Dewars Beach Track - Site Risk Review Report

June 2012

City of Wanneroo

Table of Contents
REPORT FOR: LOCATION: TYPE OF REPORT: PREPARED BY: DATE OF INSPECTION: CONFERRED WITH: City of Wanneroo Dewars Beach Off Dame Pattie Drive, Two Rocks Site Risk Review LGIS - Ian Proudfoot, Risk Consultant 8th June 2012 City of Wanneroo - Brian Gee, Coordinator Engineering Maintenance - Gabriel Morrow, Supervisor Engineering Maintenance - Ian McDowell, Coordinator Community Safety Introduction
BACKGROUND PURPOSE REQUIREMENTS METHODOLOGY

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2 3 3 3

Dewars Beach Track Site Inspection Specific Observations Dewars Beach Track Site Risk Information
SUMMARY OF RISK ISSUES DETAILED RISK INFORMATION

4 8
8 9

Conclusion Appendices
APPENDIX A City of Wanneroo Risk Assessment Tables APPENDIX B Site Photos

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14 16

FOREWORD
This report is based on prevailing conditions at the time of the site visit and information provided by the City of Wanneroo. It does not imply that no other hazardous conditions exist and no liability shall be assumed by virtue of this advisory report.

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Introduction
BACKGROUND
The Dewars Beach track entry point is located at the intersection of Dame Pattie Drive and Sovereign Drive in Two Rocks. The track commences with a concrete hardstand and bitumen driveway leading to a sand track that extends approximately 1.7 kilometres to the car park at Dewars Beach. Either side of the track is bordered by post and wire fencing separating the track from coastal bushland and private property. The track was originally constructed in 2008 as a suitable means of providing four wheel drive vehicle access to Dewars Beach following negotiations between the City and the developer Tokyu Corporation/Capricorn Investment Group as well as consultation with local residents. Since completion the track has received minimal attention by the City with maintenance described as ad-hoc and reactive. The track is subject to ongoing degradation from vehicle use as well as seasonal and environmental conditions. Damage to signage and fence lines is evident as is the ongoing creation and use of illegitimate access tracks.

Photo 1: Dewars Beach Track Location

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PURPOSE
At the request of the Enterprise Risk Management Unit, City of Wanneroo, the purpose of this Preliminary Risk Assessment is to identify hazards, potential risks and liability issues in relation to the Dewars Beach Track. 4. Application of the risk management process to the issues in accordance with ISO AS/NZS 31000:2009, including: a. Risk identification b. Control identification and rating c. Risk analysis and evaluation, using City of Wanneroo Risk Assessment Tables (Appendix A) d. Treatment option identification (in order of hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administration, personal protective equipment) e. Comments on treatment options and recommendations (based on most suitable treatments taking into account degree of risk reduction, operational practicality and the cost and ease of implementation and ongoing maintenance)

REQUIREMENTS
The imperative for identifying, assessing, and treating the risks covered by this review are found under Common Law where, the organisation that manages and controls the site has a duty of care to those who enter and use the site. They must do what is reasonably practicable to ensure that foreseeable risks are adequately treated.

METHODOLOGY
The methodology of this site risk review is as follows: 1. Site meeting accompanied with Gabriel Morrow, Supervisor Engineering Maintenance to clarify objectives and obtain background information. 2. Site inspection of Dewars Beach Track. 3. Follow up meeting with Brian Gee, Coordinator Engineering Maintenance and telephone discussion with Ian McDowell, Coordinator Community Safety to discuss existing controls.

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Dewars Beach Track Site Inspection Specific Observations

The following specific hazards / conditions were observed during the 8th June 2012 site inspection of Dewars Beach Track and are noted for City of Wanneroo attention.

This warning sign is confusing. Is it one way or just a narrow point in the track?

