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




1     INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background
North Coast Environmental Services have been commissioned to prepare an Ecological Assessment
Report for Lot 7 on RP216403, Lot 394 on M371117, and Lot 650 on M37380 located at 48-59 Kabi
Road, Cootharaba QLD (herein referred to as ‘the site’). The report was requested to identify the
environmental values of the site and to determine the suitability of a Material Change of Use (youth
camp) development application to be submitted to Noosa Council. The scope of works addressed in
this report comprises:
      •    A desktop assessment of the potential ecological planning constraints acting on the site;
      •    A site inspection to ‘ground truth’ the results of the desktop findings;
      •    A flora and fauna habitat survey of the site;
      •    A discussion of the likely impacts of the proposed development on the ecological resources
           identified through the desktop and field investigations;
      •    Analysis of compliance with relevant government environmental assessment frameworks
           identified through the desktop assessment process; and
      •    Identification of suitable mitigation measures to minimise the environmental impacts of the
           proposed development and to assist in securing relevant development permits.
1.2       Development Proposal
It is understood the proponent seeks to develop the site for a youth camp inclusive of three separate
accommodation “villages” alongside a communal area, amenities kitchenette, permaculture fields, 9
hole golf course, and sports fields. The Plan of Development has been provided as Appendix 1.
It is noted that the location of the proposed development is only within the central extent of Lot 394
on M371117 about the existing golf course area. This report will focus on this area.
1.3       Site Description
The site covers approximately 130 ha and is located in the rural area of Cootharaba. The site
currently supports Kabi Farm Golf hosting an 18 hole golf course, restaurant, orchard, pasture, dams,
staff accommodation and various sheds.
In general, the northern portion of the site is host to grazing land, the central extent is host to the golf
course and associated activities, whilst the southern and eastern site extents are host to bushland.
The site is generally bordered by rural allotments hosting large areas of bushland and cleared areas
about existing infrastructure. Notably, a large slash pine plantation is present to the north to
northwest of the site in the neighbouring allotment.
Plate 1 depicts site conditions.




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