Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p62
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 179005–181894

to the presence of small unburnt patches and few foxes to prey on disoriented and exposed birds following fire. However, less positively, the project noted that at individual sites throughout the park, bird species diversity declined by nine per cent for every additional fire each site received (planned or unplanned) since records on fire history were first kept in 1972. In contrast, reptiles showed very little impact from the 2003 wildfire or from fire frequency.

The increase in fire frequency and intensity which is forecast in climate change models is likely to be a significant threat to Booderee's biological diversity as well as to life and property. Species that are most vulnerable to an increase in fire are likely to be those least able to adapt to rapid change or those left without suitable habitat to move to as climatic parameters shift. Significant impacts are anticipated within rainforest and swamp oak forest habitats, as well as wet heaths and creek-line swamps. Climate change impacts may also have implications for planned burning, with variations in temperatures and potential changes in rainfall patterns resulting in fewer opportunities to undertake safe and effective planned burns (see also Section 6.11, Climate Change).

Legislative requirements and operational response

Under the EPBC Act the Director is responsible for fire management in Commonwealth reserves. Fire management includes all fire operations along with planning and undertaking bushfire risk management works. The Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW) (JBT) applies to Booderee to the extent that it is consistent with, and can operate concurrently with, the EPBC Act and Regulations. A Fire Action Plan is developed annually which outlines the statutory responsibility and organisational structure of Booderee National Park Brigade, as well as establishing procedures and guidelines for the park's response to fires.

Cooperation with regional agencies is central to effective management of fire in the park. Under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Director and the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service signed in 2002, the Director is recognised as the responsible fire authority for the management of class 1 fires in the park. In the event of a multi-agency class 2 fire, the Jervis Bay Territory Emergency Management Committee will appoint an Incident Controller. In such an event, Jervis Bay Territory and NSW Rural Fire Service brigades are likely to be allocated to provide assistance. Conversely, Booderee National Park Brigade may be called upon to respond to fires outside the park.

Booderee is resourced for fire fighting with tankers, light units, a fire shed, incident control room and trained staff. Volunteer units also operate at Wreck Bay and Jervis Bay villages and Christians Minde locality. A range of park policies to promote safe and environmentally sound fire