Sections of the track showing signs of erosion, unstable sand edges and unsecure fence posts

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There is evidence of damaged post and wire fence on track border

Multiple side tracks entering/exiting off Dewars Beach Track contributing to erosion and potential for vehicle collision

Pooled water on the track (following recent rain) creating driving hazard

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Evidence of illegal dumping near track

Track signage obscured and/or not maintained

Poor line of site navigating steep crest and narrow track

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Poor line of sight navigating sharp bend and narrow track

Line of sight obscured by vegetation when negotiating bend

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Dewars Beach Track Site Risk Information

SUMMARY OF RISK ISSUES
The following three risks summarise the key issues foreseeable at the Dewars Beach Track at the date of inspection 8 June, 2012 for the City of Wanneroo; Risk Description 1) Failure to clearly identify and delineate the off-road vehicle area that is Dewars Beach Track 2) Failure to inform persons of the Dewars Beach Track purpose, track information, user responsibilities and foreseeable hazards. 3) Failure to provide and maintain a safe and suitable off-road vehicle area at Dewars Beach Track. Existing Controls Rating I I I Level of Risk 12 12 12 Treatment Suggested Y Y Y

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DETAILED RISK INFORMATION

Treatment Recommended Existing Control Rating Consequence Level of Risk Likelihood Ref No.

Context

Risk

Causes

Controls

Consequence Category

Suggested Treatment Options

Dewars Beach Track

Failure to clearly identify and delineate the off-road vehicle area that is Dewars Beach Track

Inadequate signage. Multiple side tracks. Limited Ranger patrols, user education and enforcement. Insufficient fencing

Fencing placed along majority of track and bollards to entry points. Ranger patrols (education and enforcement) Entry signage prohibiting vehicles from dunes and foreshore areas.

Health Environment Reputation Compliance

4 1 4 2

2 5 3 2

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Regular and scheduled fencing inspection and maintenance. Review options at commonly vandalised areas of fencing Review of existing signage including: Entry signage to include map/diagram of area clearly displaying track area and off limit areas/private property. Signage along fence-line by City or property owners advising of boundary. Signage and clear delineation of hardstand stopping area.

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Treatment Recommended

Existing Control Rating

Consequence

Level of Risk

Likelihood

Ref No.

Context

Risk

Causes

Controls

Consequence Category

Suggested Treatment Options

Dewars Beach Track

Failure to inform persons of the Dewars Beach Track purpose, track information, user responsibilities and foreseeable hazards

Track hazards Inadequate signage. Limited Ranger patrols, user education and enforcement.

Fencing placed along majority of track. Ranger patrols (education and enforcement) Keep left signage at limited locations. Caution one way signage at single location Entry signage directing vehicles to a hardstand stopping area. Signage prohibiting rubbish dumping located at Dewars Beach car park

Health Financial Reputation

4 4 4

3 3 3

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Review of existing signage including: Entry signage to include map/diagram of area clearly displaying track area and off limit areas/private property, conditions of track use, suitable vehicles (i.e. 4wd only, No motorcycles if this is intended). Signage placed along fence-line by City or property owners advising of boundary limit. Signage and clear delineation of hardstand stopping area.

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Treatment Recommended

Existing Control Rating

Consequence

Level of Risk

Likelihood

Ref No.

Context

Risk

Causes

Controls

Consequence Category

Suggested Treatment Options

Dewars Beach Track

Failure to provide and maintain a safe and suitable off-road vehicle area at Dewars Beach Track.

Lack of maintenance and inspection. Unstable dunes/edge of track. Poor lines of sight through: Narrow tracks. Sharp bends and steep crests. Vegetation encroaching on track. Insufficient room for passing vehicles. Limited vehicle hardstand stopping area. Potential unexploded ordinance (off track). Insufficient rubbish disposal facilities. Insufficient and/or damaged fencing. Limited Ranger patrols, user education and enforcement. Inadequate signage.

Fencing placed along majority of track. Ad-hoc grading of track. Some track widening at limited locations. Previous unexploded ordinance survey performed on track area. Ad-hoc Ranger patrols Entry signage directing vehicles to a hardstand stopping area. Entry signage prohibiting vehicles from dunes and foreshore areas. Keep left signage at limited locations. Caution one way signage at single location Signage prohibiting rubbish dumping located at Dewars Beach car park

Health Financial Reputation

4 4 4

3 3 3

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Re-grading of track to include greater width particularly at approaches and exits to bends and crests. Vegetation with potential to obscure lines of sight to be removed and/or managed. Hardstand stopping area to be widened. Dunes alongside track to be stabilised or provided with a gentle slope in favour of steep face. Provision of rubbish bins at suitable locations (i.e. vehicle stopping area and Dewars Beach car park) Regular and scheduled maintenance and inspection program for the area. Conduct further investigations of unexploded ordinances. Review of existing signage including: Entry signage to include map/diagram of area clearly displaying track area and off limit areas/private property, conditions of track use, suitable vehicles (i.e. 4wd only, No motorcycles if this is intended). Signage along fence-line by City or property owners advising of boundary. Signage and clear delineation of hardstand stopping area.

