Creeks.
The Ash Wednesday bushfires spread in a south-east direction from the Macedon Ranges down
towards the north-west of Hume City. More recently, parts of Woodlands Historic Park and Organ
Pipes National Park were affected by bushfire in 2007 and 2005 respectively.
Isolated clusters of small and medium-size lots are located in bushfire hazard areas, as well as around
the township of Sunbury and near the bushland reserve north of the Melbourne airport. Environmental
and landscape-based overlays apply to some of these areas seeking to protect vegetation.
HUME – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
33-001
Sunbury
Limited access and egress as a result of single access road in
a bushfire hazard area.
33-002
Sunbury
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area, remnant vegetation
patches generate a bushfire hazard. Includes vegetation of
high and very high conservation significance.
33-003
Sunbury
Specific local knowledge. Area contains soil stability issues.
Properties in the vicinity can only be defended from existing
roads.
33-004
Sunbury
Specific local knowledge. Potential bushfire hazard at creek
interface associated with vegetation along Jackson Creek,
creating a bushfire hazard with existing residential areas
surrounding natural escarpment and the Jackson Creek
corridor.
33-005
Sunbury
Specific local knowledge. Potential for bushfire hazard along
creek interface associated with Emu Creek.
33-006
Mickleham
Potential bushfire hazard at river corridor interface, where
there are disbursed medium lots either side of the riparian
corridor.
33-007
Bulla
Urban bushfire hazard interface between the township of
Bulla, the Grey Box Forest located to the south-east and
riparian vegetation associated with Deep Creek.
12
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
33-008
Bulla
Specific local knowledge. Grey Box Forest on Melbourne
Airport land may impact on Bulla to the north-west,
establishing an urban bushfire hazard interface.
33-009
Greenvale
Specific local knowledge. Woodlands Historic Park has
bushfire history, creating a bushfire hazard interface to
surrounding development located to the east.
33-010
Greenvale
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
to the east of Woodlands Historic Park.
33-011
Greenvale
Medium lots at a bushfire hazard interface with Woodlands
Historic Park, where remnant vegetation patches generate
additional bushfire hazard. Includes patches of vegetation of
high and very high conservation significance.
9.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF KNOX
The City of Knox is located in the eastern region of metropolitan Melbourne about 25 kilometres east
of central Melbourne. The municipality covers an area of approximately 114 square kilometres.
The main centres of Knox include Knox Central, Bayswater, Boronia, Wantirna and Ferntree Gully.
The municipality is situated between the Dandenong Creek Valley and the foothills of the Dandenong
Ranges and Lysterfield Hills, both of which provide regionally significant areas of environmental,
landscape and recreational value. The Dandenong Ranges are recognised as an environmental and
landscape feature that provide a regionally significant backdrop to metropolitan Melbourne.
The landform of the City of Knox consists of undulating topography, ranging from creek valleys of the
Dandenong Creek, which provides a landscape break towards the eastern suburbs, and the
Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield foothills, which form part of Melbourne’s urban growth boundary.
The City of Knox is predominantly suburban with residential development spread across the majority
of the municipality. Vegetation cover and topography in the Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield
foothills, provides a semi-rural rather than suburban character. The Dandenong foothills includes the
treed slopes and rural areas of Lysterfield Valley, the rural landscapes of The Basin, and parts of the
suburbs of Boronia, Sassafras, Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Rowville and Lysterfield. The
Dandenong Valley Regional Parklands forms a significant regional public open space area that
provides a green wedge and gateway between Knox and the rest of metropolitan Melbourne.
The City of Knox does not contain large areas of continuous forest and woodland vegetation therefore
bushfire events are likely to be confined to smaller vegetation patches to the south and west of the
municipality. The municipality was not impacted by the 1983 Ash Wednesday or the 2009 Black
Saturday bushfires, and records indicate the last major bushfire occurred in 1973 in an area that has
been subsequently developed for housing.
Areas which may be susceptible to bushfire events in Knox are predominantly focused on the interface
between urban development and the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield. A number of
single access roads have also been identified in bushfire hazard areas. In addition, the municipality
contains land which has potential for redevelopment located at a bushfire hazard interface and
affected by vegetation, environmental and landscape-based overlays which seek to minimise the
impact on the natural environment.
KNOX – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
36-001
Wantirna
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
surrounding remnant vegetation located in freeway
reservation.
13
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
36-002
Kilsyth South
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
to the west of a stand of remnant vegetation.
36-003
Kilsyth South
Identified pressure for the redevelopment of land in this
location. Issues associated with bushfire hazard interface to
remnant vegetation both on and adjacent to the site would
need to be considered.
36-004
Dandenong
Ranges / The
Basin / Ferntree
Gully
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
located immediately to the west of the Dandenong Ranges
National Park. Small lots are located along this interface.
Remnant vegetation extends from the national park into the
residential areas resulting in an interplay between urban
development and bushfire hazard.
36-005
Upper Ferntree
Gully
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area due to the interface with
the Dandenong Ranges National Park to the north. Area
contains remnant vegetation generating further bushfire
hazard.
36-006
Lysterfield
Medium lots in a bushfire hazard area, due to the interface
with the Lysterfield Park to the south. Area contains remnant
vegetation generating further bushfire hazard.
36-007
Rowville
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential area
along the northern edge of Churchill National Park and
vegetated land surrounding existing quarries.
36-008
Rowville
Development interest in the potential redevelopment of the
golf course. Should development be contemplated appropriate
urban bushfire hazard interface planning should be considered
due to the site’s location adjacent to the Churchill National
Park to the south.
10.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF MANNINGHAM
The City of Manningham is located about 12 kilometres east of central Melbourne and covers an area
of approximately 114 square kilometres.
