Northern Beaches Hospital Constraints and Opportunities Analysis

Blackash completed a bushfire constraints and opportunities analysis for The Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan for Northern Beaches Council.

The Structure Plan seeks to position Frenchs Forest as a Strategic Centre as established by “A Plan for Growing Sydney” and guides future growth in the area over the next 20-30 years. The Structure Plan balances the development potential of the preferred growth scenario, with current transport and infrastructure limitations.

Blackash considered the constraints and opportunities associated with the Precinct Structure Plan including assessment of the vegetation, slope and bushfire requirements as required by the NSW Rural Fire Service and Planning for Bush fire Protection 2006. This included a broad overview of the Hospital Precinct Structure Plan and analysis of anticipated bushfire related issues including;

• analysis of the implications of proposed land uses in proximity to bushfire prone land;
• any works required (such as asset protection zones) that council/ land managers will need to undertake to meet the requirements of PBP for the RFS to be able to support future development and opportunities to minimise the bushfire threat to existing and new development;
• commentary on relevant legislative requirements including the RFS practice note on high rise development, and Planning for Bush fire Protection (PBP) for schools;
• Likely Asset Protection Zone (APZ) requirements.

Through land use zoning and development standards, LEPs allow local government to manage the ways in which land is used and the extent to which future development and people are exposed to bushfire and other risks.

A resilience-based approach focused on community wellbeing, livability and sustainability through strategic planning and sound risk management is essential to the future viability of communities.