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

BCRO9 RFI Response to Council 20081126. Page 14 of 28

The searches of the “EPBC Protected Matters” and “Wildlife online databases” were repeated with no
additional species identified as having been listed in the interim. The Girraween Master Plan Background
Information Part 2 (Noosa Shire Council 2006b) was also reviewed.

The Survey for targeted flora for koala habitat trees was conducted on 25 September 2008, as a result the
Information request from the EPA and the results are presented in FIGURE 2 and FIGURE 3. The proposed
development will involve the removal of the following number of koala habitat trees as defined in the
Koala Plan:

« 33 Corymbia intermedia and 7 Melaleuca quinqunervia from Lot 1;and

« 29 Corymbia intermedia from within Lot 6.

Searches were made of each tree for scats, scratches and actual koala usage. As with the original survey
no signs were observed.

The Girraween Master Plan background papers identifies the active koala corridor is further north of the
High School along Bicentennial Drive, linking to Noosa Heads National Park north of David Low Way, rather
than in the vicinity of the subject development

The proposed conservation buffer will be 20 metres wide and run the full 154 metres of the proposed Lot 9
to be subdivided from Lot 1. The proposed development is designed to protect the majority of the rare and
threatened species observed particularly the population of Gompholobium. Translocation of rescued rare
and threatened plants is considered viable, but the planting of Koala food trees may be facilitated within
the proposed conservation buffer if required, however the site is not considered to represent significant
Koala habitat.

The Landscape Plans prepared by Land Graphics have been developed in accordance with the requirements
of 70 native & 50 endemic species.

Conclusion

The impacts of the development will be restricted to the removal of vegetation from within the areas of the
development within the footprint of buildings, and infrastructure including the bio-retention basins and a
5m wide fire break along western edge of the proposed building.

Significant habitat for all identified flora and fauna species is available in the surrounding area including the
adjoining National Park and balance of Lot 1 and the proposed 20m wide conservation buffer. This reflects
the conclusion of the Girraween Master Plan and the Noosa Planning Scheme by maintaining the
designation over this small (6 hectare) section of Lot 1 adjoining Grasstree Court, whilst maintaining the
balance as Open Space -conservation zone to enhance the protected area of the Noosa National Park.