The municipality begins at the junction of the Yarra River and Koonung Creek in the west, which forms
a natural boundary to the municipality, with the Yarra River to the north and the Koonung Creek to the
south. The municipality is divided by the Mullum Mullum Creek and the Urban Growth Boundary into
two distinct topographic areas. Land to the west of the Mullum Mullum Creek is highly urbanised, while
land to the east is primarily semi-rural in character with vegetation contained in both public and private
land and along riparian corridors. The City of Manningham recognises this diverse mix of
environments and is often referred to as the municipality that encapsulates a “balance of city and
country”.
Residential development is largely focused in areas west of the Mullum Mullum Creek and includes
the suburbs of Bulleen, Templestowe, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale and Lower Templestowe.
Residential areas located to the east of the creek are comprised of Warrandyte and part of Wonga
Park township.
Land in Manningham’s Green Wedge, to the east of Mullum Mullum Creek, comprises a combination
of gently undulating grazing land, densely wooded areas and rural-residential environments.
Manningham has an estimated resident population of about 119 200. Growth is expected to occur
primarily via urban infill development.
14
The municipality contains significant areas of indigenous vegetation that supports a diverse range of
indigenous flora and fauna. The remnant indigenous vegetation has been identified, mapped and
classified into a number of Biosites and assigned either National, State or Regional significance.
A significant amount of Manningham’s biodiversity is located in the green wedge area and along the
Yarra River corridor.
Within the residential areas in the west of the municipality, the original vegetation was largely removed
for orchards and agricultural use and is now replaced by a new tree canopy associated with maturing
gardens that contributes to the character of these suburbs.
The municipality was not impacted by either Black Saturday or Ash Wednesday fires, however, there
are a number of locations in the vicinity of Warrandyte which were affected by fires in the early 1980s
and 1990s.
Areas of bushfire planning interest in the municipality cover most of the eastern half of its geographic
area in the semi-rural green wedge landscape. The eastern section of the municipality has significantly
more vegetation than the west, which is highly urbanised.
There are several clusters of small residential lots located in bushfire hazard areas, however, due to
the semi-rural dispersed lot pattern throughout the municipality much of the eastern half of
Manningham is susceptible to bushfires.
Furthermore, areas at most bushfire risk are affected by vegetation, environmental and landscapebased overlays which seek to protect vegetation. There are also a number of single access roads and
egress constraints, particularly at two bridge crossings of the Yarra River and through streets in the
Warrandyte and Wonga Park areas.
MANNINGHAM – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
40-001
Templestowe/
Doncaster East /
Warrandyte /
Donvale
Urban bushfire hazard interface corridor with existing
residential areas. Small lots surrounded by remnant vegetation
located in several reserves including Currawong Bush Park,
Mullum Mullum Reserve and Buck Reserve.
40-002
Warrandyte/ Park Developed urban environment which accommodates a mix of
Orchards / Donvale small and medium-size lots, where a transition occurs
between suburban areas of Templestowe and Doncaster to
the vegetated areas of Park Orchards and Warrandyte South.
40-003
Warrandyte/
Multiple bushfire matters including:
Warrandyte South/  Mixture of small and medium-size lots in a bushfire hazard
Park Orchards
area. Hazard generated by the interface with Warrandyte
State Park and remnant vegetation.
 Residential development nestles into the landscape and
multiple single access roads are dispersed throughout the
area servicing clusters of lots.
 Area includes vegetation of high and very high conservation
value.
40-004
Park Orchards
Small lots located in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard generated
by the interface with the 100 Acres Reserve and remnant
vegetation. Includes stands of vegetation with high and very
high conservation value.
15
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
40-005
Wonga Park
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 mixture of small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area.
Hazard generated by the interface with Warrandyte State
Park and remnant vegetation
 area includes stands of vegetation of high and very high
conservation value
 smaller lots are generally concentrated in the settlement of
Wonga Park with medium-size lots and large lots located at
the periphery
 vegetation transitions into urban development from
surrounding reserves and conservation areas
 single access roads are dispersed throughout the semi-rural
environment servicing clusters of lots with bushfire hazard
areas.
40-006
Wonga Park
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
surrounding large stands of vegetation on Wonga Park
Conference Centre site.
40-007
Templestowe
Specific local knowledge. Single access road at Yarra River
bridge crossing restricting egress from bushfire hazard area
(Fitzsimons Road).
40-008
Warrandyte
Specific local knowledge. Single access road at Yarra River
bridge crossing restricting egress from bushfire hazard area
(Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Road).
11.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF MAROONDAH
The City of Maroondah forms part of the north-eastern boundary of the greater metropolitan area and
is located 25 kilometres to the east of central Melbourne. Maroondah covers an area of about 61
square kilometres.
Maroondah is a substantially developed residential municipality with a blend of established
neighbourhoods clustered around main transport routes, with developing areas on the periphery.
Residential land use covers approximately 65 per cent of the municipality, making it the dominant land
use and development typology.
It is expected that residential growth will come from a consolidation and redevelopment of existing
residential precincts.
The main population growth areas for the City of Maroondah are located in North Croydon, North
Ringwood, North Bayswater and South Kilsyth.
The municipality is physically dominated by two north/south ridgelines (Wicklow Hills Ridge and
Loughnan – Warranwood Ridge) that have unique flora and fauna characteristics. These ridgelines
have a prominent role in defining the environmental significance of the municipality, due to the
extensive coverage of natural bushland and large canopy trees.
In Maroondah there is a mix of vegetation types, including a range of exotic and native canopy trees
which cover both the valleys and ridgelines.
Environmental areas are predominantly contained on the Wicklow ridgeline, and Loughnan Hill and
Warranwood ridgeline, however there are a number of peripheral rural-residential areas which also
exhibit unique environmental characteristics.
