08/1128 - Information Response to Biodiversity Items & Ecological Impact Items - Place Designs [As Published] · 132008.1128

BCROS RFI Response to Council 20081126 Page 27 of 28
Third party Advice

The EPA is also an Advice Agency with respect to biodiversity, development within proximity of a referable
wetland and development within 100m of Conservation Estate.

1. Provide further justification for the location of how the proposed development in the
northern portion of Lot 1 on SP177650 (proposed Lot 9) is consistent with the Girraween
Masterplan. This area is identified as Future Community in the Masterplan. However the
Masterplan area sets aside a buffer of 30-40m separating the future Community Area
from the Noosa National Park. This buffer is designated as an Environmental Area [Open
Space Conservation Area] and is continuous with the Environmental Area in the Southern
Portion of the Lot (proposed remainder of Lot 1 on SP177650) The Development proposal
uses part of this buffer area for Stormwater and fire management purposes. The EPA
does not regard these as consistent uses of the Environmental Area.

The proposed 20m wide conservation buffer within Lot 1 provides the required buffering as intended by
the Council’s Open Space Conservation Zone. This buffer was considered adequate for the protection of
the open heath wetland and Noosa National Park Estate in discussion with Planning and Operational staff
of the EPA.

It is considered the 20m conservation buffer satisfies the intent of the revised zonings identified in
Girraween Master Plan 2006. The buffer area provides an adequate separation between the development
footprint and the adjacent Noosa National Park.

It is noted that the boundary of the Lot 1 could be cleared for a distance of 10m for “essential
management” purposes. This would occur on the ecotone between the wet and dry heath communities
and would be less than ideal for minimising impacts on this sensitive environment.

The applicant is seeking clarification with Council as to the indented width the Open Space - conservation
zone corridor.