Att4 - Ecological Assessment Report

Ecological Assessment Report v1                                                              NCES REF: J001061
Lot 7 on RP216403, Lot 394 on M371117, and Lot 650 on M37380 – 48-59 Kabi Road, Cootharaba




6.2      State Government

6.2.1     Remnant Regional Ecosystems
The Vegetation Management Supporting Map identifies that Category C & R remnant vegetation is
present within the site. Schedule 10, Part 3, Division 4, Table 2 of the Planning Regulation 2017
requires any reconfiguration of a lot application that is assessable development under section 21,
which includes an allotment which is 5ha or larger, to be referred to SARA for assessment against
SDAP State Code 16 - Native vegetation clearing.
Each of the three lots included within the site are >5ha, however, assessable clearing has been
avoided as all of the proposed structures are located >1.5 times the regulated vegetation canopy
tree height (40m tallest tree heights adopted). Therefore, the application avoids the requirement for
referral to SARA for assessment against State Code 16.

6.2.2     Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017 and SDAP State Code 25
          Development in South East Queensland koala habitat areas
The SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy Koala Habitat Mapping identifies that the site occurs inside
of a Koala Priority Area and contains Koala Habitat Area (refer section 3.4). No assessable impacts
to the mapped KHA extent or koala habitat outside of the mapped KHA is proposed. The
recommended driveway clearing; 3m fully cleared either side of the driveway, in the BHAMP (NCES,
2022) may impact several NJKHT’s in a mapped KHA core. It is considered the clearing can be
undertaken as exempt clearing as per the definition of ‘exempted development’ clause (K) (i.e., one
off 500m2) as well as clause O (iv),(B) ….necessary for fence road or vehicular track. Therefore, no
further assessment is required.

Nature Conservation Act 1992
6.2.2.1 Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map
The Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map identifies that the northeastern, southern, and
eastern portions of the site are mapped as a ‘high risk area’ prescribed under the Nature
Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. The flora survey carried out on the 17 June
2022 was undertaken in general accordance with the flora survey guidelines and identified
Xanthostemon oppositifolius (southern penda) which is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the NC and EPBC
Act within a unit of VC1a in the central site extent between proposed Village 1 & 2 (refer yellow circle
VC01 & VC02). The identified Xanthostemon oppositifolius (southern penda) individual is located
external of the area mapped as ‘high risk area’ prescribed under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife
Management) Regulation 2006.
A small number of semi-mature trees located within VC4 and separated by a few metres to the
adjacent VC1b are proposed to be cleared to construct the Village 1 building and asscoiated
retaining wall. The trees are located approximately 65m from the identified conservation significant
plant species.
For any vegetation clearing, apart from pasture grasses, which is proposed within 100m of the
identified conservation significant plants, the applicant is required under the Nature Conservation
Act 1992 to apply for a Protected Plants Clearing Permit from DES (inclusive of a Flora Survey report
and Impact Management Plan).
However, prior to the above it is recommended the applicant contacts DES to ensure the above is
required given the vegetation clearing is not located within a mapped ‘high risk area’ and the small
number of semi-mature trees to be cleared are located within a maintained area (i.e., surrounded by
mown lawn).
6.2.2.2 Fauna
Provision of a suitably qualified and experienced fauna spotter/catcher is necessary during all
vegetation clearing and waterway modification activities to satisfy the duty of care obligations under
the NC Act.



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