Many of Maroondah’s suburbs are characterised by a cover of native and exotic canopy vegetation,
which complements the environmental aspects of the municipality.
16
Within the City of Maroondah the areas of bushfire interest are located in the north and north-west of
the municipality where vegetation permeates the suburban areas. Many of these suburbs are covered
by vegetation, environmental and landscape-based overlays, which seek to protect vegetation for
aesthetic and environmental purposes.
MAROONDAH – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
42-001
Warranwood
(west of Wonga
Road)
Urban/ bushfire hazard interface with existing residential
areas, generated by the Melbourne Water Reserve in
Warrandyte South. Linear fingers of vegetation extend into
adjacent urban areas.
42-002
Warranwood
(east of Wonga
Road)
Urban/ bushfire hazard interface with existing residential
areas, generated by Warranwood Reserve. Linear fingers of
vegetation extend into adjacent urban areas.
42-003
Croydon North
Urban/ bushfire hazard interface with existing residential
areas, generated by Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve. Linear
fingers of vegetation extend into adjacent urban areas
generally between Lyons Road and Nangathan Way.
42-004
Ringwood North
(south of Oban
Road)
Urban/ bushfire hazard interface with existing residential
areas, generated by Loughies Bushland Reserve and
Barnsdale Forest. Linear fingers of vegetation extend into
adjacent urban areas.
12.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – SHIRE OF MELTON
The Shire of Melton is located on the western fringe of metropolitan Melbourne. The eastern edge of
the Shire is 19 kilometres from central Melbourne, while its major urban area, the township of Melton,
is 35 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. The Shire covers an area of about 530 square
kilometres.
The Shire of Melton is a growth area in Melbourne’s west along with its adjoining municipalities of
Brimbank, Hume and Wyndham. It is a large municipality containing a mixture of urban and rural land
use and development typologies. The population of the municipality is in excess of 100 000 people.
The Shire is projected to ultimately accommodate a population in the order of 350 000.
The Shire comprises two main urban areas – Melton township and the Eastern Growth Area. Melton
township has a population of approximately 50 000 which is projected to increase to 90 000 with the
future development of the Toolern Growth Area. The Eastern Growth Area has a population of
approximately 60 000.
The Shire also encompasses a number of smaller townships, including Diggers Rest, Rockbank and
Eynesbury.
Sweeping grassland plains are the dominant and distinctive feature of the Melton landscape. These
are part of the Western basalt plain and cover the central and southern areas of the Shire. Located to
the north of the grass plains are lowland pastures and woodlands. These areas receive a slightly
higher rainfall and have deeper, more productive soil than the grass plains to its south.
Upland pastures and foothills are located in the most northern areas of the Shire and support a greater
diversity of vegetation. There is substantial tree cover in the foothills and upper ranges. These areas
are also the most susceptible to bushfire.
Melton has a number of significant natural sites which include remnant native grasslands, woodlands,
wetlands, geological features and flood plain areas. The north-west corner of the Shire interfaces with
Pyrete Ranges Forest (Lerderderg State Park), a large bushland area which experienced bushfires in
1983. This part of Melton has been identified as an area where lots are located in proximity to bushfire
hazards.
17
To the north-west of Melton township there is the potential for urban development to occur in relatively
close proximity to bushfire hazard. Grasslands provide an interface between the more significant
bushfire hazards and development. In the south-west of the Shire, the Eynesbury development is in
close proximity to Grey Box Forest. This area is also covered by environmental-based overlays, which
seek to protect vegetation given its significant environmental value.
MELTON – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
44-001
Toolern Vale
Cluster of small lots with direct interface to bushfire hazard
area associated with Lerderderg State Park located
immediately to the north.
44-002
Toolern Vale
Cluster of small lots with direct interface to bushfire hazard
areas associated with bushland vegetation located to the
north.
44-003
Melton West
The area to the west of existing urban edge of Melton is an
area experiencing development pressure extending towards
Lerderderg State Park and Long Forest Nature Reserve.
Expansive grasslands in the area have the potential to carry
fire rapidly from the heavily vegetated forest areas to the
urban boundary.
44-004
Eynesbury
Grey Box Forest Reserve is located to the north of the
settlement, creating a bushfire hazard interface. Eynesbury is
surrounded by a grassland interface in Wyndham.
44-005
Eynesbury
Cluster of existing small lots adjacent to bushfire hazard areas
associated with the Grey Box Forest Reserve located
immediately to the north of the Eynesbury settlement.
13.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE
Mornington Peninsula Shire is located between Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, approximately 50
kilometres south-east of central Melbourne. The Shire covers more than 720 square kilometres, a
large portion of which contains vegetation of high conservation value, including sites of national and
international significance.
The Shire accommodates in excess of 20 townships. Mornington, Somerville, Hastings, Dromana and
Rosebud are some of the larger developed urban centres, with the settlement pattern and density
scaling down through to smaller towns and coastal villages as the municipality extends inland away
from the Peninsula and into fertile agricultural land. Due to Mornington Peninsula’s role as a holiday
and tourism destination there is a significant fluctuation in population throughout the year and
particularly in the warmer summer months. The Mornington Peninsula has an approximate population
of 150 250 however this increases to over 180 000 people during the summer peak period.
The municipality accommodates a diversity in landscape types, which range from low lying coastal
areas and coastal dunes (both open and densely vegetated) to cleared undulating rural landscapes,
dense bushland environments and the steep vegetated slopes of Arthurs Seat.
The municipality accommodates a diversity of vegetation and has areas of acknowledged regional,
national and international significance. Examples include the coastal reserves on Western Port and
Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park. Additional
significant natural reserves include commonwealth land at the naval facility HMAS Cerberus and Point
Nepean.