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Conclusion
Whilst the Dewars Beach Track was established by the City of Wanneroo to provide basic four wheel drive access to users of Dewars Beach, with the combination of vehicle use along with seasonal and environmental factors deterioration is inevitable. Without ongoing attention and maintenance, users of the track may be exposed to unacceptable risks. With the existing controls in place and implementation of the recommended treatment options it would position the risks to an acceptable level for the City of Wanneroo, as well as improving on the existing controls. It was recognised more drastic solutions were available to reduce the risks associated with the Dewars Beach Track, including closing or bituminising the entire track however we have endeavoured to maintain a practical focus in considering appropriate treatment options. It is also noted whilst closing the track may introduce reputational risks to the City and the incidence of illegal access, should the City be unable to implement reasonable treatment options it may be faced with the decision to close the track in the interests of user safety. The following risk treatment options are recommended based on the preliminary risk information: 1. Regular and scheduled inspection and maintenance program. The City to formalise an inspection and maintenance program to include scheduled and documented inspection and maintenance for the Dewars Beach Track location that includes triggers for inspection after user complaints along with storm and/or heavy Much More Than Insurance
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rainfall events in order to determine the need for corrective maintenance. 2. Review of track signage. The City to review signage at Dewars Beach Track. It may be possible to look at the location where it can incorporate information and warnings into composite signage, reducing the need for multiple signs at single locations. (Note: This does not apply if there is a foreseeable hazard to be identified at a specific location). It would be advisable to have entry signage displaying a map or diagram of the area clearly showing the track and delineating areas that are off limits (private property). This can be combined with area boundary/track area limit signage placed at intervals along the fence line. Other signage considerations may include: Conditions of use: o o o o Staying on the track and off dunes and the foreshore area at all times (leave the area as you found it /leave no trace). Use of four wheel drive vehicles only (and no motorcycles if a restriction is intended). Use of hardstand stopping area for pressuring tyres and adjusting hubs. Report any damage to City of Wanneroo (provide appropriate contact number). lgiswa.com.au

Warnings: o o o o o Unexploded ordinance may be located in areas off the track. Drive carefully, narrow track, beware of oncoming vehicles Keep left where possible No parking on road verges near track entrance Beware of local vehicle traffic on exiting

Provision of rubbish bins to reduce the incidence of litter along the track (for example at the hardstand stopping area and Dewars Beach car park). Review alternate materials/methods at commonly vandalised areas of fencing. It is also important that the City monitor the effectiveness of all controls associated with the Dewars Beach Track and review levels of risk with any changes to the situation. Although outside the scope of this report the City may also wish to consider the appropriate management of other issues that may be associated with off road vehicle areas such as anti-social issues including noise, nuisance behaviour and litter.

It would also be advisable to consider the use of a general liability disclaimer to those entering the track. Separate signage may be used to delineate the hardstand stopping area as well as specific hazards where deemed appropriate. For further advice regarding signage refer to the LGIS Off-road Vehicle Guidance Notes for WA Local Government. 3. Structural works Options to consider to improve the condition of the current track and protect it from future usage and environmental conditions: Re-grading of track to include greater width particularly at approaches and exits to bends and crests to allow for safe passing of vehicles. Hardstand stopping area to be widened to create a safe area for stopping and attending to vehicles also allowing adequate and safe clearance for passing vehicles. Dunes alongside the track to be stabilised or provided with a gentle slope in favour of steep face. Vegetation with potential to obscure lines of sight to be removed and/or managed. Much More Than Insurance
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Appendices
APPENDIX A City of Wanneroo Risk Assessment Tables

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APPENDIX B Site Photos

Image 1: Road entry - Dewars Beach Track

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Image 2: Hardstand stopping area

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Image 3: Examples of signage viewed on track

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Image 4: Example warning signage nearby private property

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Image 5: Example poor line of sight on track bend/crest

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Image 6: Example poor line of sight due to vegetation encroaching on track

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Image 7: Example potentially unstable dune/edge of track

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Ian Proudfoot Risk Consultant Tel Mob Email 9483 8887 0409 060 613 ian.proudfoot@jlta.com.au

LGIS ABN 59780338975 AFS Licence 226827 17 Altona Street, West Perth WA 6005 Tel: (08) 9483 8888 Fax: (08) 9481 5640 www.lgiswa.com.au