Ecology Response Letter

Items 18 and 19
Issue
Condition 12 of the higher order approval 152006.862.02 details that an environmental
covenant within 50 metres of the north-eastern property boundary to the Noosa River is
required for protection of the Coastal Management District. Aerial mapping indicates there is
an access track around the dam and towards the northern corner of the lot to the water’s edge
of the Noosa River and vegetation is scarce in the riparian buffer area. In addition, it appears
that the area within the Riparian Buffer is slashed. Rehabilitation of this access track and the
riparian buffer area is expected to minimise the potential for sediment entering the Noosa River
and eliminating access and impacts to the natural vegetation will assist in regenerating the
riparian buffer area. Refer to Acceptable outcome AO6.2 of the Biodiversity Waterways and
Wetlands Code.

Information Required

Amend the Ecological Assessment Report to include the riparian buffer area (including access
track to the Noosa River) within the proposed rehabilitation areas. Specifically address
Performance outcome PO6 (c), (e) and (f) of the Biodiversity Waterways and Wetlands Code.

Eliminate access and impacts i.e. slashing to the riparian buffer area and identify the riparian
buffer area as an additional rehabilitation area with at a minimum, assisted natural
regeneration techniques.



Response:

The riparian buffer area was specifically excluded from the rehabilitation plan due to difficulties that can
be encountered when rehabilitating tidal areas. In addition, rehabilitation of this area is not considered
to be necessary for a dwelling house application that is not located within this area and will not impact
upon this area.

The owner has agreed to avoid any slashing in the riparian buffer area/tidal zone. Therefore, it is
expected that natural regeneration will now occur in this area over time. See the updated Ecological
Report for a response to PO6 of the Code.




Item 20
Issue
The proposed rehabilitation area 1 is located on the edge of tidal wetland. The species may
need to be reviewed to ensure they are able to endure the environmental conditions. Species
suggestions include Banksia robur, Melaleuca pachyphylla and other shrubs that may endure
those conditions.

Information Required
Review species selection to ensure the species are appropriate for the location, soil types and
environmental conditions i.e. tidal wetland within each of the rehabilitation areas.




                                                        PR22098_36 Riverpark Drive, Ringtail Creek        4