Bushfires are recorded from Point Nepean (2010), Mornington Peninsula National Park (1997),
Devilbend Reservoir (2008), Arthurs Seat (1997, 2008, 2009) and Mount Martha (2007). Fires in
coastal heath vegetation and woodland are largely wind driven and fire danger weather on the
peninsula is moderated by higher humidity from the ocean and Port Phillip Bay.
18
Dwellings are frequently located in or close to bushfire hazard through the centre of the Shire in the
expanse of land extending between Mount Martha, Red Hill and Arthurs Seat. In addition, there are
various coastal settlements and residential areas in the densely vegetated coastal foreshore
environment extending from Cape Shank to Portsea.
Many areas of the municipality are covered by vegetation, environmental and landscape based
overlays, which seek to protect vegetation for their significant environmental value.
Potential access issues exist throughout the Shire between Rye and Portsea, due to the narrow width
of the Mornington Peninsula, coupled with the density of development and the substantial increases in
population during the summer holiday period and corresponding fire danger season.
Despite the clustering of several identifiable townships throughout the municipality there are nonurban breaks between settlements adjacent to bushfire hazard which contain dispersed residential
development on lots of varying sizes and with different environmental characteristics. Parts of the
municipality are known for its pristine aesthetic and environmental quality and therefore have
experienced development pressure for rural living. As a result, the development pattern across the
municipality with a particular focus on the central area extending from Mornington Peninsula National
Park in the south to the Devilbend Reservoir Catchment area to the north contains dwellings located in
environmentally significant landscapes susceptible to bushfires and often connected to single access
roads.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
52-001
Mt Eliza (southern
extent)
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential area
located in the southern extent of Mt Eliza.
52-002
Mt Eliza /
Mornington
An open landscape intermix area containing patches of
vegetation separating the urban edges of Mornington with the
southern edge of Mount Eliza.
52-003
Mornington
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area adjacent to existing golf
course and coastal vegetation. Remnant vegetation patches in
and surrounding lots generate potential for bushfire hazard.
52-004
Tyabb
Area contains a mixture of medium-size lots and tourist
accommodation uses located in a bushfire hazard
environment.
52-005
Mount Martha
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing lots located
adjacent to The Briars Park, Balcombe, Ferrero and Citation
Reserve.
52-006
Mount Martha
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential area
to the north, south and west of Mount Martha Park.
52-007
Mount Martha
Location of Mount Martha Park and Joseph Harris Scout Park
constitutes densely vegetated bushland areas surrounded by
established urban development in an undulating environment.
52-008
Crib Point
Urban development interfaces with bushfire hazard area
extending around Crib Point and the HMAS Cerberus naval
base land.
52-009
Dromana / McCrae Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential area
located on the northern slopes of Arthurs Seat State Park.
52-010
Arthurs Seat
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Area defined as a cluster
of small lots located at the top of Arthurs Seat, along Arthurs
Seat Road. Includes vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
19
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
52-011
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
Arthurs Seat / Main Multiple bushfire matters including:
Ridge/ Red Hill /
 clusters of medium size lots interspersed in a wider nonRed Hill South /
urban landscape
Merricks North /

clusters of small lots are located at Red Hill and Red Hill
Shoreham (rural) /
South
Flinders (rural)
 bushfire hazard area generated by extent of remnant
patches of vegetation and proximity to Arthurs Seat State
Park and Mornington Peninsula National Park.
 Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
52-12
Merricks Beach /
Balnarring Beach
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard is
generated by extent of remnant patches of vegetation.
Includes coastal vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
52-013
Shoreham / Point
Leo
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard is
generated by extent of remnant patches of vegetation.
Includes coastal vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
52-014
Cape Schanck
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard is
generated by interface with coastal vegetation and extent of
remnant patches of vegetation penetrating golf course land.
Includes vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
52-015
Rye / Tootgarook
Urban development interfaces with bushfire hazard area
located to the south extending towards Fingal.
52-16
St Andrews to
Portsea
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
extending from St Andrews to Portsea.
52-17
Rye to Portsea
Single road servicing existing settlements.
52-18
Point Nepean
Local knowledge. Significant tourist development is planned
for Point Nepean National Park, which is in a bushfire hazard
area.
52-19
Cape Schanck
Limited access and egress due to lots being serviced by single
access roads in a bushfire hazard area.
14.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – NILLUMBIK SHIRE
Nillumbik Shire is in the north-eastern green wedge of metropolitan Melbourne, covering an area of
about 430 square kilometres. The municipality is located about 25 kilometres from central Melbourne,
extending some 50 kilometres north. The Shire is generally bound by the Plenty and Yarra Rivers and
the Kinglake Ranges, which are of national and state environmental significance.
The municipality provides a non-urban break between the Mernda urban growth corridor in the City of
Whittlesea to the west, and the Lilydale urban area to the south-east.
The Shire includes large tracts of rural land used for a combination of agriculture, rural living and
conservation purposes. The population is generally concentrated in urban areas in the south-west of
the municipality. Low-density residential development provides an interface between urban
development and rural areas around Plenty, Yarrambat, Eltham and Research.
The northern area of Plenty and Yarrambat accommodates rural-residential communities, as does
North Warrandyte. Townships which are separated by non-urban breaks include Hurstbridge, Panton
20
Hill and St Andrews, along with a number of smaller rural communities. Nillumbik Shire has an
approximate population of 64 200.
The municipality’s topography is predominantly undulating vegetated landscapes. The southern
section of the Shire is characterised by lowland hills and alluvial plains with some low ridgelines. To
the north, the land becomes steeper forming high ridgelines. Mountainous terrain of the Kinglake
Ranges is located along the northern boundary of the municipality, part of the larger Great Dividing
Range.
Large expanses of the municipality remain heavily vegetated, particularly in the non-urban undulating
regions and along the major rivers and creeks. Large parks and reserves in Nillumbik include Kinglake
National Park, Plenty Gorge Metropolitan Park, Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Warrandyte State Park,
Yarrambat Park, and the network of parks in the Yarra River system.
Approximately a quarter of the Shire was impacted by the Kilmore East bushfire that occurred on
Black Saturday in 2009. At its full extent, the fire burnt more than 125 000 hectares across four Shires,
resulting in the loss of 119 lives and 1242 houses. It burnt through the forested northern part of the
Shire, through Kinglake National Park and adjacent settlements and villages. Historically infrequent
smaller scale bushfires have occurred in the same areas, as well as Plenty Gorge and Yarra Valley
Parklands.
Due to the extent of heavily treed landscapes and dispersed rural communities found across
Nillumbik, there is a large and dispersed population living in heavily vegetated semi-rural
environments. Many of these vegetated areas are covered by vegetation, environmental and
landscape-based overlays, which seek to protect native vegetation.
Within the non-urban areas of the municipality, there are a number of communities with restricted
access and egress. This is due to the pattern of existing roads (both minor unsealed access roads and
major arterial roads), being predominantly single carriageways that follow the topography and
landscape, in combination with extensive roadside vegetation. There are also broader access
concerns, relating to the ability of primary road networks to accommodate the evacuation of an area’s
population during a fire event.
Despite the clustering of several identifiable townships throughout Nillumbik Shire, the broader
landscape of the municipality is one which contains dwellings on lots of varying sizes and different
environmental characteristics. The Shire is known for its pristine aesthetic and environmental quality
and therefore has experienced development pressure for rural living. As a result, the development
pattern across the municipality and in between definable settlements is one which consists of
dwellings located in environmentally significant landscapes susceptible to bushfires and often
connected to single access roads.
NILLUMBIK – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
56-1
Strathewen
Cluster of undeveloped lots with a diverse range of sizes in the
area of Strathewen. Existing development in the area has
been constructed to nestle into the natural environment and is
predominantly used for residential purposes in a bush block
setting.
Hazard generated by remnant vegetation and interface with
Kinglake National Park.
56-2
St Andrews /
Kinglake
Major road with access and egress concerns, providing
access to and from Kinglake and St Andrews. Significant loss
of life occurred on this stretch of road during Black Saturday.
21
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
56-3
Plenty / Yarrambat Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
/ Greensborough
to the east of Plenty Gorge. Small lots are located at the
interface with Plenty Gorge in Greensborough, whilst medium
lots are located at the interface in Plenty and Yarrambat.
Potential bushfire hazard at river interface with riparian
vegetation. Contains vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
56-4
Plenty/ Yarrambat/ Medium lots at bushfire hazard interface with Plenty Gorge.
Diamond Creek.
Further bushfire hazard generated by extent of remnant
vegetation. Area contains vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
Yarrambat has traditionally been developed as a low density
residential environment creating a vegetated buffer area
between the urban and non-urban environments of Nillumbik.
56-5
Diamond Creek /
Wattle Glen
Urban development in Diamond Creek and Research
interfaces with vegetated landscapes and semi-rural
environments as lot sizes increase and settlement patterns
disperse towards Wattle Glen and Kangaroo Ground.
56-6
Hurstbridge /
Wattle Glen
Clusters of small lots in a township context in a bushfire
hazard area, generated by proximity and interface with
remnant vegetation.
Area contains vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
56-7
Hurstbridge /
Wattle Glen /
Kangaroo Ground
Medium lots dispersed in a bushfire hazard area at the
interface with Panton Hill, Watsons Creek and Kangaroo
Ground.
Lots contain remnant bushland vegetation of high and very
high conservation significance set in an undulating landscape.
56-8
Panton Hil
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 combination of small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard.
Hazard generated by the extent of remnant bushland
vegetation surrounding the settlement
 existing dwellings at the periphery of the township extend
into a semi rural landscape and are serviced by single
access roads
 area contains vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
56-9
Nutfield / Cottles
Bridge
Medium-size lots dispersed in a bushfire hazard area,
generated by the extent of remnant bushland vegetation.
Contains stands of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
22
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
56-10
St Andrews
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area
 small lots are generally located in the township of St
Andrews with medium lots extending into the semi-rural
environs
 existing settlement patterns are serviced by single access
roads
 hazard generated by the extent of remnant bushland
vegetation surrounding the settlement and proximity to
Kinglake National Park to the east
 area contains vegetation of high and very high conservation
significance.
56-11
Smiths Gully
The area surrounding Smiths Gully contains medium-size lots
in a bushfire hazard area.
Hazard generated by the extent of remnant bushland
vegetation surrounding the settlement and proximity to
Kinglake National Park to the east.
Area contains stands of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
56-12
Christmas Hills
Limited access and egress issues associated with single
access roads. Skyline Road is identified as a road of interest
due to its length and location in a bushfire hazard area.
56-13
Christmas Hills
Medium size lots in a bushfire hazard area. Hazard is
generated by the extent of remnant bushland vegetation and
presence of developed bush blocks in proximity to Kinglake
National Park to the north-east and Sugarloaf Reservoir to the
south. Area contains vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
56-14
Eltham / Research
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
located along the northern edge of the Yarra River corridor.
Hazard is generated by the extent of remnant vegetation in the
riparian corridor and in private land. Area contains vegetation
of high and very high conservation significance. Medium-size
lots are also located at this interface.
56-15
North Warrandyte
Small lots in a bushfire hazard. Hazard generated by the
extent of remnant bushland vegetation and proximity to Yarra
River Corridor to the south and Warrandyte State Park to the
east. Contains stands of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
56-16
Bend of Islands
Medium lots which are heavily vegetated and located in a
conservation area.
Bushfire hazard generated by the extent of remnant bushland
vegetation and proximity of Yarra River Corridor to the south
and Sugarloaf Reservoir catchment area to the north and
Warrandyte State Park to the south-east.
The landscape contains vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
23
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
56-17
North Warrandyte
Single access roads located in the North Warrandyte area
service existing dwellings. Particular areas of concern relate to
development along the Yarra River corridor where access is
limited to traversing vegetated bushfire prone areas further
east before crossing the river.
15.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF WHITTLESEA
The City of Whittlesea is located about 20 kilometres north of the centre of Melbourne, covering an
area of approximately 487 square kilometres.
The municipality accommodates the established suburbs of Thomastown, Lalor, Epping, Bundoora
and Mill Park, which are located in the southern part of Whittlesea. Whittlesea is also one of
metropolitan Melbourne’s designated growth areas, with new development focused in the Epping
North corridor, Wollert, Donnybrook, Plenty Road Corridor and Doreen.
The City of Whittlesea has a population of approximately 155 100, with the majority located in the
established suburbs and population rapidly increasing in growth areas.
A small proportion of the overall population of the City of Whittlesea can be found in disbursed rural
settlements or townships, typically located to the north of the municipality and sited outside of the
Urban Growth Boundary. The largest of these settlements is the township of Whittlesea which
accommodates a population of about 1500 and is located to the north of the municipality. A dispersed
population is also located in the rural hinterland areas in the north-west of the municipality.
Beyond the established suburbs and growth areas, the rural extent of the municipality contains three
key landscape and topographic character areas being The Plenty Valley, The Plenty Ranges and The
Western Plains. Significant features of bushfire planning interest in the rural areas include the
Whittlesea Hills, Plenty River Floodplain, Quarry Hills, Merri Creek, the Red Gum Area, Eden Park,
and the northern and eastern foothills of the Plenty Ranges.
The majority of the municipality consists of rural or non-urban areas, which accommodate varying
environmental features, including Plenty Gorge Parklands, Kinglake National Park, extensive River
Redgum woodlands, grasslands of national significance and a variety of flora and fauna sites and
habitats of local, regional, state and national significance. In addition the Yan Yean and Toorong
reservoirs and water supply catchment areas occupy a substantial proportion of land in the northern
sections of the municipality.
The City of Whittlesea was impacted by the Kilmore East bushfire on Black Saturday in 2009. It burnt
through the forested northern part of the municipality, through Mount Disappointment State Forest and
Kinglake National Park affecting adjacent settlements. Historically, infrequent smaller scale bushfires
have occurred in the same area, as well as Plenty Gorge.
Residential communities interface with bushfire hazard areas around Plenty Gorge and the Yan Yean
Reservoirs. Access constraints exist in the large rural hinterland areas to the north-west interface with
the Kinglake National Park.
Despite the clustering of several identifiable townships throughout the municipality there are nonurban breaks between settlements adjacent to bushfire hazard which contain dispersed residential
development on lots of varying sizes and with different environmental characteristics. Parts of the
municipality are known for its pristine aesthetic and environmental quality and therefore have
experienced development pressure for rural living. As a result, the development pattern across the
municipality with a particular focus on the north-east is one which consists of dwellings located in
environmentally significant landscapes susceptible to bushfires and often connected to single access
roads.
24
WHITTLESEA – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
73-001
Eden Park
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 medium lots in a bushfire hazard area generated by the
extent of remnant vegetation
 southern section of area is subject to a restructure overlay
which seeks to consolidate lots and address access issues
associated with multiple dead-end roads
 area currently includes various roads with limited access
and egress caused by long single access roads.
 Includes stands of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
73-002
Whittlesea / Upper
Plenty
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 grazing land located between Whittlesea and Kinglake
National Park is a known bushfire hazard
 area contains a mixture of disbursed medium lots and large
rural lots at the bushfire hazard interface with Toorourrong
Reservoir, Mount Disappointment and Kinglake National
Park to the east and north-east
 bushfire hazard generated by the extent of remnant
vegetation
 area contains roads with limited access and egress caused
by single access roads
 area includes vegetation of high conservation significance.
73-003
Whittlesea
Development pressure is being experienced to the north of
Whittlesea which would result in expansion towards bushfire
hazard areas.
73-004
Whittlesea
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing development
between the south-east edge of Whittlesea and the Yan Yean
Reservoir catchment area.
73-005
Humevale
Cluster of medium size lots in proximity to bushfire hazard
associated with the Kinglake National Park to the north, and
Yan Yean Reservoir catchment area to the south. Includes
scattered patches of vegetation of high conservation
significance.
73-006
Humevale /
Kinglake West
Major access road of concern due to the length of the single
road extending through a bushfire hazard area providing
access to settlements.
73-007
Humevale /
Kinglake West
Major access road of concern due to the length of the single
road extending through a bushfire hazard area and providing
access to settlements.
73-008
Kinglake West
Cluster of medium rural lots in a bushfire hazard area located
in a valley between Kinglake National Park to the north, and
Yan Yean Reservoir catchment area to the south.
73-009
Yan Yean
Disbursed medium rural lots adjacent to a bushfire hazard
area associated with the vegetation along the western edge of
the Yan Yean Reservoir.
25
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
73-010
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
South Morang /
Plenty Gorge
Corridor
Urban bushfire hazard interface with existing residential areas
to the immediate west of Plenty Gorge. Potential bushfire
hazard at river interface associated with riparian vegetation.
16.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – CITY OF WYNDHAM
The City of Wyndham is located on the western fringe of metropolitan Melbourne, midway between
central Melbourne (30 kilometres) and Geelong (35 kilometres). The municipality is about 542 square
kilometres in size.
Wyndham’s major residential areas are located centrally in the municipality. They include Wyndham
Vale, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing, with planned extensions to the north-west and south of the
Princes Freeway (Point Cook). These areas are bound by surrounding rural areas to the north and
west, industry to the east, and intensive agriculture, wastewater treatment, wetlands and the Port
Phillip Bay coastline to the south.
Two small rural settlements are located at the edges of the municipality; Little River and Werribee
South. Little River is a township of approximately 660 people situated to the south-west, adjacent to
the municipal border with the City of Greater Geelong. Werribee South, a township located to the east
of the mouth of the Werribee River, accommodates approximately 500 permanent residents.
The City of Wyndham has a population of approximately 156 600. As Wyndham forms one of
Melbourne’s principal growth areas, further substantial urban growth is projected.
The settlements of Little River and Werribee South may accommodate small levels of urban
development, however they are affected by various environmental and servicing constraints.
Major environmental features in the municipality include the Werribee River, Skeleton Creek, Lollypop
Creek, Little River, Laverton Creek, Kororoit Creek (and their tributaries), the coastline of Port Phillip
Bay, the internationally significant natural habitats and wetlands of Point Cook and the Western
Treatment Complex.
The Werribee River environs contain sites of state and regional ecological and landscape significance.
Skeleton and Lollypop Creeks have inherent values linked to their intermittent nature and the
significant Western Plains grassland vegetation communities which adjoin them. Little River contains
values of national significance and riparian vegetation of very high ecological value. The protected
Ramsar wetlands at Point Cook and the Western Treatment Complex support habitat for migratory
birds.
The predominantly flat topography and more sparsely vegetated grassland environments found in
Wyndham, presents a general grassfire risk.
WYNDHAM – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
75-001
Little River
Presence of scattered lots in close proximity to bushfire
hazard derived from remnant patches of vegetation in and
adjacent to the Little River riparian corridor.
75-002
Eynesbury
Future strategic direction for the growth of the township of
Eynesbury. Grey Box Forest Reserve is located to the north of
the settlement (within the Shire of Melton), creating a bushfire
hazard interface. Eynesbury is surrounded by a grassland
environment in Wyndham.
26
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
75-003
Eynesbury
The general extent of the area identified for future
development in Eynesbury specified under the MeltonWyndham Development Plan, allowing the expansion of the
Eynesbury township in the Shire of Wyndham.
17.0 MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW – YARRA RANGES SHIRE
Yarra Ranges Shire is located about 30 kilometres east of central Melbourne, forming the eastern
fringe of the metropolitan area and covering approximately 2447 square kilometres. Of this area, over
half is Crown land, consisting of state forests, reserves and national parks.
The Shire has a population of approximately 150 200 of which the vast majority are located in urban
areas (approximately three percent of its landmass), while the remainder are disbursed across the
balance of the Shire.
Approximately 55 suburbs, townships, small communities and rural areas are located throughout the
Shire. The broader patterns of land use and settlement can be considered in terms of five types, being
suburban residential, foothills residential, rural townships, rural living areas and rural areas. These
land use and settlement types are located as follows:

Suburban residential areas consist of Chirnside Park, Lilydale, Kilsyth and Mooroolbark.

Foothills residential areas consist of Belgrave, Tecoma, Upwey, Montrose and Mount Evelyn,
which provide for residential living that is integrated into an environmental setting of extensive
tree canopies. These areas are located in the southern parts and lower slopes of the
Dandenong Ranges. Some areas do not have fully constructed roads, with roadside verges
retaining remnant vegetation. The extensive vegetation coverage often connects with nearby
bushland areas, including the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Rural townships consist of Coldstream, Seville, Seville East, Silvan, Healesville, Wandin,
Warburton, Millgrove, Monbulk, Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Seville and Yarra Junction.These
are dispersed throughout the rural parts of the Shire.

Rural living areas constitute a complex arrangement of landscape, land use and subdivision
patterns and includes residential areas along the Mount Dandenong ridge, buffer areas
between the urban and adjoining rural and green wedge land, residential areas relatively
remote from urban centres, and several residential areas in the Yarra Valley.

Rural areas are located in the northern, central and south-eastern parts of the Shire.
The Shire accommodates various visually attractive landscapes ranging from mountains through to an
intricate mix of open valleys and rolling foothills. The Shire also contains significant areas of
environmentally important remnant native vegetation, which play a large role in defining the various
landscapes.
Despite the clustering of several townships throughout the Shire, the broader landscape of the
municipality is one which contains dwellings on lots of varying sizes and different environmental
characteristics. The Shire is known for its pristine aesthetic and environmental quality and occupies a
unique area of metropolitan Melbourne and therefore has experienced development pressure for rural
living. As a result, the development pattern across the municipality and in between definable
settlements is one which consists of dwellings located in environmentally significant landscapes
susceptible to bushfires and often connected to single access roads.
Owing to the large expanses of vegetation across the municipality, the heavier forest fuels it supports
and the steep and undulating topography, large parts of the Shire are bushfire hazard areas.In
addition to dispersed townships there are numerous clusters of small residential lots throughout these
areas. The removal of vegetation in and around many of these settlements is managed by
environmental and landscape-based overlays.
27
The northern extent of the Shire was impacted by the Kilmore East and Murrindindi bushfires that
occurred on Black Saturday in 2009. These fires burnt more than 160 000 hectares over their full
extent and resulted in the loss of 159 lives and 1790 houses. The Ash Wednesday bushfires also
burnt through the south-eastern part of the municipality in 1983. Multiple smaller fires have also
occurred in the municipality.
Many settlements in bushfire hazard areas have limited road access.This is due to the pattern of
existing roads (both minor unsealed access roads and major arterial roads), being predominantly
single carriageways following the topography and landscape, in combination with extensive roadside
vegetation and access and egress only available in a prevailing fire direction. There are also broader
access concerns, relating to the ability of the primary road network to accommodate the evacuation of
the area’s population during a fire event.
YARRA RANGES – IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION TABLE
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
77-001
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
Mooroolbark/
Montrose/ Mount
Dandenong /
Kalorama/ Olinda/
Ferny Creek/
Upwey/ The Patch
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 clusters of small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area.
Bushfire hazard generated by interface with Dandenong
Ranges National Park. Remnant vegetation generates
further bushfire hazard
 settlements are dispersed throughout vegetated areas both
at the edge of and between national park land
 single access roads of concern servicing existing residential
properties
 contains patches of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
77-002
Mount Evelyn /
Monbulk/ Silvan
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 clusters of small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area
 hazard generated by interface with Dandenong Ranges
National Park and Silvan Reservoir catchment area.
Remnant vegetation generates further bushfire hazard
 single access roads of concern servicing existing residential
properties
 contains patches of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
77-003
Wandin North
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard
generated by remnant vegetation and proximity to Dandenong
Ranges National Park.
77-004
Upwey/ Tecoma /
Belgrave / Selby
Urban bushfire hazard interface of existing residential areas at
the interface with Mount Dandenong National Park.
77-005
Belgrave South
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area established by vegetation
extending into urban development emanating from the
Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Small lots are dispersed in a bushfire hazard area generally
north of Wellington Road and inclusive of Belgrave South
area.
The landscape contains patches of vegetation of high and very
high conservation significance.
77-006
Seville
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard
generated by patches of remnant vegetation.
77-007
Seville East
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard
generated by patches of remnant vegetation.
28
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
77-008
Yellingbo
Cluster of medium size lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire
hazard generated by remnant vegetation and proximity to
Dandenong Ranges National Park. Contains patches of
vegetation of high and very high conservation significance.
77-009
Woori Yallock /
Launching Place
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 small and medium size lots in a bushfire hazard area.
Bushfire hazard generated by remnant vegetation and
proximity to Yarra Ranges National Park
 multiple interfaces between urban development and
bushland throughout the area
 contains patches of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
77-010
Don Valley
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 clusters of small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area
 hazard generated by interface with Yarra Ranges National
Park in and around Don Valley
 multiple single access roads of concern servicing settlement
including Don Road
 contains patches of vegetation of high conservation
significance.
77-011
Yarra Junction /
Wesburn
Small lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard
generated by surrounding bushland vegetation to the east and
west. Lots are located in a bushland environment in proximity
to Yarra Ranges National Park.
77-012
Hoddles Creek
Medium lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire hazard
generated by surrounding bushland vegetation and proximity
to Yarra Ranges National Park.
Hoddles Creek adjoins vegetated undulating topography to the
east and contains patches of vegetation of high conservation
significance.
77-013
Gladysdale / Three Multiple bushfire matters including:
Bridges / Gilderoy /  mixture of small and medium lots in a bushfire hazard area
Powelltown
 contains several settlements that extend from Gladysdale to
Poweltown along a single access road (Yarra JunctionNoojee Road)
 bushfire hazard generated by interface with Yarra State
Forest to the east and proximity to Yarra Ranges National
Park to the north
 contains patches of vegetation of high and very high
conservation significance.
77-014
Warburton/ East
Warburton
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 mix of both small and medium-size lots in a bushfire hazard
area
 hazard generated by multiple urban interfaces with Yarra
Ranges National Park to the north and Yarra State Forest to
the south
 settlements area serviced by single access roads
 settlements are located into a bushland environment of
significant conservation value.
29
IDENTIFIED
AREA CODE
LOCATION
IDENTIFIED AREA DESCRIPTION
77-015
Big Pats Creek
Cluster of medium lots in a bushfire hazard area. Bushfire
hazard generated by interface proximity of lots to the Yarra
State Forest to the east and surrounding bushland vegetation.
77-016
McMahons Creek/
Reefton
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 small lots surrounded by bushfire hazard area
 urban development pattern with a direct interface to bushfire
hazard
 settlements are serviced by a single access road
 area contains vegetation of high or very high conservation
significance.
77-017
Toolangi/ Chum
Creek
Multiple bushfire matters including:
 medium-size lots in a semi rural environment in a bushfire
hazard area. Bushfire hazard generated by interface with
Yarra Ranges National Park to the east. Remnant
vegetation generates further bushfire hazard
 single access roads of concern servicing existing properties.
77-018
Chum Creek /
Healesville /
Badgers Creek
Small lots in vegetated settlements. Bushfire hazard
generated by interface with Yarra Ranges National Park to the
east. Remnant vegetation generates further bushfire hazard.
Surrounding environment contains patches of vegetation of
high and very high conservation significance.
77-019
Chum Creek /
Healesville /
Badger Creek
Urban bushfire hazard interface to the western edge of Yarra
Ranges National Park.
77-020
Yarra Glen / Steels Mixture of lot sizes which have been developed in a linear
Creek
corridor through Steels Creek in a bushfire hazard area.
Hazard generated by interface to Kinglake National Park to the
west. Remnant vegetation generates further bushfire hazard.
Single access roads are dispersed throughout the area with
rural-residential lots located in a bushland landscape setting.
Primary road being Steels Creek Road with connector roads
onto Skyline Road extending through bushfire hazard area.
ISBN 978-1-921940-43-9
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Planning and Community Development
Melbourne, April 2012.
© The State of Victoria Department of Planning and Community Development 2012.
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with
the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne.
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not
guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular
purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise
from you relying on any information in this publication.
30
The content of the Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment is provided for information purposes only.
No claim is made as to the accuracy or authenticity of the content. DPCD does not accept any liability
to any person for the information or advice in the RBPA.
www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning
31